Camping: Guadalupe Mountains

Pine Springs at Sunset

The Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is lovely at sunset (see photo about).  It also offers a great view of Hunter Peak and easy access to multiple hiking trails.  These are all good things.  However.... the wind is no joke (see video).  I strongly advise showing up with a tent which can handle wind (like my Nemo tent: strong poles and a low profile), plenty of stakes, and lines which can tie the tent to rocks.  I had considered taking a 35lb kettlebell out there (though after car consolidation for the road trip, it did not make the cut) and may do it next time (if nothing else, for peace of mind).  The last thing I want to deal with after a day of vigorous hiking is to retrieve my tent from a field of cactus and brush.  

Other notes from the campground: 

• The cell service seems better than it was in 2020.
• If you are wondering what the lights off the east are, the answer is oil wells.
• Remember there is nowhere to buy food for about 50 minutes in any direction, so pack accordingly.  There is potable water by the restroom, but that's a decent walk from the campsites so take water containers.  
• Keep your food secure.  Not only will the critters on the ground attempt to take your food, but the ravens will as well.
• Have a wind screen solution in mind for camp stoves.
• The limit is two tents per site.
• This year, all of our camp neighbors were quiet and polite.  Last year, I was treated to a pair of annoying yet hilarious camp neighbors who probably were stoned as they loudly pontificated about the virtues of a make-your-own-pizza restaurant one wanted to open (just like Kramer dreamed of in Seinfeld).  The quote of the night was "it's just sad how Americans are brainwashed to pick up the phone and order a pizza with whatever toppings they want whenever they want one." (Damn, when you say it that way it does sound like we live in a culinary wasteland.)  Sadly there was no such free entertainment on this last trip.  On the plus side though, most people I've met in this park are friendly and very enthusiastic about enjoying the hiking trails.  
• Seriously, tie that tent down.