Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Summary

Big Bend National Park is a beloved remote area in Texas offering a variety of activities such as camping, backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, and river trips. Facilities are primitive and visitors should be prepared with a high clearance vehicle, and may need to backpack to the campsites. The park features expansive canyons, deserts, and forests to explore, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.

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. 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 

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