7 Best Carlsbad Caverns Hotels For Travelers in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST CARLSBAD CAVERNS HOTELS?

We can help! We spent time visiting Carlsbad Caverns during our travels through New Mexico. We know that where you stay can make or break a trip. We’ve thoroughly researched these hotels and have also taken customer reviews into consideration when writing each hotel summary.

When it comes to where to stay near Carlsbad Caverns, there are a lot of choices. Hotels, inns, or even cabins, there’s a wide selection to choose from. We’ve counted down the best Carlsbad Caverns hotels, so take our lead and make finding the right spot for your vacation a cinch. 

Carlsbad Caverns Hotels 

1. White’s City Cavern Inn

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍Location: 17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 4 miles from Carlsbad Caverns 

White’s City Cavern Inn is one of the best places to stay near Carlsbad Caverns. The accommodations are comfortable but not super luxurious. We love this inn because it’s so close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Located just outside the park, this is the place to stay if you don’t want to drive 15-20 minutes into the city. The limited distance between the hotel and the park makes the whole experience so much more convenient. The low price is also a great plus to this property. 

The hotel room here is pretty basic, including king or queen-size beds, a microwave, a refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. Unfortunately, they do not offer rollaway beds, cribs, or toddler beds. 

On the plus side, they do serve a mean free hot breakfast and even have an on-site restaurant, Cactus Cafe. You won’t go hungry when staying at White’s City Cavern Inn. 

Very close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Beds were clean and comfy.

– Claire (Read More Reviews)

The real highlight of this property is the stellar outdoor pool and playground. There’s a regular outdoor swimming pool, but also a water play area complete with cascading waterfall mushrooms and a real-life pirate ship! 

The pool and water park are a huge hit with kids. Keep in mind that this feature is seasonal and may or may not be operating during your visit, depending on the time of year. Unfortunately it wasn’t open when we visited in late February but it looked like a lot of fun.

Overall, this is a really fun place to stay. And it’s definitely one of our favorite Carlsbad, NM hotels near the caverns. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at White’s City Cavern Inn 

2. Karbani Inn

⭐️ Rating 9/10 |📍Location: 5012 National Parks Hwy  in Carlsbad |🏩 View on Expedia

🚗 17 miles from Carlsbad Caverns 

Karabani Inn is one of a few cheap hotels near Carlsbad Caverns. It’s a clean place to stay, but the rooms are very limited. The amenities are basic, and the staying rooms are very small. 

Rooms are equipped with queen-sized beds, and aside from the restroom, that’s about it. Neither cribs nor rollaway beds are available. It may sound bleak, but what this place lacks luxury, they make up for in personal charm. 

Overall easy and fast stay. Reasonable pricing and decent size room. Would definitely stay again.

– Carlos (Read More Reviews)

This hotel is known for its customer service. They provide a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle from nearby Cavern City Air Terminal and are known to provide homemade breakfast burritos to guests as they check out and depart the hotel. 

This is not an ideal spot for families. This hotel would be a more comfortable option for a solo traveler or couple. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Karbani Inn 

3. Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area

⭐️ Rating 8.4/10 | 📍Location: 4200 National Parks Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 18 miles from Carlsbad Caverns

The rooms at Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area are some of the cleanest and most well-put-together of all the hotels near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. One of the more modern hotels in the area, this spot includes all the modern-day touches we’ve all come to know and love. 

Both standard rooms and suites are equipped with comfortable king or queen-size beds dressed in premium bedding, as well as a microwave and refrigerator. It’s really got all the makings of a home away from home. 

This hotel was amazing! Nice and clean, great breakfast friendly faces!! Will definitely come back!!

– Haleigh (Read More Reviews)

This property runs its front desk 24 hours a day and has convenient guest laundry facilities too!

Other bonuses to this place of lodging near Carlsbad Caverns, NM include free RV parking, complimentary buffet breakfast, and rollaway beds (for a surcharge). We also loved the well-equipped 24-hour fitness center and, of course, the pool!

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area 

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad

⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 |📍Location: 4020 National Parks Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 18 miles from Carlsbad Caverns

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad is one of the nicest hotels in the area. It’s super family-friendly, with a fun pool and snack bar that kids will be all too excited to explore. 

