Self-guided cavern timed-entry reservationTimed release
Rolling release 30 days in advance; bookings close 7:00 AM MT on the day of the visit. Trip window: Year-round.
National Park Service · NM
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Timed Entry & Cave Tours
Self-guided Big Room and Natural Entrance timed-entry reservations plus ranger-guided cave tours (Lower Cave, King's Palace) booked on recreation.gov; reservations open 30 days ahead and are required to enter.
Permit requiredtimedEntryModerate1.25 mi
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
Ranger-guided cave tours (Lower Cave, King's Palace)Timed release
Confirm exact release timing and availability for each guided tour on recreation.gov. Trip window: Season varies.
Permit rules
QuotaAdvance reservations are mandatory for self-guided cavern entry; there are no walk-up tickets. America the Beautiful pass holders must still reserve a timed-entry ticket.
GroupEvery member of the group, including children, needs an individual reservation.
FeesSelf-guided timed entry reservation fee is $1.00 per person plus a separate park entrance fee ($15 per adult or America the Beautiful pass) paid at the visitor center. King's Palace ranger tour is $10 adult / $5 child and senior.
TransferReservations are non-refundable; cancellations incur a fee. Check official sources for transfer rules.
SafetyCave trails are steep and may be slick; the Natural Entrance route descends about 750 feet. Wear sturdy shoes and stay on paved trails.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Dog Canyon Campground
Reservable · Guadalupe Mountains National Park group campsite fees are $60.00 per night. Group site occupancy requires a minimum of 10 persons and is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per site. Groups larger than 20 persons are required to obtain a Special Use Permit 3 weeks prior to your visit. To begin the SUP process, click here
Aug 2511Aug 2613Aug 2713Aug 2813Aug 2913Aug 3014Aug 3114
Availability: Recreation.gov
Frijole Horse Corral Campground
Reservable · Guadalupe Mountains National Park group campsite fees are $20.00 per night. Frijole Horse Corral Campsite allows a minimum of 1 person and is limited to a maximum of 12 persons in the site. An additional fee of $15 per night is required to be paid if using the corrals.
Aug 251Aug 261Aug 271Aug 281Aug 291Aug 301Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov
Tejas Wilderness Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable
Tejas Wilderness Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable