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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

A view of Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an RV traveler's dream whose most well-known attraction is its stunning natural cave system. It consists of 119 connected limestone caves, first discovered in 1898. The park also sits in the vast and diverse Chihuahuan Desert. There's an on-site bat flight amphitheater and ranger-guided tours. The park is open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The best times to visit the park are between April and May and September through October. The visitor's center at the park is open daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. RVing to Carlsbad Caverns National Park is also relatively easy due to its proximity to multiple major cities. You can find RV rentals near Carlsbad Caverns National Park in El Paso, TX, Lubbock, TX, or Albuquerque, NM. If you're looking for an RV rental for a longer trip, you can rent an RV in Tucson, AZ, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, or Fort Worth, TX.

There are no RV camping sites within the park. The only RV parking in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is at the visitor's center, with RV-specific parking at the back of its first lot. Access the one entrance to the park via the Carlsbad Caverns Highway. While you're planning your visit, you should check the park's alerts page to check for any current road closures in the area. You cannot stay in the park with your RV overnight, so you'll need to choose from one of a handful of nearby RV campgrounds. Fortunately, you'll find suggestions on where you can stay within this RV guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

You will need a park entry pass and a reservation to enter the caverns. You can make a reservation online or call (877) 444-6777. Cavern entrances begin each day at 8:30 am and end at 2:30 pm. The final cavern entrance ticket sale is at 2:15 pm, should you need to purchase one on-site.

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Weather
  • Spring 60-70 F
  • Summer 80-100 F
  • Fall 50-70 F
  • Winter 30-50 F
Location & Hours
  • Coming soon
Park Info
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park Entrance Pass: $15
  • Carlsbad Caverns Entry Reservation Fee: $1

RV Rentals Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Hiking Trails

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Hiking Trails

Although Carlsbad Caverns National Park isn't known for extensive hiking trails, more than a few are available within the park. Many offer some of the most beautiful views of the park's landscape, while others feature glimpses into the history of the park itself. Remember, however, that Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in a desert, so you will need to dress appropriately, wear sunblock, and bring an ample water supply.

Trails at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Things to do Outside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Things to do Outside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

When you've seen all there is to see inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you can move on to a variety of nearby attractions and activities, Like the Living Desert Zoo and Lake Carlsbad. There are a variety of restaurants, shopping areas, and other parks and forests nearby. Here are some of our recommendations you can use if you're planning a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Restaurants

Shopping

Sightseeing

RV Resorts & Campsites near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad National Park has no on-site RV parking facilities or RV campgrounds. There are, however, primitive backcountry campsites available via permit only. If you opt for one of those, however, you'll need to leave your RV behind and hike to your campground with all your equipment. Campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns National Park include Guadalupe Backcountry Byway or the Haystack Mountain OHV Area. Bureau of Land Management locations within easy reach in New Mexico and Northern Texas. Or, you can stay at one of the numerous private campgrounds nearby.

RV Resorts & Campsites near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Campgrounds Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

An unglamorous but necessary aspect of RVing? Dump stations. Knowing where the best dump stations are near you will allow for more ease and less stress in your travels. Dump stations are an easy and convenient way to clear waste from your RV. Use our guides to find dump stations on your route, so you can get back to the good stuff – exploring, relaxing, and making memories on the road.

Dumpstations Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

How to get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

How to get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

When driving to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, take U.S. Highway 62/180 to the Carlsbad Caverns Highway exit near Whites City. You can take this route directly from nearby cities like El Paso, TX in the south and Lubbock, TX in the north. If you're coming from Albuquerque, NM, you can take US Highway 285 south to reach U.S. Highway 62/180.

If you plan on flying in to reach Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the closest major airport is The Roswell International Air Center. It's located in Roswell, NM, approximately one and a half hours from the park. You can take US Highway 285 South to US Highway 285 South, leading you to U.S. Highway 62/180.

If you can't find a convenient connection there, you can also choose either El Paso International Airport or Lubbock Texas International Airport. Both are approximately two and a half to three and a half hours away from the park. Both offer convenient access to U.S. Highway 62/180, which leads directly to the Carlsbad Caverns Highway.

If you want to avoid crowds, January is the best month to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. However, you can also plan a weekday trip between Labor Day and Memorial Day. During those times, you should have the easiest time booking an RV site, and you'll have your pick of park entrance times.

FAQ Icon
Frequently Asked Questions
    How large is Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park is 73.07 square miles or 46,766 acres. Of that, more than 33,000 acres are designated wilderness. The park also encompasses more than 100 caves.

    Are there designated camping spots in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

    No, Carlsbad Caverns National Park does not have any campgrounds or overnight lodging. However,, there are a number of campgrounds outside the park that accommodate RVs and trailers.

    Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park accessible for disabled visitors?

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park has accessible parking, dining, picnicking, and an accessible visitor center. The park also has elevator service into and out of the cavern, and the Big Room Trail is a wheelchair-accessible trail in the cavern.

    What is the climate of Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park has mild winters and warm summers. Occasionally the park can get snow, but that's a rare occurrence. Inside the cavern, the temperature generally stays around 56ºF year-round.

    Are pets allowed at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

    Although pets are allowed in certain areas of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, it can be hard to properly explore the park with them. Pets are not allowed in the cavern, on unpaved trails on the surface, during the Bat Flight Program, or in the visitor center. There is a kennel at the park where you can leave your pet during the day. The kennel does not allow overnight stays.