Backcountry Regulations

You are responsible for protecting the resources of your park; these regulations are enforced.

Use or discharge of firearms is prohibited. All wildlife is protected by federal law.
Possession of other weapons, traps, or explosives is prohibited.

Groundfires and woodfires are prohibited.
Use only gas stoves or pressed charcoal briquets within a BBQ grill. Pack out all evidence of use such as cold charcoal ash.
Note: charcoal fires are only allowed at backcountry roadside campsites and not allowed in the High Chisos or zone camping areas.

Contain your trash and pack it out.
Animals are attracted to trash. Use bear boxes if you are away from your site and pack out all trash when you break camp, including cigarette butts and toilet paper.

No pets on trails or in the backcountry.
Pets may harm or be harmed by wildlife, and can attract predators. Pets can go only where vehicles go.

Do not take shortcuts on trails.
Cross-country hiking is allowed, but when on a marked trail, do not take shortcuts.

Collecting or disturbing any natural or historical feature or object is prohibited.
Leave park features intact for others to enjoy.

Contaminating natural water sources and their surroundings is prohibited. Camp at least 100 yards from any water source.
Desert water sources and springs are fragile and vital for the plants and animals that depend on them for survival. Soaps, oils, skin lotions, and food residues from bathing and washing can seriously impact water quality. Minimize your impact to areas surrounding springs, seeps, and other temporal water sources.

Camp within designated sites.
Set up tents only on bare ground, not plants, within the area outlined by rocks, logs or brush.

Generator use is not permitted in backcountry campsites.
Natural quiet is a protected resource; help preserve a quiet wilderness experience.

Open zone camping: Be at least 0.5 mile and out of sight from any road and at least 100 yards from any trail, historical structure, archeological site, dry wash, or cliff edge.
Minimize your impact to the natural landscape.

Bury human waste at least 6 inches deep. Pack out toilet paper.
Human waste is unsightly and unsanitary. Carry a digging trowel. Locate latrines 0.25 mile from any water source and well away from camp.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on designated public roads.
Off-road vehicle travel causes visual and environmental damage.

Do not feed wildlife.
Feeding wildlife is illegal; it often results in rangers having to destroy the animal. Keep food, ice chests and cookgear in a hard-sided vehicle or food storage locker where provided. Don't leave food containers unattended.