Backcountry Campsites

The following backcountry campsites are available on a first-come, first served basis:

• A Backcountry Permit is required.

• Backcountry Permits for these sites are issued in person at
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center (8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center (8:30 to 4:00 pm).
• Backcountry permits are available up to 24 hours in advance for these sites.

 

River Road Primitive Roadside Sites (21)

You Will Need A High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicle
A high clearance 4WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, with a low gear transfer case, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground, also including a means to mechanically power both, front and real wheels at the same time.

Listed East to West along the Road

• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Gravel Pit
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — La Clocha
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Solis
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Fresno
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Elephant Tusk
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Talley
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Dominguez Trailhead
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Loop Camp
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Johnson Ranch
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Gauging Station
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Black Dike
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Buenos Aires

 

Old Ore Road Primitive Roadside Sites (11)

You Will Need A High Clearance Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) Vehicle
A high clearance 4WD vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, with a low gear transfer case, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground, also including a means to mechanically power both, front and real wheels at the same time.

• Primitive Roadside Campsite - Candelilla

• Primitive Roadside Campsite - Roy's Peak

• Primitive Roadside Campsite - Ernst Tinaja

• Primitive Roadside Campsites - La Noria (2)

• Primitive Roadsdie Campsite - Ernst Basin

• Primitive Roadside Campsite - Willow Tank

• Primitive Roadside Campsites - Telephone Canyon (2)

• Primitive Roadside Campsite - McKinney Spring

 

Old Maverick Road Primitive Roadside Sites (5)

You Will Need A High Clearance Vehicle
A high clearance vehicle is defined as a SUV or truck type vehicle, with at least 15 inch tire rims or more, designed for heavier type use than a standard passenger vehicle, with at least 8 inches of clearance or more, from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension, or differential, to the ground.

• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Rattlesnake Mountain
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Ocotillo Grove
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Terlingua Abajo

 

Glenn Springs Road Primitive Roadside Sites (4)

• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Camp Chilicotal
  high clearance vehicle required
• Primitive Roadside Campsite — Rice Tank
  high clearance vehicle required
• Primitive Roadside Campsites — Glenn Springs
  high clearance vehicle required

 

Chisos Mountains Backpacking Campsites (6)

• Juniper Flat Campsites (2)
• Boulder Meadow #5 Campsite
• Colima #3 Campsite
• Laguna Meadow #3 Campsite
• Laguna West #1 Campsite

 

All other campsites are available for advance reservation/permit via www.recreation.gov

 

• 

  Your Ticket to Adventure

  Backcountry Permits

  A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping. Pick one up at Chisos Basin or Panther Junction Visitor Centers.

• 

  Off the Beaten Path!

  Primitive Roadside Campsites

  If you have a rugged vehicle, primitive camping in designated roadside campsites might be for you.

• 

  What to check before you head out!

  Backcountry Road Safety

  Be prepared and equipped. A disabled vehicle on Big Bend's isolated roads can be a life-threatening situation.