Site Willow Tank, Loop

Big Bend National Park | Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Type: MANAGEMENT

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Site Details

• Min Num of People: 1
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Site Access: Drive In
• Campfire Allowed: No
• Checkin Time: 01:00 PM
• Checkout Time: 12:00 PM
• Max Num of People: 6

Permitted Equipment

• Tent
• Large Tent Over 9X12`
• Pickup Camper (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Caravan/Camper Van (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Small Tent
• Car (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Vehicle (Max length: 25 ft.)

Driveway Details

• Is Equipment Mandatory: No
• Max Num of Horses: 0
• Max Num of Vehicles: 1
• Max Vehicle Length: 25
• Driveway Entry: Back-in
• Driveway Surface: Gravel
• Double Driveway: Yes

Need to Know

• You will NEED A rugged High-Clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle with sturdy tires to access this campsite. A passenger car, minivan, trailer, or RV will NOT be able to access this remote campsite.

• The 26 mile-long primitive Old Ore Road follows the early 1900s historic route used to transport ore from Mexican mines to the railroad station in Marathon. This road has excellent vistas of the Chisos Mountains and Tornillo Creek, and passes through the foothills of the Deadhorse Mountains, including the cliffs of Alto Relex. 

  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.

• Capacity

  Willow Tank (WT-1) can accommodate 1 vehicle, 6 people no horses.

  Site details and photos are available at: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/campsite_willow-tank.htm 

• Directions

  Willow Tank Campsite (WT-1) is located along the Old Ore Road, 10 miles f rom the southern end or 16.4 miles from the northern end. It is 0.1 mile north of Ernst Basin Campsite (EB-1). It will take appoximately one hour of travel (each way) along a rough, rocky gravel road to reach this campsite. 

• Road Conditions

  Old Ore Road is maintain ed for high clearance vehicles only. Following rains and heavy use, the road becomes very rutted and requires 4-wheel drive. Always ask a park ranger for current road conditions.

• Vegetation

  Willow Tank has no shade during the winter months but in summer, nearby lotebush, mesquite, and guayacan provide limited leaf shade.

• Views

  Good views of the Deadhorse Mountains to the east.

• Cautions

  Javelina frequent this area due to the water. Keep coolers and all food in your vehicle, including trash.

• Remarks

  Willow Tank is named for the large earthen "tank" built by ranchers to provide water to livestock. It is near a natural spring. This is a good site for wildlife observation.

• The Old Ore Road is rocky an d rough. It is a primitive dirt road and NOT maintained for passenger cars or RVs. You will NEED A rugged High-Clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to access this campsite. Be prepared for driving Big Bend's backcountry  

• Willow Tank (WT-1) can accommodate 1 vehicle, 6 people no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'. No trailers.

• You are responsible for protecting YOUR park. All Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced.     

• Javelina frequent this area due to the water. Keep coolers and all food in your vehicle, including trash.

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