Carlsbad Caverns National Park Camping: Underground Getaway

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, from exploring underground wonders to camping under the beautiful desert skies of New Mexico. While the park doesn’t have official campgrounds, primitive backcountry dispersed camping is available, and free BLM sites or paid RV campgrounds with all the modern amenities are just outside the park.

No matter your camping style, this guide has you covered. Learn about the best camping spots, essential gear, and tips to make your visit unforgettable. Get ready to explore one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders, above and below ground.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

No, but there is primitive dispersed camping in designated areas in the backcountry with a free permit. There are also paid and free campgrounds nearby.

Which Campground Is Best in Carlsbad Caverns?

Which campground is best depends on how you like to camp. Fortunately, we have everything from primitive backcountry to RV sites with all the amenities.

Primitive Backcountry Camping

The only camping allowed within the park boundaries is free primitive tent-only dispersed camping in the backcountry west of Rattlesnake Canyon trailhead off the Desert Scenic Loop Road and south of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail. In the morning, enjoy hiking the trails, head to the caverns to avoid the afternoon heat, return to camp for dinner, and then head back to the cavern at dusk to watch the bats leave from mid-April to October.

Spring or fall are the best times to camp since summer temperatures can exceed 100F. If you go during the summer monsoon, plan for rain, and bring a tent with a good rain fly. However, no water is available most of the year, so pack lots. Also, bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series. These small solar generators are perfect for primitive sites to recharge devices and run lights since they are compact and easy to pack in and out.

Campsites must be located 100 feet from established trails, 300 feet from water or cave entrances, and a half mile from roads or parking lots.
While sites are free, you must obtain a permit from the park office upon arrival.
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
Pets are not permitted hiking or camping in the backcountry.
No open fires are allowed.

Sunset Reef Campground

Sunset Reef Campground is a free site managed by the Bureau of Land Management just 10 minutes from the caverns, a short drive down a dirt road accessible by RVs. It offers 11 well-developed sites for RVs and tents with a grill and a covered picnic table. A clean vault toilet is available, but no water or power.

A portable solar generator is recommended. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W) will recharge your electronic devices and run camping lights but operates with little sound so that it won’t disturb your neighbors, and recharging it with the 45W solar panel is a breeze with the abundant desert sunshine.

Summers get very hot, so bringing the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner is strongly recommended. It lasts wirelessly for up to 8 hours and can be recharged using solar panels, AC, DC, or a portable power station. For those who ar e winter camping, it also doubles as a heater for staying warm on chilly nights in the Chihuahua Desert.

This popular site can fill up fast.
Visitors are allowed to dry camp for 5 nights for free.
The winds can pick up during the day, so ensure your tent is well-staked.
There is no water, so pack your own.

Chosa Campground

If you are looking for a free site and the Sunset Reef is full, Chosa Campground is just a few minutes south on Dillahunty Road. The entire area is a large, square, level gravel parking lot with fences and a cattle guard. The BLM maintains it, but there are no toilets, electricity, water, or other hookups, so you must be self-sufficient and bring the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus. With 600W, you can recharge your devices, run lights, and even power small appliances.

Camping is free for 14 days.
There are no amenities on site.
The town of Carlsbad is about 30 minutes north.

Whites City RV Park and Campground

White’s City RV Park and Campground is the closest campground to the park, just outside the entrance. Whether camping with your family or going solo, you will enjoy the on-site amenities. RV sites offer water, sewer, and electrical hookups with pull-thru and back-in sites that accommodate most sizes. Tent campers will have soft, grassy places for pitching tents with beautiful pine trees, covered picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings. There are also flush toilets, hot showers, laundry, vending machines, and a playground for the kids. It’s also within walking distance of the Cactus Cafe, White’s City Grocery, and the Gift Shop.

Calling ahead to make a reservation is strongly recommended.
Weekly and monthly rates are also available.
Cell reception works, and free Wi-Fi is available.

Pine Spring Campground

If you want to hit two incredible destinations in one trip, you can stay just 33 minutes south of the park across the border into Texas at the Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe National Park. It has a paved parking area for RVS and trailers up to 55 feet without hookups.

The tent-only sites are a short walk-in from the parking area and offer picnic tables, partial shade from junipers and oaks, potable water, accessible flush toilets, and a utility sink. Visit the caverns one day and spend another hiking the trails in the gorgeous Guadalupe Mountains.

Reservations are required through recreation.gov for $20 per night.
There is no cell reception.
Charcoal, wood fires, and propane firepits are prohibited, but cooking stoves are allowed.

What Should I Pack for a Carlsbad Caverns National Park Camping Trip?

EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank for your cavern hike to recharge your phone when you drain your battery from taking photos.
Cool, loose-fitting clothing for outdoors, but bring a sweatshirt into the caverns and for cold desert nights.
Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
There is no water; pack at least 1 gallon per person daily.
Cards or cash for the caverns.
Warm sleeping bags for spring, fall, or winter or a sheet for summer camping.
A good quality tent with a nice rain fly to protect against rain, sun, and wind.
A canopy for shade from the desert sun.
Cooking utensils, including gas stoves. Many sites do not allow fires.

5 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Camping Tips

There are no official campgrounds within the park; sites are hike-in primitive dispersed camping with a free permit from the park office.
There is no water in the desert, so pack plenty, especially when hiking.
There is little or no shade, so bring sun protection and be prepared for the heat.
During summer monsoons, use caution when hiking or camping, avoiding all dry washes that can fill rapidly during flash floods.
Spend a few days in the area doing the public cavern hike, a guided cavern tour, backcountry hiking, and enjoying the bat show.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Do You Need To See Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

To see everything, plan 2-3 days. One day is perfect for visiting the main caverns, but you can book cave tours to see other areas not open to the public, and there are hiking opportunities in the backcountry.

Do I Need a Reservation To Get Into Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes, you need a timed entry reservation to get into the caverns. Purchase it online or by phone before you arrive at the caverns.

Final Thoughts

Carlsbad Caverns offers an unforgettable underground adventure, with nearby camping options for primitive enthusiasts and those seeking more modern amenities. Whether you choose backcountry camping, free BLM sites, or a convenient RV park, the beauty of the Chihuahua Desert and the wonder of the caverns will leave a lasting impression.

Pack sun protection and a sweatshirt, bring lots of water, and gear up with the EcoFlow River 3 Series portable power stations. Now, get packing; your desert and cavern adventure awaits.