Dog Canyon Campground

Very remote location but absolutely worth the drive! Beautiful scenery. Well kept campground. Clean and heated bathrooms — cleanest public restroom I’ve ever used. Super friendly and helpful rangers/volunteers. We will def be going back!

Dog Canyon is a beautiful location on the north side of GUMO (about 2-hr drive from Pine Springs). There are no gas stations or stores nearby, so make sure to bring everything you'll need for the trip (and a full tank of gas). Flush toilets and potable water are available on-site, but no showers. The campsites are pretty close to each other with very little privacy; best one is number 6.

Dog Canyon is a beautiful location on the north side of GUMO (about 2-hr drive from Pine Springs). There are no gas stations or stores nearby, so make sure to bring everything you'll need for the trip (and a full tank of gas). Flush toilets and potable water are available on-site, but no showers. The campsites are pretty close to each other with very little privacy; best one is number 6.

Camping at Dog Canyon campground was one of the most magical camping experiences I have ever had. First, it’s over an hour and a half drive from the nearest town (and gas station), so yes, it is remote, but that’s part of the adventure. You need to plan ahead, realizing that what you have along with you is it! The drive to the campground is gorgeous, with vast stretches of New Mexico desert stretching for miles in all directions. Once there, you’ll find the campground is kept very clean, offers stunning hiking trails, and even though it is so remote, has luxuries like heated bathrooms, running water, and Wi-Fi at the ranger’s home! Each morning we watched the sun rise over the towering canyon walls, hiked by day, and watched the moon rise and stars come out at night. A wonderful, rejuvenating week!

Camping at Dog Canyon campground was one of the most magical camping experiences I have ever had. First, it’s over an hour and a half drive from the nearest town (and gas station), so yes, it is remote, but that’s part of the adventure. You need to plan ahead, realizing that what you have along with you is it! The drive to the campground is gorgeous, with vast stretches of New Mexico desert stretching for miles in all directions. Once there, you’ll find the campground is kept very clean, offers stunning hiking trails, and even though it is so remote, has luxuries like heated bathrooms, running water, and Wi-Fi at the ranger’s home! Each morning we watched the sun rise over the towering canyon walls, hiked by day, and watched the moon rise and stars come out at night. A wonderful, rejuvenating week!

I enjoyed my two day stay at Dog Canyon, but would state it is not for everyone. If your main intention is to hike in Guadalupe Mountain National Park then I recommend it. If your main reason to stay in the park is its proximity to Carlsbad Caverns then you are better off at the Pine Springs campground than Dog Canyon, distance-wise. Dog Canyon is remote, and the roads to get there are filled with cattle grates and are a bit rugged. I stayed in a pop-up trailer in one of the four RV spots, which are situated very close together in a parking lot. It is a bit of a hike to the bathroom, which was clean with flush toilets (no showers). The sites were level, and face a very beautiful view of the canyon walls. The tent area is very nice, with well appointed pads, but be prepared to haul your stuff from the parking lot. There is no option for fires or charcoal grills - propane stoves only. The park ranger was super friendly and took pride in the campground. WiFi service is available at the ranger station, and if you log in there you can sometimes maintain service at your site. Horse corals are available. Stay there on a clear night; the stars put on a beautiful show.

I enjoyed my two day stay at Dog Canyon, but would state it is not for everyone. If your main intention is to hike in Guadalupe Mountain National Park then I recommend it. If your main reason to stay in the park is its proximity to Carlsbad Caverns then you are better off at the Pine Springs campground than Dog Canyon, distance-wise. Dog Canyon is remote, and the roads to get there are filled with cattle grates and are a bit rugged. I stayed in a pop-up trailer in one of the four RV spots, which are situated very close together in a parking lot. It is a bit of a hike to the bathroom, which was clean with flush toilets (no showers). The sites were level, and face a very beautiful view of the canyon walls. The tent area is very nice, with well appointed pads, but be prepared to haul your stuff from the parking lot. There is no option for fires or charcoal grills - propane stoves only. The park ranger was super friendly and took pride in the campground. WiFi service is available at the ranger station, and if you log in there you can sometimes maintain service at your site. Horse corals are available. Stay there on a clear night; the stars put on a beautiful show.

Dog canyon campground gives you the real remote backcountry camping experience. Amazingly beautiful setting, flush toilets and water. Hiking options are for all levels and the 13 mile hike we went on was just stunning. It’s super quiet at night with a secure feeling. The ranger and host were both out of their way helpful and knowledgeable. One of the best campsite experiences we’ve had in 10 months of travelling.

Dog canyon campground gives you the real remote backcountry camping experience. Amazingly beautiful setting, flush toilets and water. Hiking options are for all levels and the 13 mile hike we went on was just stunning. It’s super quiet at night with a secure feeling. The ranger and host were both out of their way helpful and knowledgeable. One of the best campsite experiences we’ve had in 10 months of travelling.

RV camping limited to 4 places in a gravel car park also used by hikers. We had to use all our leveling blocks to get our class B level.
The park this side is much quieter and the hiking is good.... needs a decent loop trail though.