NPS/Big Bend National Park

Southwest 4 campsite

There are 42 designated backpacking campsites in the High Chisos Mountains along the trail system to the South Rim.

All campsites are accessible only by foot. You must be prepared and equipped to backpack. Distances vary from one to eight miles each way.

High Chisos Mountains Trail System Map
Detail map of the hiking trails leading from the Chisos Basin into the High Chisos area. Backcountry campsites are not shown. Prints on legal-sized paper. [429k PDF file]

Backcountry Permit Required
A Backcountry Permit is required. Permits are available in person at any park visitor center. Permits may be written up to 24 hours in advance of your first night of back country camping. Permits are written for SPECIFIC SITES on SPECIFIC NIGHTS.
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Water
Be advised that no reliable water sources are available in the Chisos Mountains. Plan on carrying all you need (minimum of 1 gallon/person/24 hrs.).
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No Fires/No Smoking
Campfires are prohibited. Use only gas/propane backpacker stoves. Smoking is prohibited along all Chisos Mountain trails.

Pack it in/pack it out
Pack out ALL LITTER. Preserve the park’s natural beauty by packing out every thing you pack in—including toilet paper.

Seasonal Closures
The Southeast Rim Trail and a portion of the Northeast Rim Trail from the Boot Canyon/Southeast Rim junction to a point just north of Campsite NE-4 is closed during the peregrine falcon brooding season from February 1 through May 31 each year.
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Bear Country
Black Bears live in the Chisos Mountains. Never leave food unattended. Overnight campers must use the bear-proof food locker at each campsite.
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If you encounter a bear or Mountain Lion
• Count yourself lucky and enjoy the sighting.
• Do NOT run.
• If the bear approaches, scare it away! Stand tall, yell, throw rocks or sticks.
• Slowly leave the area.
• Report the sighting to a Park Ranger upon your return.
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