The world around you thread

**TheNewbie** · 03-26-2020, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by 98z28

We had a limited exposure. The two days we were out there were extremely foggy, so we couldn't see much. The parts that we could see were great, though. The trails are well maintained if you want to stay on them, and there are parts of the forest you can wander off in for "dispersed camping" if you're so inclined (throw up a tent or hammock wherever you want). It was extremely windy, which we learned is normal.

I was surprised by how busy it was. There were a ton of people out there. One of the rangers warned us that the dispersed camping area was "more of a tailgating situation" at the moment, so we chose to stay in the site with tent pads. Might as well have a bathroom nearby if we have to be near people anyway. We were there during spring break for much of the country, so I don't know if that's normal. The forest area where dispersed camping is allowed was quite large, so I'm pretty sure we could have found an area away from folks if we were motivated.

There are two area you can camp: Guadalupe National Park, and the adjacent National Forest. Guadalupe National Park allows tent camping only in designated sites. No hammocks are allowed, and no fires are allowed. This made sense once we saw how windy it was and how unsubstantial most of the trees were. The National Forest allows fires and hammocks. You’re bouncing back and forth between New Mexico and Texas, which can have implications for carry permits from different states.

We'll go back with the kids.

I love the park, and I’ve been out there a few times. The park staffs told me spring break was really busy.

I hiked the park twice in 2019. Around 20 hours of hiking I saw one other person, deer, an elk, birds and a mountain lion.

If you like a bit more seclusion, go during some of the off times.

Glad you want to go back.