Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Located near the New Mexico border in western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for the striking limestone cliffs of El Capitan, its 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak, and its desert and forest landscapes. The park’s mountains belong to the Capitan Reef, an ancient U-shaped fossil complex that extends through west Texas and southeastern New Mexico. This RV guide to Guadalupe Mountains National Park introduces you to must-see attractions in the park that include the Frijole Ranch, McKittrick Canyon, and the Salt Basin Dunes. Mild weather, good hiking conditions, and naturally beautiful surroundings make spring and fall the best times to visit. Summers are pleasant, but temperatures can spike to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter winds regularly gust over 50 mph. When RVing to Guadalupe Mountains National Park through western Texas, you can experience the changing views at your own pace and relax in perfect comfort. When looking for RV rentals near Guadalupe Mountains National Park for your trip, check nearby areas like El Paso, TX, and Carlsbad, NM. Once you arrive at the park, spur roads provide access to the Pine Springs Visitor Center and campground, McKittrick Canyon Contact Station, Frijole Ranch, and the Salt Basin Dunes area. It can be difficult to drive within the park, which is considered a wilderness area. RVers should also be sure to stock up on food and fill up with gas before they arrive; the nearest service station, Firebird Fuel, is 42 miles away in Dell City, TX, and the nearest full-service station is 60 miles south in Van Horn, TX. You can usually find RV parking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Park facilities have posted hours, and some locations are day-use only. You can access road closures and restrictions by calling the Pine Springs Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251. The center is open daily, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Closings and seasonal exceptions can be found at the National Park Service website. U.S. Highway 62/180 provides the primary access to the park, the Pine Springs Visitor Center, and Pine Springs Campground. Dog Canyon Campground is located on the remote north side of the park in a secluded, forested canyon that’s a two-hour drive from Pine Springs. Reservations are recommended for camping. Overnight backpackers will need wilderness use permits, and free permits are required to ride horses on the park trails.