Dave Catalani

Camping in the Paint Gap

There are 72 Primitive Roadside Campsites in Big Bend National Park These sites are for camping with your vehicle.

These are Primitive Campsites. Please camp within the “footprint” of the campsite itself.

With few exceptions, these sites require a HIGH-CLEARANCE VEHICLE. Some sites may require 4-WHEEL DRIVE. If in doubt about your vehicle’s abilities, don’t risk it. The backcountry of Big Bend is not a good place to become stuck or broken down.

Backcountry Roadside Campsites
Descriptions, photographs and maps of these campsite areas.

Facilities
There are NO Facilities at these sites. These sites DO NOT PROVIDE: tables, shade, trees, water, restrooms, or hiking trails.

These sites DO PROVIDE: solitude, great scenery, desert soundscapes, and adventure

No Generators
The use of generators is prohibited at these sites. Enjoy the natural silence of the Chihuahuan Desert

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.

What about MOTORHOMES?
Although Big Bend’s primitive roadside campsites are mostly inaccessible to large recreational vehicles, there are four sites which an RV could reach without much difficulty (remember, generator use is prohibited in the backcountry):
Hannold Draw (1 site), Government Spring (1 site), and Croton Spring (2 sites).