Primitive Roadside Campsites - Paint Gap

Paint Gap Road

 

Paint Gap Primitive Roadside Campsites are located along the gravel Paint Gap Road, 6 miles west of Panther Junction.

Primitive roadside sites offer nice views, solitude, and a small flat gravel space to set up camp next to your vehicle. No shade, toilets, or other amenities are provided. The use of generators is prohibited in the backcountry

You can obtain a backcountry permit to use these sites up to 180 days in advance through www.recreation.gov

 

Campsite Specifics

• Paint Gap 1 (PG-1) can accommodate 1 vehicle, 4 people, no horses, no trailers.
  • maximum vehicle length is 25'
• Paint Gap 2 (PG-2) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 6 people, no horses.
  • maximum vehicle length is 25'
• Paint Gap 3 (PG-3) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 6 people, no horses, no trailers.
  • maximum vehicle length is 25'

*NOTE: A trailer is considered a vehicle for site capacities.

 

Directions

Paint Gap Road begins 6 miles west of the Panther Junction Visitor Center along the north side of the main park road (Route 13). PG-1 is one mile down the improved dirt road. PG-3 is four miles down the road. High clearance is required beyond PG-2.

 

Road Conditions

Paint Gap Hills road is generally in good condition and accessible to all vehicles up to campsite PG-2. Beyond that high clearance is required at all times. The road is very rocky and rutted where it enters Paint Gap and may require 4-wheel drive to reach the ranch site located beyond PG-3.

 

Vegetation

There is no shade at these campsites. Thick vegetation near PG-2 provides some cover.
PG-3 is in the "gap" (narrow canyon) with some shade in early morning or late evening.

 

Views

Good views of the Chisos Mountains from PG-1,2. Nice views of the rocky Paint Gap Hills from PG-2, 3. Dripping Spring and an old ranch site are located at the very end of the road beyond the "gap". From PG-3, a wide array of colorful layers are visible in Tornillo Creek to the north.

 

Cautions

Javelina frequent this area. Secure all food in your vehicle, including coolers. Pick up all trash. Javelina become aggressive around food.

 

Remarks

Remnants of an old ranch site are located at the end of Paint Gap Road. Not much is left today except some fencing, a trough, a crumbling stone ruin, and assorted historic debris scattered among the cresosote. The ranching period ended with the establishment of Big Bend National Park. All artifacts are protected. No collecting.

Campsite Photos

 

Paint Gap Campsite 1 (PG1)

 

Paint Gap Campsite 2 (PG-2)

 

Road to Paint Gap Campsite 3

 

Paint Gap Campsite 3 (PG-3)