Chisos Mountains Backcountry Camping

Chisos Mountains Backpacking/Camping Guidebook

Let’s Go Backpacking!

There are 42 designated backpacking campsites divided into 14 campsite areas along the trail system in the High Chisos Mountains. All campsites are accessible only by foot. You must be prepared and equipped to backpack. Distances vary from one to eight miles each way. A backcountry permit is required and will indicate your specific campsite for each night.

Coming with a group?

An organized group or individual party may not exceed a 15 person limit.

Chisos Mountains Backpacking/Camping Guidebook
Your concise guide to overnight backpacking in the Chisos Mountains

Chisos Mountains Trails Map

 

What does a designated campsite have?

Each designated campsite in the High Chisos offers the following ammenities:
• One or more cleared spots to pitch a tent.
• One or more animal-proof food storage boxes.
• Tree cover, privacy, and some shelter from the elements.

Composting Vault Toilets

There are several composting vault toilets along the Chisos Mountains Trail System (see map). Please use these to reduce impact on the environment.

NOTICE: The vault toilet that serves the South/East Rim was destroyed in the 2021 South Rim Fire. Campers at South Rim (SR) and East Rim (ER) campsites must pack out human waste using a landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system, such as Wag Bag or Restop II. All solid human waste must be packed out of the backcountry. Do not dispose of these bags in toilets.

 

What do the designated campsites look like?

Big Bend's Chisos Backpacking/Camping Guidebook provides a wealth of information to help you plan your adventure, and details of each designated backcountry campsite along the High Chisos trails system.

 

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  Protect YOUR Park

  Backcountry Regulations

  YOU are responsible for protecting the resources of YOUR park; these regulations are strictly enforced.

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  Areas closed for resource protection

  Backcountry Closures

  There are some areas in Big Bend closed to hiking and/or overnight camping.

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  Be Prepared!

  Water in the Chisos

  But the map shows a spring here??