Right at the park’s main entrance and visitor center, Pine Springs is the most accessible and popular of Guadalupe Mountains’ two campgrounds, putting you at the trailhead for the strenuous Guadalupe Peak hike without any drive at all. Sites are primitive — no hookups, no shade, and no showers — but flush toilets and potable water are available, a real upgrade over the park’s more remote option. Wind here can be intense, especially in spring, so a sturdy tent setup matters more than at most parks. Given its convenience and the popularity of the Guadalupe Peak trail, reservations are worth securing in advance, particularly during the fall foliage season in nearby McKittrick Canyon.