Established Camping
Big Bend Backcountry Camping — Big Bend National Park
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Fall is the season where bears become very focused on finding food to gain fat storage to survive winter. Visitors have recently reported black bears entering Chisos Mountains campsites while visitors were present. Please remember the following when camping in bear country: <ul> <li>Keep a clean camp.</li> <li>Store food, cooking equipment, and scented items in bear boxes when not in use.</li> <li>Do not leave water out unattended.</li> <li>Collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite.</li> <li>If a bear approaches you:</li> <ul> <li>Group together and pick up small children.</li> <li>Stand tall, appear large, wave arms or jacket.</li> <li>Scare the bear away by shouting and throwing small sticks or rocks.</li> <li>Fight back aggressively if the bear attacks.</li> </ul> </ul>
Fall is the season where bears become very focused on finding food to gain fat storage to survive winter. Visitors have recently reported black bears entering Chisos Mountains campsites while visitors were present. Please remember the following when camping in bear country: <ul> <li>Keep a clean camp.</li> <li>Store food, cooking equipment, and scented items in bear boxes when not in use.</li> <li>Do not leave water out unattended.</li> <li>Collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite.</li> <li>If a bear approaches you:</li> <ul> <li>Group together and pick up small children.</li> <li>Stand tall, appear large, wave arms or jacket.</li> <li>Scare the bear away by shouting and throwing small sticks or rocks.</li> <li>Fight back aggressively if the bear attacks.</li> </ul> </ul>
About
National Park Service
Big Bend National Park
Overview
Big Bend's vast undeveloped areas provide excellent opportunities for backcountry experiences if you seek solitude, wilderness, and adventure!__The backcountry sites listed here are primitive backcountry road campsites and primitive backpacking sites in the Chisos Mountains. All are designated sites located in remote locations. Campers must be self-sufficient.__Visit the Big Bend National Park backcountry Use page to learn about proper planning and trip preparation for this remote area. Backcountry regulations are strictly enforced.______ These are primitive sites and do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities.__ Primitive Chisos campsites are BACKPACK-ONLY campsites with NO vehicle access. Campsites are from 1-6 miles from the trailhead.__Maximum group size is 15 people. Parking for overnight backpackers is located in the large amphitheater lot adjacent to the Chisos Basin Campground. Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle, and 4-wheel drive is highly encouraged. Road conditions can change quickly.__High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck with at least 15 inch tire rims AND at least 8 inches of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension.__
Recreation
Splendid Isolation. Big Bend National Park is beloved as one of the few large public land areas in Texas. Major activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, river trips, enjoying the spring bloom, and adventuring along backcountry roads. The spring months of March and April are the busiest, as well as the Thanksgiving and New Year___s holidays, although the park is open and visited year round.
Facilities
These are primitive campsites, and require extra trip planning. Please take the time to plan and carefully prepare your itinerary.__ Backpacking Campsites: Primitive designated backpacking campsites located along the extensive Chisos Mountains Trails system . Primitive Roadside Campsites: Primitive camping with your vehicle in designated campsites along rugged backcountry dirt roads .____ Roadside campsites are intended for high clearance vehicles only. Trailers and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of these campsites. High clearance vehicles are defined as a SUV or truck, with at least 15 inch tire rims, and at least 8 inches of ground clearance, as measured from the lowest point of the vehicle (frame, suspension, body, differential).__
Natural Features
From an elevation of less than 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, forested mountains, and an ever-changing river. Here you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States__
Nearby Attractions
Location
Big Bend Backcountry Camping — Big Bend National Park is located in Texas
Directions
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas, a considerable distance from cities and transportation hubs. While the isolation of Big Bend is a draw for many visitors, it also means your trip must be well prepared and carefully planned. There is no public transportation to, or in Big Bend National Park. Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters).__ Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, oil, food, and water for your trip. The park has four camp stores, but supply and selection can be limited. There are also small stores in the communities outside the park. The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio. Each backcountry campsite is in a remote area of the park. Check the site listing for your reservation for detailed directions on how to get to that specific site.__ If you are staying in a backpacking site, park in the Chisos Basin amphitheater parking area, located near the Chisos Basin campground. Directions to Big Bend National Park__
Address
PO BOX 129
Big bend national park, TX 79834
Coordinates
29.3278148953683 N
103.205955800996 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
LegendAmazing!
So many great back country campsites in Big Bend! The park is massive and I appreciate the many options that are provided for people to get out of the RV campgrounds and out in solitude. . Every campsite we saw in the back country had a bear box on site. Obviously no other facilities.
- (10) View All
GuideIt was a strenuous hike, but worth it!!
I went here in November 2020. It was a one of a kind experience! I saw lots of wildlife- javelinas, coyotes, some beautiful birds, and even a BEAR!! I stayed at Pinnacles 3. It was a steep uphill 3.8 mile hike. Very difficult, but so rewarding! Stunning views!
- (17) View All
TravelerBack country camping
I definitely enjoyed this type of camping because of the insanely beautiful view! But, we went over the summer and of course we were miserable from the heat. So, I recommend going during cooler months
- (4) View All
GuideShort hike and large camping area
This was our first experience with hike-in backcountry camping, and some of us struggled with the short hike to this spot but it was well worth it. The trailhead and parking area is a little difficult to find, but there are bathrooms and an information area right beside it. We made the reservation a few months before and most sites were already booked. The hike had wonderful views and so did our campsite, which was very large and could’ve fit many more than the 3 tents we had with us. A food locker was available and we did fine without a propane fire set-up, eating our food cold. We brought plenty of water to be sure we’d have enough.
- (4) View All
TravelerChisos Campground
Majestic!
TravelerGrapevine Trail
It was very peaceful and spacious. Beautiful scenery in front of the mountains.
GuideBig Bend NP, Robbers Roost back country
It's a drove but worth the seclusion. Zero facilities, or shade, a bear box in the unlikely time a bear may be close. Make sure you can be self-sufficient, had had a great time in our GX it performed flawlessly getting to the site which actually has three "spaces". We camped in early July 2019 which was hot in the day but 70s at night. No fires and no generators so easy times and quiet peaceful sunrises and sets. Not a demanding road to get to the site but everytime it rains conditions change with washout etc. Again ZERO facilities... we had a 13 gallon water tank which was great and Panther junction where you pickup your permit has some of the best natural spring water... be prepared and enjoy!
- (12) View All
TravelerBoot Canyon 1
I went to Big Bend to do some photography.
I arrived just before noon. The plan was to spend 2 nights camping at the Boot Canyon hike in camp ground. I planned to spend some time doing some photography. Everything I read said that you really need at least a gallon of water per person per day so I left my car at the amphitheater parking lot with 9 liters of water.
I took the Pinnacles Trail to get to the Boot Canyon camp site.
The hike up is beautiful. I was able to watch my progress relative to the mountains on the north-ish side of the basin (me being on the south side of the basin).
It took me about 3-4 hours to reach the camp site. When the assent starts, it is brutal. There are a lot of switch-backs, and significant elevation is gained relatively short milage.
Once at the top (just at the base of emory peak trail) views into Texas seem nearly endless, only limited by haze. Truly stunning views.
From this point there is a decent for most of the rest of the trip to the Boot Canyon camping area. I stayed at Boot Canyon 1. There is a composting toilet that this camp site is closest to. There is a sign that asks that you not "pee" in the toilets. There are 2 metal containers to keep your snacks safe in the event that the javelinas or black bears decide to show up.
When I arrived at the campsite I realized that I had consumed all but about 1.5 liters of my water that I packed in. Maps and GPS units show that there is a spring near the camp sites at boot canyon. I was unable to actually locate it though.
The site itself was well shaded. The ground is hard and I did have some extra trouble getting my tent stakes to seat securely but I did manage. Many of the spots to set down a tent were on enough of a slope that I found them unsuitable, but there were several spots that were well suited to my 2 person tent.
After dinner I was down to just under a liter of water. This combined with the fact that I was unable to locate the spring led to my decision to not stay another night.
I spent a couple of hours enjoying the company of some birds and then was evidently so tired that I slept fully 13 hours. I awoke to a couple of white tail deer investigating my set up, had breakfast and descended.
Weather was good. It was sunny with mild temperatures.
The hike was brutal with a 50 pound pack, but it was fully with every step and the campsites are very nice. There is no water access so take in what you need.
- (5) View All
RangerNo actual camping here- just a place to pick up permits
Ranger station, has water and bathrooms. No camping here. Pick up your backcountry camping permits here.
