Details
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 19, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all use of these campsites. Pine Top is the backcountry campground in closest proximity to the Bowl and offers excellent views of the park's highest peaks. Pine Top is an excellent choice for a single night backpack trip. It is 3.9 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. Elevation gain is 2,300 feet. Though secluded in trees, Pine Top is susceptible to high winds & lightning. Eight designated campsites are defined by tent pads.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
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.
Rates & Fees
Permit Reservation Fee
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.
Permit Per-Person-Per-Night Recreation Fee
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.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires, including charcoal fires, are not permitted anywhere in the park. Bring a backpacking stove if you plan to cook.Regulations Overview
• 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.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
The Pine Top Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
RV Allowed
No
RV Information
The Pine Top Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
The Pine Top Campground is a primitive camping area accessible only by foot trail.
Trailer Allowed
No
Access Roads
No Roads
Classifications
Designated Primitive Campsites
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