The rooms include a microwave and mini-fridge, which helps with meal planning throughout your stay. And they even have cribs available for those traveling with little ones. Crib use is complimentary, but they do charge a fee for rollaway beds. 

My go to place when I’m in the area.

– Justino (Read More Reviews)

There’s an amazing buffet breakfast available on weekdays. The business center is really nice, should any work matters arise. This is both a fun and convenient place to stay while exploring Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe National Park.

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad 

5. Hyatt House Carlsbad

⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 |📍Location: 4019 National Parks Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 18 miles from Carlsbad Caverns

Hyatt House Carlsbad is one of the most luxurious hotels near Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. It’s the closest thing we’ve been able to find to a Carlsbad Caverns Resort. 

The spacious rooms are so comfortable and fully stocked with a full kitchen. The atmosphere is very clean and modern, which is a turn from some of the more southwestern-designed hotels on this list. 

We were in Carlsbad to visit the Caverns and Guadalupe NP. The facility was perfect for our requirements.

– Michael (Read More Reviews)

The hotel features an amazing pool, perfect for unwinding after a long day at the park. Nothing motivates my kids more to get through a hike than a visit to the pool when we get back. There is also a beautiful patio area with umbrellaed tables and grills for guest use.

If you’d rather enjoy an amazing meal, be sure to visit the H Bar, the on-site restaurant and bar. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hyatt House Carlsbad  

6. Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 |📍Location: 3825 National Parks Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 18 miles from Carlsbad Caverns

Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area may not be one of the Hilton hotels near Carlsbad Caverns, but it’s still a great place to stay while visiting the area. There are so many complimentary features at this location, which makes it a thrifty choice as well! 

The clean and standard staying rooms include a microwave and refrigerator for guest convenience. And rollaway beds are available at no extra charge if you’re in need of more sleeping space. 

Wonderful staff. Pool was open for kids to enjoy. Good breakfast choices.

– Caren (Read More Reviews)

The property also features an indoor heated pool, so you can plan to swim no matter the time of year and a fitness center if you’re eager to get a workout during your vacation. 

Our kids go crazy for free buffet breakfast, and you’ll be able to enjoy that here as well as the hotel playground, each day! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area 

7. Candlewood Suites Carlsbad South

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 |📍Location: 3711 San Jose Boulevard in Carlsbad |🏩 View on Expedia 

🚗 18 miles from Carlsbad Caverns

Candlewood Suites Carlsbad South is one of the best hotels near Carlsbad Caverns if you’re traveling in an RV or large truck. This location offers free parking for recreational vehicles. 

We love the layout of the suites in this Candlewood Suites Carlsbad Caverns area hotel. The rooms are cozy and so comfortable. The convenience of the full kitchen makes all the difference in the stay as well.

You won’t want to stay anywhere else after experiencing all that Candlewood Suites has to offer. 

Everything was just great! The pool was a little too cold for the kids but great place to stay 🙂 def I will be coming back 🙂

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews)

This hotel has it all. You can swim, hit the gym, or even check out the library or watch a movie on their DVD players. And don’t forget the snacks from the convenience store or vending machines.

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Candlewood Suites Carlsbad South 

Cabins Near Carlsbad Caverns 

For a more rustic stay, visitors occasionally rent cabins near Carlsbad Cavern City. They are few and far to come by, most of them being more of a tiny house than a full-fledged cabin.

If you’re looking for a cabin experience, check out the area KOAs, as some of them have cabin accommodations (some even with private bathrooms!) as well. 

🐾 Pet-Friendly Hotels Near Carlsbad, Caverns NM 

We love to travel with our pet, so of course, our dog went with us on our trip to Carlsbad Caverns. Traveling with an animal can make finding a suitable hotel difficult. Avoid the hassle and take a look at our list of pet-friendly hotels and motels near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

• Motel 6 Carlsbad
• La Quinta by Wyndham Carlsbad
• Hampton Inn & Suites Carlsbad
• Candlewood Suites Carlsbad South
• Stevens Inn

Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns 

Boondocking

When it comes to Carlsbad Caverns National Park lodging, if you want to stay close, camping is your main option. If you’re looking to save money on accommodations, there are some free boondocking locations near the park. 

Carlsbad Caverns BLM Boondocking  (GPS: 32.040596, -104.457909) is open year-round, and permits stay up to 14 days. 

Chosa Campground BLM (GPS: 32.0885, -104.4321) is also open year-round and does not have a limit on RV length. This location also permits stays up to 14 days. 

Speaking of camping, if you’re always looking for places to go camping, we highly recommend checking out The Dyrt, the #1 camping app. The Dyrt Pro has amazing resources to make planning so easy:

• Take advantage of PRO Membership discounts to save up to 40% on campground costs
• Plan camping road trips with the Trip Planner
• Find free dispersed camping locations
• Use The Dyrt app anywhere with offline access

We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE 30-Day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally the trial is 7 days!

Carlsbad KOA Holiday 

Carlsbad KOA Holiday is a great place to camp in this area. The campground has a pool, snack bar and even offers bike rentals. It’s filled with family-friendly amenities. RV sites, tent sites, and even cabins are available for reservations. 

My kids love all of the fun activities available at the KOA resorts.

White’s City RV Park 

White’s City RV Park is another camping location close to Carlsbad Caverns. Water, sewer, and electric hookups are available, and each site can accommodate most RVs or trailers, regardless of size. The campground also has tent sites, along with picnic areas, grills, and fire rings.

The showers and bathrooms were recently remodeled and are a great amenity. 

Restaurants near Carlsbad Caverns 

Carlsbad Caverns Underground Lunch Room

Continue your underground adventure with lunch in the depths of the cavern! The food isn’t anything to write home about here. It serves mainly basic sandwiches. But the experience of sitting at a table in the dimly lit cave with rock walls surrounding you on all sides is something your entire family will remember for ages. 

The Trinity Hotel Restaurant

The Trinity Hotel Restaurant is an old bank building that has housed many different operations before most recently transforming into a hotel and tasty Italian American restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants for a classy dinner out in downtown Carlsbad.

If you wish to branch out from the Italian fare, check out the famed Green Chile Cheeseburger!  

Lucky Bull Grill

Lucky Bull Grill describes itself as an American-style bar with a New Mexico twist. They specialize in steaks, burgers, and Tex-Mex. They even have a taproom on the upper level.

The environment is comfortable yet upscale, set in another historical building, the town’s old City Hall. And most importantly of all, the food is stellar. 

FAQ: Carlsbad Caverns Hotels

Can You Stay Overnight in Carlsbad Caverns? 

Overnight stays are only permitted in the backcountry portions of Carlsbad Caverns. A permit must be obtained on the day that you intend to spend the night in the park. It cannot be requested ahead of time.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Carlsbad Caverns? 

There are some fun things to do in Carlsbad Caverns. That said, the park highlights can be covered in a few hours time. Half a day is a typical amount of time for someone to spend in the park. 

What’s The Closest City to Carlsbad Caverns? 

Whites City is the closest city to Carlsbad Caverns. The city is about 7 miles east of the park’s entrance. 

What Are Some Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park? 

Some of the closest hotels to Carlsbad Caverns National Park include White’s City Cavern Inn, Karbani Inn, Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area, and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad. All of these hotels are only a quick drive outside of the park’s entrance. 

Which Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park are Good For Families? 

Comfort Suites Carlsbad, Hampton Inn & Suites Artesia, and La Quinta Inn & Suites Artesia are some of the most family-friendly hotels near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Features like a well-kept swimming pool and continental breakfast make these hotels in Carlsbad, NM, near the Carlsbad Caverns, the top choices for families. 

What Hotels in Carlsbad Caverns National Park are Good For Couples? 

Fiddlers Inn is a romantic bed and breakfast and one of the best places to stay near Carlsbad Caverns for couples. Hyatt House Carlsbad is another one of the cozy hotels near Carlsbad Caverns for couples on a getaway. 

Conclusion: Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns 

With so many options available in the area, you’re sure to find Carlsbad Caverns lodging that is just right for you. And to top it all off, these Carlsbad, NM hotels are also just a hop, skip, and jump from Guadalupe National Park. It’s easy to access to get there, so be sure to add that park to your itinerary to extend the family fun!

If you have more time in the area, we highly recommend making the drive over to White Sands National Park. It is such a unique national park, and we had a lot of fun exploring the white gypsum sand and sledding down the sand hills.

Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands is a really fun family road trip. There are also lots of great hotels near White Sands National Park, making it easy to stay close to the park.