How much does camping cost at Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Camping fees at Big Bend Backcountry Camping range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Bend Backcountry Camping first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Bend Backcountry Camping accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Bend Backcountry Camping before I book?

Yes! Big Bend Backcountry Camping has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Big Bend Backcountry Camping is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Big Bend Backcountry Camping does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Bend Backcountry Camping have?

Big Bend Backcountry Camping has 300 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Pets are not allowed at Big Bend Backcountry Camping. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Popular activities at Big Bend Backcountry Camping include Hiking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Bend Backcountry Camping

4.58

819 reviews

1 Panther Junction

Top 4% in TEXASSpring

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Big Bend#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Bend Backcountry Camping

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

High Chisos Backpacking Sites: $10.00; Primitive Roadside Sites: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

432-477-1158

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Bend Backcountry Camping

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Campground Map

1 Panther Junction

Big Bend Backcountry Camping

1 Panther Junction

Nearby places

Alpine (approximately 92 miles), Fort Stockton (approximately 130 miles), Del Rio (approximately 170 miles)

Driving directionsBig Bend National Park is located in West Texas, accessible via several highways: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte, FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters), and US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Visitors are advised to carry plenty of fuel, oil, food, and water. The park has four camp stores with limited supplies.

Weather at Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Current alerts(11)

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

Best Time to Camp at Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Best season: spring. Spring delivers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 60–85°F, cooler on the Chisos ridge) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50°F), making long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips comfortable. Wildflowers and active wildlife are at their peak, water in some canyons is higher, and trails are generally in good condition—ideal for hiking, bikepacking, and canyon exploration. While spring is busier on popular routes, the backcountry still offers solitude for permitted overnight trips. Peak months: April, March, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in TEXAS

Spring offers 60–85°F days, wildflower peaks and flowing canyons—busiest season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Big Bend Backcountry Camping spans the vast desert and mountain terrain of Big Bend National Park in far West Texas, managed by the National Park Service. Primitive tent sites are scattered across remote desert flats, canyon routes, and high-elevation ridges in the Chisos Mountains. Backpackers and paddlers use this permit system to access backcountry zones for multi-day trips, with bear-proof food storage at designated sites.

The campground offers versatile backcountry camping experiences in both hike-to and roadside primitive campsites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring delivers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (roughly 60–85°F, cooler on the Chisos ridge) and cool nights (mid-30s to 50°F), making long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips comfortable. Wildflowers and active wildlife are at their peak, water in some canyons is higher, and trails are generally in good condition—ideal for hiking, bikepacking, and canyon exploration. While spring is busier on popular routes, the backcountry still offers solitude for permitted overnight trips. Peak months: April, March, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campsites span Big Bend's full elevation range, from Rio Grande lowlands below 1,800 feet to ridge camps near 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. Desert badlands stretch toward volcanic peaks. Limestone canyons cut by the Rio Grande expose ancient seabeds. Higher sites like Boot Canyon trade desert heat for mountain forest, cooler air, and views into Mexico. Grapevine Hills sites sit among balanced rock formations. The terrain shifts dramatically depending on where you pitch your tent.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at the campground. Only primitive campsites are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesSome ranger-led programs and educational talks are conducted at the visitor centers, not directly at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Maximum of 28 nights allowed yearly.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One group per primitive site
maximum organized group size is capped at 15 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the app.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, but many are spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents. For example, South Rim 3 can fit up to three tents, and some sites like Boot Canyon 1 are smaller, accommodating fewer tents.

PrivacyThe campsites are highly private and spread out to ensure solitude. Some sites, such as Grapevine Hills 4, offer unparalleled privacy, while others near trailheads may see occasional foot traffic.

Total Campsites300 campsites

Recommended SitesSouth Rim 3 provides open views of the desert and Mule Ears in the distance, making it ideal for sunset watchers. Boot Canyon sites offer excellent wind protection.

Best CampsitesSouth Rim 3 earns consistent praise for views and space. It fits three tents. East Rim sites also rank high for scenery and isolation. Grapevine Hills 4 offers exceptional privacy. Boot Canyon 1 runs smaller, accommodating fewer tents. Avoid Croton Springs if you want solitude; it sits near a busy trailhead and sees regular foot traffic.

Need help booking Big Bend Backcountry Camping?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

These are primitive sites and do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities.

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking, birdwatching, backpacking, stargazing, and exploring rugged backcountry roads. The isolated location allows for incredible dark-sky experiences.

Hiking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage Required"Bear-proof lockers are provided at all backcountry sites to store food safely away from wildlife."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Bend Backcountry Camping

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From Booking Sources

4.6

819 reviews

Top-Rated

Big Bend Backcountry Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the stunning natural beauty, isolation, and the challenges posed by the rugged backcountry terrain. Common themes include the importance of proper planning, carrying sufficient water, and respecting wildlife.

Review Summaries

Based on 819 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the incredible night skies, the solitude of the campsites, and the well-maintained trails. 'The stars at night are breathtaking,' noted one reviewer. Others appreciated the...

Based on 819 reviews

Common Concerns

Many users expressed difficulty accessing remote campsites due to the rugged terrain, especially in standard passenger vehicles. Several reviews flagged poor road maintenance. Others mentioned issues...

Based on 819 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

South Rim 3 is highly recommended for its spectacular views. Croton Springs, by contrast, was criticized for its lack of privacy. Pinnacles 3 was noted for ample space and good shade.

Based on 819 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a high-clearance vehicle for roadside sites and carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. Plan trips during cooler months like winter and spring. Avoid sites like Croton Springs if...

Based on 819 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The spring months (March-April) are busiest due to pleasant weather and blooming desert flora. Winter is preferred for cooler temperatures, while summer is less favorable due to extreme heat.

Based on 819 reviews

Camper Quotes

'SR3 is one of the best backcountry spots, with unparalleled views of the South Rim.' 'Be prepared; the park’s isolation demands careful planning.' 'Amazing stargazing – worth the trip just for the...

Based on 819 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no explicit reviews about accessibility features.

Based on 819 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry or on trails, limiting options for pet owners.

Based on 819 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want true backcountry isolation, world-class stargazing, and are prepared for rugged desert and mountain conditions.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your site or aren't comfortable navigating remote terrain with limited road information.

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Campgrounds

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Backcountry Camping

About Big Bend National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Big Bend Backcountry Camping, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...

Directions

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 east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.