Camping at Carlsbad Caverns: Where to Stay, Reservations, and Rates

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns surprises you right away: the park has no developed campground within its boundaries. There are no restrooms or sites with electrical hookups. What it does offer is permitted backcountry camping at no charge, along with a network of reliable private campgrounds within 22 miles. The right choice depends on your travel style and gear.

The short answer. There is no frontcountry campground in the park. Backcountry camping is allowed with a free permit from the Visitor Center. Most visitors camp in White's City or Carlsbad, about 12 miles from the entrance.

Campgrounds in the park (0)

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp at Carlsbad Caverns?

Yes, but only in the backcountry. The national park has no developed campground open to visitors. Camping outside designated areas is prohibited. The park does allow backcountry camping in its desert areas, provided you obtain a permit from the Visitor Center at no charge. Without a backcountry permit, you'll need to sleep outside the park.

Campgrounds in the Park

Carlsbad Caverns has no official developed campground. That's a notable feature for a U.S. national park, and it's the key fact to keep in mind before planning your trip. The only option "inside the park" is backcountry camping.

Backcountry Camping: Sleeping in the Chihuahuan Desert

The backcountry camping permit is free. Pick it up at the Visitor Center either the day of your trip or in advance. Your campsite will be in the desert, with no water, shelter, or designated site markers. You'll choose your area on a map with a ranger, well away from major trails and sensitive sites such as bat colonies and archaeological remains. You have to carry everything you need: water, food, a freestanding tent, and a first-aid kit. Campfires are prohibited, but gas stoves are allowed.

The Carlsbad Caverns hikes cover the trails that provide access to the backcountry areas.

RV vs. Tent Camping: Which Site Should You Choose?

For tent campers drawn to the raw desert experience, backcountry camping is the most immersive option. If you'd rather have a more comfortable night after a day in the caves, nearby private campgrounds offer standard tent sites with restrooms.

For RVs, sites with water and electrical hookups are available only outside the park. The RV camping guide for Carlsbad Caverns covers the area's best RV parks, including accepted vehicle sizes and available services.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

White's City, at the park entrance on US Highway 62/180, offers sites just minutes from the entrance gate. It's convenient if you want to enter as soon as the Visitor Center opens or catch the bats' evening flight.

Carlsbad, about 19 miles away, offers more choices. Carlsbad KOA is a familiar option for both tent campers and RVers, with a pool and restrooms. Brantley Lake State Park, north of town, has the Limestone Campground along the lake. It's a little farther away, about 28 miles from the park, but nights beside a New Mexico lake have a character all their own.

For non-camping accommodations such as lodges, hotels, and motels, our guide to Carlsbad Caverns hotels and lodges lists options in and around the park.

Backcountry Camping and Wilderness Camping: How Does It Work?

The process is simple. Go to the Visitor Center and provide your planned itinerary, number of nights, and gear list. A ranger will approve your area and issue the permit. The rules are nonnegotiable. Carry all the water you'll need, with at least 4 liters per person per day in summer. Pack out every piece of trash under strict Leave No Trace principles. Bury human waste at least 200 feet from any campsite or water source.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite at Carlsbad Caverns

Because there is no NPS campground, you also can't reserve a site inside the park through Recreation.gov. Book directly through the private campground websites instead: koa.com for the Carlsbad KOA, and the New Mexico state park platform for Brantley Lake State Park.

Peak season runs from June through August, with the biggest crowds during American school vacations. Reserve several weeks ahead for White's City and Carlsbad. The guide to when to visit Carlsbad Caverns breaks down the seasons and busiest months.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Carlsbad Caverns?

Backcountry camping in the park is free, apart from the entrance fee of $15 per person. Private campgrounds vary by service. Expect to pay about $20 to $45 for a tent site, and more for an RV site with full hookups. For entrance fees and America the Beautiful passes, the National Park Fees and Passes page provides the basics.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

The Chihuahuan Desert has its own rules, and improvising can have serious consequences.

Heat. In summer, daytime temperatures climb to 90 to 100°F. Bring twice as much water as you think you'll need. Dehydration sets in quickly and subtly beneath these almost always clear skies, with 278 sunny days a year.

Wildlife. The park is home to rattlesnakes and scorpions. Shake out your shoes every morning before putting them on. Never turn over rocks with your bare hands. Don't leave food exposed overnight. Even an empty wrapper can attract unwanted visitors.

Fires. They're prohibited in the backcountry. At private campgrounds, follow fire danger alerts, which are especially serious in late summer.

Flash floods. Rainstorms during the monsoon season, from August through September, can trigger flash floods in the canyons within minutes. Avoid camping in low-lying areas or dry riverbeds, even when the sky above you looks clear.

Which Camping Option Fits Your Travel Style?

You're comfortable in the desert and want an immersive experience. Choose the park's backcountry. You'll get silence, exceptional stargazing, and almost no light pollution. Take your water supply seriously. The rest is pure enjoyment.

You're traveling with family or an RV. Choose a private campground near White's City to minimize the morning drive, or Carlsbad KOA for more amenities.

You want to make the most of your trip from start to finish. Our complete Carlsbad Caverns guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive, from your first day to your final cave.

Frequently Asked Questions