Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Your Guide To A Great RV Trip
If you love to go RVing, one of the places you must visit is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This beautiful park is home to some of the most stunning caves in the world, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves to go on a road trip and cruise America. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, from where to stay and what to do, to what RV rental parks are close by.
Read on for all the information you need for a road trip and go RVing to this amazing park!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Probably The Most Popular Destination In The US
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the United States’ most unique and famous national parks and a common road trip destination. Located in southeastern New Mexico, the park is home to over 119 caves, including the iconic Carlsbad Cavern. Here are some more facts:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a United States National Park in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The primary feature of the park is the show cave, Carlsbad Caverns.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, the caves themselves are only available during daylight hours.
- A permit is required to enter the caves and can be obtained at the visitor center or online.
- The temperature inside the caves is a constant 56 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius), regardless of the outside temperature.
- The caves are home to 17 different bat species, including the endangered Mexican free-tailed bat.
- The caves are also home to animals, including cave crickets, spiders, and rats.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as a national park on May 14, 1930. It was initially designated as a national monument on October 25, 1923.
- The park covers an area of 46,766 acres (188 square kilometers).
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park receives an average of 420,000 visitors per year.
Get Your Outdoor Gear Ready For Adventure
The caverns are the biggest draw for road trips to the park with their vast size and unique features when you go RVing. However, there are many other things to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park besides exploring the caves. Here are some ideas:
- Take a ranger-led tour: Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a variety of ranger-led tours that are perfect for road trip visitors of all ages and abilities. There’s a tour for everyone, from easy, one-hour walks to more strenuous, multi-hour hikes.
- Hike one of the trails: In addition to the ranger-led tours, there are also several trails that you can explore on your own. The Cave Loop Trail is a popular option and takes you past some of the park’s most iconic features, including the Natural Entrance and the Big Room.
- Go spelunking: For those who want a more adventurous experience, spelunking (or caving) is a great option. Carlsbad Caverns National Park has several caves open to the public for exploration, including Lechuguilla Cave.
- Take a scenic drive: If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, take a drive through the park. The Guadalupe Mountains Scenic Drive winds its way through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Visitors Center: The Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your visit. Here, you can learn more about the park’s history, geology, and ecology and pick up maps and other information about things to do in the park.
We Found 4 Great Spots to Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park have a range of choices regarding where to stay overnight when you pause your road trip. There are four developed campgrounds in the park and several backcountry camping options.
Chosa Campground
Chosa Campground is the largest and most popular campground in the park. It has 55 sites for RV rentals or tents and is open year-round. The campground is located near the entrance to the caverns. This location is a convenient option for those who want to explore the caves.
Pine Springs Campground
Pine Springs Campground is another option for RV rental or tent camping. It has 30 sites and is open from mid-April through October. This campground is located near the Pine Springs Visitor Center, making it a good option for hiking the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.
Camp Washington Ranch
Camp Washington Ranch is a group camping site that can accommodate up to 75 people. It is open from mid-April through October and is located near the visitor center and ranger station. This campground is a good option for those who want to be close to amenities.
White’s City RV Park
White’s City RV Rental Park is located just outside the park boundary. It has 60 sites for RV rentals or tents and is open year-round. This campground is a convenient option for those who want to explore the nearby town of White’s City and the caverns.
When choosing where to stay while visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park while you cruise America, it is crucial to consider your budget and what type of accommodations you are looking for. There are many different lodging options available in the area, so be sure to do some research before making your final decision, and be safe!
Follow These Tips for Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park
There are many things to see and do when planning to go RVing to Carlsbad Caverns National Park while you cruise America. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Plan Your Visit in Advance
If possible, plan your visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This will allow you to make the most of your time at the park and avoid crowds. Try to arrive early in the day or during the week.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure to dress appropriately for your visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The temperature inside the caverns is always around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so bring a jacket or sweater. Comfortable shoes are also a must, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Purchase a Park Pass
If you plan on visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park more than once, or if you want to explore other areas of the park, consider purchasing a park pass. This pass will give you unlimited access to the park for one year.
Take a Guided Tour
There are several different guided tours available at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These tours range in length from 45 minutes to 2 hours and allow you to see some of the park’s most popular areas.
Explore on Your Own
In addition to taking a guided tour, you can also explore the caverns on your own. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to pick up a map and get oriented before heading out.
Pack a Picnic Lunch
There are several picnic areas located throughout Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These are perfect spots to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
endangered animal species, and virgin forests that are still relatively untouched.
Originally occupied by indigenous peoples, it’s an important area for archeological research and study with evidence of four pre-Columbian cultures: Archaic, Mississippian, paleo-Indian, and Woodland. With those early archeological sites, you’ll find one of the best collections of log buildings bearing evidence of trading, logging, farming, and mining in the 19th century. Congress finally authorized the park in 1926 to preserve the park for future generations, but you can still find rich remnants of the past in the apple house, barns, log farmhouse, and working blacksmith shop.
PS – Enjoy the Night Sky
One of the best times to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park is at night. This is when you can experience the park in a whole new way and see the stars shining bright overhead.
If you’re looking for a great RV rental-friendly scenic stop on your next road trip while you cruise America, check out Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This park offers plenty of tourist info and things to do, as well as camping tips and where to go RVing in the area; if you don’t own an RV but want to enjoy the convenience and comfort of one while exploring this beautiful park — no problem!
To do this, find an RV rental through RVnGO to start out on your cross-country adventure. Take a few minutes to find the perfect RV for your journey, and then plan your trip. There are lots of great ideas for what you can see and do along the way, with extraordinary and memorable destinations for you to spend your time.
A rental RV can take you nearly anywhere in the US to see and experience beautiful sunsets, immersive waterfalls, and the wonders of rare and amazing wildlife.
Be sure to read more about what to pack for any road trip in our packing checklist.
Check out other National Parks in: America’s Top 20 National Parks for Your Summer Vacation.
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