About Dog Canyon Campground
Overview Dog Canyon is a 70-mile (113 km) drive from the nearest town of Carlsbad, New Mexico and is 110 miles (177 km) from the Pine Spring Visitor Center & Campground (a 2 hour drive time). Before booking a reservation: It is your responsibility to review all (Site Details, Allowable Equipment, Allowable Vehicle/Driveway and Need to Know) for the individual campsite. Failing to do so may result in being prohibited from occupying the site upon your arrival. Refunds are not provided by the park. Dog Canyon Campground lies in the secluded, forested canyon on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park at an elevation of 6,300 feet (1920 m). It is located at the end of NM Hwy. 137 (Queen Highway). This quiet location is great for relaxing, wildlife watching and hiking. The campground is open year-round and is busiest, March-May and September-November. Recreation Trails from Dog Canyon offer good access, with relatively easy grades, to the high country of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The hike to Lost Peak is 6.4 miles (10.3 km) round-trip, is considered strenuos and has 1500’ (457 m) elevation gain. The hike to Marcus Overlook is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round-trip, is considered moderate with an 800' (244 km) elevation gain. The Indian Meadow Nature Trail near the campground is 0.6 miles (1 km) and winds around a grassy area surrounded by a mix of broadleaved evergreens, deciduous trees and pines. Facilities The campground features 13 sites total with 9 tent, 4 RV sites and 1 group site available by reservation. Campsite occupancy is limited to 6 persons or 2 tents, per site. The group site allows 10 -20 persons. No open fires (this includes portable propane fire rings and charcoal) are permitted anywhere in the park. Only cooking stoves or lanterns using containerized fuel are permitted.Tent sites are hike-in only (61 to 178 feet/19 to 54 m from parking) and cannot accommodate RV parking. Each site offers a tent pad and picnic table. RV sites are gravel with
How to Get There
From Carlsbad NM to the Dog Canyon area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, take US Hwy 285 north to NM Hwy 137 and turn south. Travel (62 miles/100 km) to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dog Canyon entrance. From the Pine Springs Visitor Center to Dog Canyon, take US Hwy 62/180 east. Once you enter New Mexico, travel 25 miles (40 km) and turn left onto County Road 408 (Dark Canyon road). Travel approximately 23 miles (27 km) to the intersection with NM Hwy 137/Queen Hwy, turn left/south. Follow Queen Hwy 25 miles (40 km) to the Dog Canyon entrance. The drive time between Dog Canyon Campground and Pine Springs Campground is 2 hours. Use extreme caution! This is open rangeland, cattle are frequently on the roadway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Dog Canyon Campground
Heading to Dog Canyon Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Dog Canyon Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Dog Canyon Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258852) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Dog Canyon Campground?
From Carlsbad NM to the Dog Canyon area of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, take US Hwy 285 north to NM Hwy 137 and turn south. Travel (62 miles/100 km) to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dog Canyon entrance. From the Pine Springs Visitor Center to Dog Canyon, take US Hwy 62/180 east. Once you enter New Mexico, travel 25 miles (40 km) and turn left onto County Road 408 (Dark Canyon road). Tra…
How do I contact Dog Canyon Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat TX 79847 or email: GUMO_information@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources
