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Big Bend National ParkPanther Junction Visitor Center, 1965
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Big Bend National Park
Fresno roadside campsite

The Fresno primitive campsite is located within walking distance of the Mariscal Mine Historic District on nearby Mariscal Mountain, near the mid-way point on the River Road.

 
Site Name FR-1
Vehicles 2
Persons 8
Horses no
 

How to Get There
Via River Road East, 18.6 miles from the junction with the main park road to Rio Grande Village. Turnoff to the Fresno campsite area is marked, but easy to miss. Watch for the turnoff to the north.

Usual Road Conditions
High clearance vehicles required. After any rain, 4-wheel drive is also required. Access road to the campsite is usually in good condition.
Current road conditions...

Ground Cover/Shade
No shade available. Gravel ground cover. Creosote and Lechuguilla are the dominant vegetation.

Views
Good views of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains in Mexico and the Mariscal Mine.

River Access
None. 

Cautionary Notes
Check current road conditions with a ranger. 4-wheel drive is required after any rain. To minimize the possibility of theft, secure belongings when away from the campsite and while sleeping. Do not leave site unattended for long periods of time.

Remarks
This campsite is close to the Mariscal Mine Historic District. A free informational handout is available at park Visitor Centers which outlines the history of the area and mining activities. All artifacts are protected—no collecting.

A backcountry use permit is required (available at visitor centers). Campers are responsible for regulations listed on the permit. Camping is in designated sites for minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation.

 
 
The Comanche Trail passed through Persimmon Gap  

Did You Know?
While exploring the Big Bend in 1849, U.S. Army Caption Richard Whiting crossed the Comanche Trail and later reported: "We struck a large Comanche path. Close together twenty-five deep-worn and much used trails made this a great road, by which each year the Comanches desolate Durango and Chihuahua."
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Last Updated: November 30, 2006 at 17:11 EST