Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Big Bend's vast undeveloped areas provide excellent opportunities for backcountry experiences if you seek solitude, wilderness and adventure. The sites listed here are primitive backcountry road campsites and primitive backpacking sites in the Chisos Mountains. All are designated sites in remote locations, and campers must be self-sufficient. These are primitive sites and do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities. Backcountry regulations are strictly enforced. Primitive Chisos campsites are backpack-only, with no vehicle access, and are located along the extensive Chisos Mountains trail system 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. Primitive roadside campsites offer camping with your vehicle in designated sites along rugged backcountry dirt roads, and are intended for high clearance vehicles only — trailers and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of them. The park highly recommends four wheel drive, and 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, as measured from the lowest point of the vehicle (frame, suspension, body, differential). These sites require extra trip planning, so take the time to prepare your itinerary carefully. 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 are the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays, although the park is open and visited year round. 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.