Backcountry Camping
- People per Site: 6
There are no designated campsites in the backcountry zone. Backcountry camping allows overnight visitors to select their own primitive campsite, based upon certain conditions: At least 1/4 mile from any other existing campsite; at least 300 feet from water sources and prehistoric or historic cultural sites; at least 3/4 mile from trailheads or roads.
For more location information go to our Interactive Map of Big Bend Ranch Campsites, Lodging, and Permit Locations.
You may also want to preview some of the vehicle accessible campsites:
Permits are required for use of Primitive Road and Front Country Campsites and for Backcountry Zone Camping. Day Use visitors are required to obtain a permit for entry in to the park. All vehicles intending to use the 4X4 unmaintained road, are required to obtain and sign an Acknowledgement of Use of Four Wheel Drive vehicles and Motorcycles upon entry into these areas.
Park information and permits for day use and camping may be obtained daily, in person, at three locations:
- Sauceda - ; (432) 358-4444
Located in the interior of Big Bend Ranch SP (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); (7 a.m. - 4 p.m. from May 17 - August 31)
- Barton Warnock Visitor Center - (432) 424-3327
Located in Lajitas, Tx. (8 a. m - 4:30pm) - Fort Leaton State Historic Site - (432) 229-3613
Located in Presidio, Tx. (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Visitors are encouraged, though not required, to use designated trails and routes until they are knowledgeable and confident in their familiarity with the park to travel cross-country.
Backcountry campers may use the "cathole" method to dispose of human waste and must pack out all trash. No open fires are allowed due to resource impact; use of containerized fuel stoves is permitted. The maximum stay is 14 nights (total) and seven consecutive days in any one backcountry zone.
Preview some of the vehicle accessible campsites:
- Agua Adentro
- Chorro Vista
- Escondido
- Fresno Vista
- Guale
- Javelin
- La Monilla
- La Mota
- La Posta
- Las Burras
- Los Cuates
- Los Ojitos
- Mexicano
- Papalote Encino
- Papalote Llano
- Papalote Rancho Viejo
- Papalotito Colorado
- Paso al Solitario
- Pila Montoya
- Rancherias
- South Leyva
- Tascate
- Tres Papalotes
- Vista de Bofecillos
- Yedra
$5
Nightly
Plus daily
entrance fee
Note: Information and prices are subject to change. Please call the park or park information (1-800-792-1112) for the latest updates. The daily entrance fee is charged in addition to any facility fees, unless otherwise stated. A Texas State Park Pass will allow you and your guests to enjoy unlimited visits for 1-year to more than 90 State Parks, without paying the daily entrance fee, in addition to other benefits.
Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. For other general pet restrictions check the Texas State Park Regulations. For park specific pet restrictions contact the park.
Call the park or park information (1-800-792-1112) for more information.
