Overview

Big Bend's vast undeveloped areas provide excellent opportunities for backcountry experiences if you seek solitude, wilderness, and adventure! The backcountry sites listed here are primitive backcountry road campsites and primitive backpacking sites in the Chisos Mountains. All are designated sites located in remote locations. Campers must be self-sufficient. Visit the park's Backcountry Use web page to learn about proper planning and trip preparation for this remote area.

Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced.   

• These are primitive sites and do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities. 
• Primitive Chisos campsites are BACKPACK-ONLY campsites with NO vehicle access. Campsites are from 1-6 miles (1.6 to 10 km) from the trailhead. Maximum group size is 15 people. Overnight backpackers may park in the large amphitheater lot adjacent to the Chisos Basin Campground.
• Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle. The park highly recommends a four wheel drive vehicle. Road conditions can change quickly. High clearance vehicles are defined as an SUV or truck with at least 15 inch (38 cm) tire rims AND at least 8 inches (20 cm) of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension. 

Facilities

These are primitive campsites, and require extra trip planning. Please take the time to plan and carefully prepare your itinerary. 

• Backpacking in Big Bend offers primitive designated backpacking campsites located along the extensive Chisos Mountains Trails system .
• Primitive Roadside Campsites: offer camping with your vehicle in designated campsites along rugged backcountry dirt roads .  
• Roadside campsites are intended for high clearance vehicles only. Trailers and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of these campsites. High clearance vehicles are defined as an SUV or truck, with at least 15 inch (38 cm) tire rims AND at least 8 inches (20 cm) of ground clearance, as measured from the lowest point of the vehicle (frame, suspension, body, differential). 

Natural Features

From an elevation of less than 1,800 feet (550 m) along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet (2438 m) in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, forested mountains, and an ever-changing river. Here you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States 

Recreation

Splendid Isolation! Big Bend National Park is beloved as one of the few large public land areas in Texas. Major activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, river trips, enjoying the spring bloom, and adventuring along backcountry roads. The spring months of March and April are the busiest, as well as the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays, although the park is open and visited year round.

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• Backcountry sites do not offer water, electricity, toilets or amenities. Visit Backcountry Safety & Preparation. 

• Backcountry roadside sites require high clearance, 4WD SUVs or trucks. Standard passenger vehicles can access only a few of them. It is YOUR responsibility to carefully review the description for each campsite on Recreation.gov or on the park's Primitive Roadside Campsites page. The park will NOT re-book your campsite or issue a refund if your vehicle cannot access the remote campsites.

• Backcountry primitive sites are for backpackers only, requiring a hike of 1 to 6 miles (no vehicle access). Backpackers may park overnight at the amphitheater at the Chisos Basin campground (NOT at Chisos Lodge!). 

• Backpacking Group Size Limit. An organized group or individual party may not exceed 15. Groups up to 15 may split into smaller groups but must not exceed the total of 15 people per night for any one or group of sites in the Chisos backpacking zone. 

• The permit holder must be present and possess a printed or digital (PDF) copy of the permit to camp. Be prepared to show your permit to park ranger(s). Your vehicle information must match the permit. 

  • You may not transfer a permit to another person. You must cancel and rebook.

• THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL IS NOT YOUR PERMIT. YOU MUST PRINT YOUR PERMIT no more than 14 days prior to your arrival. 

  To print, select "Reservation Details" from your confirmation email OR log into your Recreation.gov user account. Once printed, you will not be able to modify your permit. 

• Read the description for each campsite carefully prior to booking. Campsites have different maximum capacities of people, tents and vehicles. If you exceed the capacity of the site (in any of the categories), you are subject to a fine. 

• Campers are required to follow ALL BIG BEND BACKCOUNTRY REGULATIONS. Regulations are strictly enforced.

