The Details
An underground world of massive chambers and millions of bats beneath the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico.
When To Visit
Best Time To Visit
MONTH BY MONTHThe cave stays about 56°F year-round, so any season works. Spring and fall are most comfortable above ground; summer evenings bring the bat flights.
Summer weekends and holidays are busiest, and cave tours can sell out — reserve ahead.
Summer surface temperatures reach the 90s–100s°F with July–September thunderstorms. The bat flight program ends in the fall.
General patterns — conditions vary by year. Check current NPS alerts and road status before you go.
How Far
Park Entrances
SET YOUR LOCATIONNearest Airports
ESTIMATED DRIVE TO THE PARKDistances are rough estimates to the closest entrance. Check road and ferry conditions before you go.
What To Do
Top Things To Do
Where To Stay
Camping
Campgrounds inside the park are booked through Recreation.gov, and many fill months ahead.
FIND CAMPSITES ON RECREATION.GOV ↗Lodging & Nearby Towns
There’s no lodging inside this park, so most visitors stay in the nearby towns above.
Cool Facts & Figures
By The Numbers
Links
Plan Your Visit
OFFICIAL & TRUSTED SITESCarlsbad Caverns