Mescalero Wilderness Campground
31.9527, -104.8480 · Park boundary: National Park Service
A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. This campground is near several trails leading in different directions, making it an excellent choice for a "base camp" while exploring the high country. (Listen for wild turkeys off in the distance.) Mescalero is situated in ponderosa pine and brush, and is on a slope overlooking a small drainage. Located on the Tejas Trail, Mescalero is 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 4.7 miles from Dog Canyon.
- Every day
- All Day
Wilderness Campgrounds may close due to emergency, maintenance work, or resource protection concerns. All wilderness campgrounds require a Wilderness Use Permit to stay overnight, and all campers must use the tent pads.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
All Wilderness Use Permits for overnight camping will require a $6 reservation fee (one per permit) plus a scalable $6 per-person-per-night recreation fee for each individual listed on the permit.
In addition to the $6 Reservation Fee, all Wilderness Use Permits for overnight camping will require a scalable $6 per-person-per-night recreation fee for each individual listed on the permit. For example, one person camping one night would pay $6; while three people camping one night would pay $18; one person camping two nights would pay $12; while three people camping two nights would pay $36.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
A Wilderness Use Permit is required for use of any wilderness camping and can be obtained up to one day in advance of your trip. Advanced reservations for Wilderness Use Permits are available through the recreation.gov service.
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Drinking water
- No water
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- Toilets
- No Toilets
- Trash & recycling
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Designated Primitive Campsites
The Mescalero Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
The Mescalero Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
Fires are not permitted anywhere in the park. Bring a backpacking stove if you plan to cook.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
• A wilderness use permit is required before you occupy any wilderness campsite in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. • Use or discharge of firearms is prohibited. All wildlife is protected by federal law. Possession of other weapons, traps, or explosives is prohibited. • Camp fires are prohibited in the Guadalupe Mountains. Use containerized fuel stoves only. • Contain your trash and pack it out. • No pets on trails or in the backcountry. • To protect the landscape and prevent erosion, do not take shortcuts on trails. • Collecting or disturbing any natural or historical feature or object is prohibited. • Camp within designated sites. • The use of hammocks, slacklines, tarps or similar devices tied to natural and/or manmade features is prohibited. • The use of a landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system is required for all overnight wilderness permit holders. A minimum of one bag per person per night is required and proof of possession must be shown when permit is issued. • Do not feed wildlife.
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- Frijole Horse Corral Campground1 sites
- Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground5 sites
- Marcus Wilderness Campground5 sites
- McKittrick Ridge Wilderness Campground8 sites
- Pine Springs Campground35 sites
- Pine Top Wilderness Campground8 sites
- Shumard Canyon Wilderness Campground5 sites
- Tejas Wilderness Campground5 sites
- Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground5 sites
Drive to Mescalero Wilderness Campground
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