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 park's Backcountry Use web 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 (1.6 to 10 km) from the trailhead.__Maximum group size is 15 people. Overnight backpackers may park in the large amphitheater lot adjacent to the Chisos Basin Campground. Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle. The park highly recommends a four wheel drive vehicle. Road conditions can change quickly.__High clearance vehicles are defined as an SUV or truck with at least 15 inch (38 cm) tire rims AND at least 8 inches (20 cm) 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
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.
Natural Features
From an elevation of less than 1,800 feet (550 m) along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet (2438 m) 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 you must be well prepared for and carefully plan your trip. There is no public transportation to or within 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 (42 km) east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles/113 km) south to park headquarters).__ Visit the park's Directions & Transportation web page for details. 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.
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