Primitive Roadside Campsites— Loop Camp

View of the Rio Grande from Loop Camp Site #1

NPS

 

YOU are responsible for protecting YOUR park.

Campsite Specifics

Primitive roadside campsites 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.

A Backcountry Permit is required to use any backcountry campsite.

There are two Loop Camp campsites. The access road is located along the River Road, 23 miles from the west end near Castolon, or 31 miles from the east end near Rio Grande Village.

• Loop Camp 1 (LP-1) can accommodate 3 vehicles, 12 people, 4 horses.
• Loop Camp 2 (LP-2) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 8 people, 4 horses.

Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
A trailer is considered a vehicle for site capacities.

 

Directions

Loop Camp campsites are located along the River Road, 23 miles from the west end near Castolon, or 31 miles from the east end near Rio Grande Village. The two campsites are located at the end of a 3.5 mile-long access road.

 

Road Conditions

River Road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. After rains, River Road is extremely muddy and may quickly become impassable to all vehicles. 4-wheel drive may be required.

 

Vegetation

These campsites have no shade. Although near the river, both sites are in desert scrub habitat and surrounded by sparse creosote, lechuguilla, and desert grasses.

 

Views

Great views of the Punta de la Sierra, Mule Ears, and the Rio Grande. Campsites are located on a bluff directly above the river.

 

River Access

The river is close by and accessible by walking down a steep bluff. Foot-trail access only.

 

Cautions

To minimize the possibility of theft, secure belongings when away from this site. Do not leave the site unattended for long periods of time.

 

Remarks

No off-road driving. All vehicles must remain on designated roadways. Here, the Rio Grande makes a loop and actually flows east to west below the campsites.

Campsite Photos:

 

Loop Camp Campsite 1

 

Distant view of Mule Ears from Loop Camp site 1

 

Loop Camp site 2

 

View from Loop Camp site 2