Tejas Wilderness Campground

Overview

If you want a true backcountry feel without perching on a windy ridge, Tejas Wilderness Campground is the sleeper pick. It’s a primitive, tent‑only spot tucked into a forested drainage that blocks the Guad’s infamous gusts. Expect quiet, deep shade, and colder nights than surrounding slopes.

• Five designated tent sites on hardened pads
• Primitive, hike‑in only; no RVs or car access
• No water, no toilets, no cell service

Getting There

Reach it from either direction on the Tejas Trail: about 5.5 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon. The south approach climbs steadily from desert into high-country forest; navigation is straightforward with some rocky tread and switchbacks. North of the Bowl/Bush Mountain junction the trail narrows and can be brushy with dry-wash crossings.

What It’s Like at Camp

The sites sit in dense trees with limited views but excellent shelter from wind and passing storms. Shade is generous in morning and late afternoon, and the valley setting runs colder after sunset—great in summer, bitey in shoulder seasons. You’ll see an old ranch-era water tank nearby (not a potable source).

Permits and Rules You Can’t Ignore

A Wilderness Use Permit is required and is issued in person at Pine Springs Visitor Center (arrive by mid‑afternoon). Fires are prohibited—use containerized fuel stoves only. Camp on the designated pads. No hammocks or slacklines. No pets on trails or in the backcountry. All overnight users must pack out human waste with approved toilet bags; rangers will check that you have them when permitting.

Water and Safety

There is no reliable water anywhere near camp—carry everything you need. A solid baseline is 3.5+ liters per person for the approach, camp, and cooking, plus electrolytes. This corridor can see high winds, summer heat, and occasional winter ice up high; bring layers. There’s no cell service, so pair a paper topo with a GPS app or communicator.

Wildlife Notes

Backcountry food storage matters here. Sign of black bear has been observed along the northern Tejas corridor—use proper storage and follow Leave No Trace.

When to Go

• Best: Late spring and fall for milder temps and long, comfy nights.
• Summer: Hot on the climb but this valley camp shines thanks to wind protection and shade.
• Winter/shoulder seasons: Expect colder overnights here than on exposed sites; pack extra insulation.

Start early from Pine Springs on busy weekends—parking there can fill quickly.

Trip Ideas

Tejas is a handy midpoint for north–south traverses or loops tying into the Bowl, Bush Mountain, Juniper, or McKittrick Ridge. If you want views, savor them on the approach; camp itself trades vistas for shelter.