Guadalupe Peak
4.4831 reviewsnull
Guadalupe Peak
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fee is $8 per night. A backcountry permit is required to camp at this location.
About this campground
Perched dramatically on a windswept knoll 3.1 miles into the wilderness from Pine Springs trailhead, Guadalupe Peak Campground offers adventurous souls a true backcountry experience just one mile shy of Texas's highest summit. This primitive sanctuary challenges visitors with its exposed position and spartan amenities—previous campers have crafted ingenious windbreaks from scattered rocks, creating a patchwork of shelters that tell stories of determination against the elements. With no water source available, every drop must be carried on your back, making this a destination for self-sufficient explorers who earn their spectacular views through preparation and perseverance. A backcountry permit unlocks access to this remote outpost where the rewards match the effort required to reach it.
The Guadalupe Peak campground is a backcountry camping site with limited facilities, catering to hikers willing to make the strenuous ascent. Primitive camping is the main offering, and no glamping or RV accommodations are available.
Historical SignificanceThis windswept campground serves as a gateway to understanding the greater story of Guadalupe Mountains National Park—a living museum of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem that has captivated geologists, naturalists, and indigenous peoples for millennia. The surrounding peaks and valleys preserve layers of Earth's history written in stone, while the harsh beauty of the desert has shaped both the landscape and the cultures that have called this region home. Camping here connects modern adventurers to a lineage of desert dwellers who have found sustenance, shelter, and spiritual significance in these seemingly inhospitable mountains.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules this high-altitude realm with an iron fist, sending relentless winds that intensify with every foot of elevation gained. Summer transforms the landscape into a natural furnace, with mercury regularly soaring past 100°F, turning afternoon hikes into tests of endurance. As autumn arrives, the extreme heat gives way to more moderate conditions, while winter brings a dramatic personality shift—crisp air and cooler temperatures that can catch unprepared visitors off guard. Year-round, the wind remains a constant companion, sculpting both the landscape and the experience of those brave enough to spend a night exposed on this rocky perch.
ElevationAt approximately 8,000 feet above sea level, the campground exists in a realm where the desert meets the sky. This lofty perch brings both rewards and challenges—the thin air makes every step feel earned, while temperatures drop noticeably from the desert floor below. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where afternoon thunderstorms can materialize from clear skies, and where sunrise views stretch endlessly across the Chihuahuan Desert. Here, visitors experience the peculiar sensation of being simultaneously in the desert and above it, breathing rarified air that carries the scent of sun-baked limestone and hardy mountain vegetation.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom this eagle's nest of a campground, the rugged beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains unfolds in every direction like a geological masterpiece painted in shades of ochre, rust, and limestone white. Ancient reef formations thrust skyward, their weathered faces telling stories of prehistoric seas, while hardy desert plants cling to rocky crevices in defiance of the harsh conditions. Dawn and dusk transform the landscape into a photographer's dream, as golden light illuminates the textured terrain and casts dramatic shadows across the valleys below. The panoramic views stretch beyond comprehension, encompassing wave after wave of mountain ridges that fade into the hazy distance of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Geological RegionThe Guadalupe Mountains stand as monuments to deep time, their limestone cliffs and peaks representing one of the world's best-preserved fossil reefs from the Permian period. This campground sits within a geological wonderland where ancient sea floors have been thrust thousands of feet into the sky, creating a vertical desert ecosystem unlike anywhere else on Earth. The Chihuahuan Desert's influence permeates every aspect of the landscape—from the tenacious vegetation that dots the rocky slopes to the distinctive limestone formations sculpted by millennia of wind and weather. Steep inclines challenge hikers while revealing layer upon layer of Earth's history, making every arduous step a journey through 250 million years of planetary transformation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided, but the campground's rugged nature and its 3.1-mile hike from the nearest trailhead suggest it may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
Sites SizeThe size of the campsites is not explicitly described, but the campground as a whole is small with only five sites.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy is not explicitly detailed, but reviews suggest limited camping space, which may reduce privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should arrive early as the campground has only five sites. Bring sufficient water—1 gallon per person is recommended due to the dry conditions.
Best CampsitesSite-specific recommendations are not provided, but the campground's proximity to the summit offers excellent views and stargazing.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
- Stay limits are not explicitly mentioned
- verify with the park directly.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Five campsites available, exact guest limit not specified.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five primitive campsites on a small knoll. Layout details are not specified.
Open and Closed SeasonThe park is open year-round, but visitors should be aware of extreme seasonal weather variations, including hot summers and high winds.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground. Permits can be obtained on-site or through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservable sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted as all sites are first-come, first-served. A $10 cancellation fee is typical for canceled backcountry permits.
Amenities available
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Guadalupe Peak campground offers incredible hiking opportunities, with the main attraction being the strenuous climb to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top. Wildlife viewing and star gazing are other highlights, given the remote and scenic location. However, activities like swimming, biking, or boating are not mentioned.
Hiking
Hiking is the primary activity, with the Guadalupe Peak trail being the main attraction. The trail climbs over 3,000 feet in elevation and covers 8.8 miles round-trip. Reviews emphasize its difficulty, with one user noting, 'This hike is well worth the 4-6 hours to complete round-trip from the trailhead. Beautiful views but a very tough and rocky hike.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted by one user who mentioned the possibility of spotting local fauna: 'If you’re lucky, see the animals silvestres de la zona.'Winter Activities
Winter hiking is possible, as a few reviews mention visiting during winter months. However, there is no specific mention of snow-related activities like skiing.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports, like kayaking or paddleboarding, are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited due to the dry and windy conditions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is known for high winds, steep and rocky trails, and exposure to the sun. Some reviews warn about 'certain death' spots without fencing, so caution is advised. Wildlife such as rattlesnakes is common.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are most likely in Van Horn, TX, approximately 35 miles away. Medical facilities in El Paso, TX are approximately 110 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak hiking and camping seasons are typically fall and spring due to moderate weather.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources. Campers should be prepared to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNo water is available at the campground. Visitors must bring their own supply.
Common complaintsSome visitors mention the steep, strenuous hike and high winds as challenges. Lack of water sources and limited facilities are also noted.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsMore information is available at http://www.nps.gov/gumo/
The campground is located 3.1 miles from the Pine Springs trailhead, and 1 mile below Guadalupe Peak on the Guadalupe Peak trail. It is accessible by foot through a steep hike with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. High winds and rocky terrain make the hike challenging.Nearby places
Van Horn, TX (approximately 35 miles away), El Paso, TX (approximately 110 miles away)
Nearby supplies
There are no nearby stores within the park
campers must bring all supplies. The nearest town with supplies is Van Horn, TX, approximately 35 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
31 reviews
Guadalupe Peak is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Guadalupe Peak campground highlight its challenging yet rewarding nature. Many reviewers comment on the strenuous hike to the summit and the beautiful views, both from the trail and at the peak. The campground's remote and primitive conditions are frequently mentioned, and its susceptibility to high winds is a recurring theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the stunning views, especially from the summit, with one remarking: 'The view from the top is phenomenal.' Another stated, 'Amazing views and star gazing from camp.' The...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the high winds, lack of water sources, and the campground's primitive nature. One user remarked, 'The campground conditions were difficult. Not a lot of places to camp and...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend preparing for high winds and bringing sufficient water (one gallon per person suggested). Early starts are advised to beat the heat and avoid hiking in the dark. Hiking boots and...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Many users suggest visiting during cooler months, such as fall or early spring, to avoid the extreme heat of summer. Winter visits are also mentioned, but hikers should prepare for colder...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This is a very difficult trail for a number of reasons, the wind, the dry hot/cold air, and of course the 3000 ft gain.' - Charles Compton
2. 'We got parked at 6am and the rangers were checking...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted that the campground is 'about a mile below the summit.' Another mentioned, 'Stayed overnight at campground about a mile below summit. Highly recommend. Drop your heavy pack at camp on...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features, though the physically demanding nature of the hike suggests it may not be suitable for everyone.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025