  • GROUNDFIRES AND WOODFIRES ARE PROHIBITED. Use containerized fuel only in the backcountry. Charcoal grills are allowed only in primitive roadside campsites. Pack out all cold charcoal briquets and ash.
  • CONTAIN YOUR TRASH AND PACK IT OUT. Animals are attracted to food, trash and other scents. Use bearproof storage lockers when you are away from your campsite and pack out all trash including toilet paper and cigarette butts.
  • USE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS IS PROHIBITED. Possession of other weapons, traps, or explosives is prohibited.
  • CAMP ONLY WITHIN YOUR DESIGNATED SITE. Prevent resource damage by camping within the area outlined by rocks, logs, or brush.
  • GENERATOR USE IS PROHIBITED IN ALL BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES. Natural quiet is a protected resource; help preserve a quiet wilderness experience.
  • NO PETS ON TRAILS OR IN THE BACKCOUNTRY. Pets may harm or be harmed by wildlife and attract predators. Pets can go only where vehicles are allowed. Learn more about bringing Pets to Big Bend. 
  • BURY HUMAN WASTE AT LEAST 6 INCHES (15 cm) DEEP. PACK OUT TOILET PAPER. Carry a digging trowel. Holes must be 1/4 mile (.4 km) from any water source and well away from camp. Overnight backpackers at the South Rim (SR) and East Rim (ER) campsites are now required to pack out human waste using a waste disposal kit! Burying of waste is prohibited on the rim.
  • DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE. Feeding wildlife is illegal. Keep food, ice chests, and cookgear in a hard-sided vehicle or food storage locker where provided. Read more about Backcountry Food Storage. 
  • COLLECTING OR DISTURBING ANY NATURAL OR HISTORICAL FEATURE OR OBJECT IS PROHIBITED.
  • CONTAMINATING NATURAL WATER SOURCES AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS IS PROHIBITED. Soaps, oils, skin lotions, and food residues from bathing or dishwashing can seriously impact water quality.
  • NO HAMMOCKS. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects.
  • MOTORIZED VEHICLES & BICYCLES ARE PERMITTED ONLY ON DESIGNATED PUBLIC ROADS. Off-road vehicle travel causes tremendous damage to desert environments. Only street legal vehicles are allowed on park roads. 
  • CHECK OUT IS 12 NOON IN ALL SITES. Please be sure to leave your campsite nicer than you found it and depart by 12 noon. 

• Big Bend charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival or in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, military, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. 

• Please collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite. Bears have been known to investigate and damage standing tents.

Notifications and Alerts

• During the lodge construction the High Chisos area trails (South Rim, East Rim, Colima, Boot Canyon) and their designated campsites will be accessible from trails that originate from outside the Chisos Basin (Blue Creek Trail or Juniper Canyon Trail). Beginning May 1, 2026 and until normal trail access resumes from the Chisos Basin, Chisos Backpacking campsites will not be reservable online. A backpacking permit will be required and can be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

Available Activities

• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Visitor Center - Visitor Center
• Hiking - Hiking
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas, a considerable distance from cities and transportation hubs. While the isolation of Big Bend is a draw for many visitors, it also means you must be well prepared for and carefully plan your trip. There is no public transportation to or within Big Bend National Park.</p> <p>Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles (42 km) east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles/113 km) south to park headquarters).  Visit the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/directions.htm" rel="nofollow">Directions & Transportation</a> web page for details.</p> <p>Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, oil, food, and water for your trip. The park has four camp stores, but supply and selection can be limited. There are also small stores in the communities outside the park. The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio.</p> <ul> <li>Each backcountry campsite is in a remote area of the park. Check the site listing for your reservation for detailed directions on how to get to that specific site. </li> <li>If you are staying in a backpacking site, park in the Chisos Basin amphitheater parking area, located near the Chisos Basin campground.</li> </ul>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>Changes/Modifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins.</li> <li>If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.</li> <li>There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. </li> <li>If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cancellations</strong></p> <ul> <li>Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below).</li> </ul> <p><strong>Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window</strong></p> <ul> <li>A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.</li> </ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 432-477-1158

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip