Big Bend Backcountry Camping
We don’t think it should be. Every campground should hold some sites for whoever drives up.Tell your representative →
- Right now
- Taking bookingsSites offered on 27 of the next 30 nights read 15:22 UTC
- A night
- $10From, per site
- Sites
- 11258 on recreation.gov
The place
the agency’s own description · what’s there · 10 notices
In the agency’s own words
Big Bend's vast undeveloped areas provide excellent opportunities for backcountry experiences if you seek solitude, wilderness, and adventure! The backcountry sites listed here are primitive backcountry road campsites and primitive backpacking sites in the Chisos Mountains. All are designated sites located in remote locations. Campers must be self-sufficient. Visit the park's Backcountry Use web page to learn about proper planning and trip preparation for this remote area. Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced. These are primitive sites and do not offer water, electricity, toilet access, or any amenities. Keep reading
Primitive Chisos campsites are BACKPACK-ONLY campsites with NO vehicle access. Campsites are from 1-6 miles (1.6 to 10 km) from the trailhead. Maximum group size is 15 people . Overnight backpackers may park in the large amphitheater lot adjacent to the Chisos Basin Campground. Most primitive roadside campsites require a high clearance vehicle. The park highly recommends a four wheel drive vehicle. Road conditions can change quickly. High clearance vehicles are defined as an SUV or truck with at least 15 inch (38 cm) tire rims AND at least 8 inches (20 cm) of ground clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, or suspension.
Recreation
Splendid Isolation! Big Bend National Park is beloved as one of the few large public land areas in Texas. Major activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, birdwatching, river trips, enjoying the spring bloom, and adventuring along backcountry roads. The spring months of March and April are the busiest, as well as the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays, although the park is open and visited year round.
Facilities
These are primitive campsites, and require extra trip planning. Please take the time to plan and carefully prepare your itinerary. Backpacking in Big Bend offers primitive designated backpacking campsites located along the extensive Chisos Mountains Trails system . Primitive Roadside Campsites: offer camping with your vehicle in designated campsites along rugged backcountry dirt roads . Roadside campsites are intended for high clearance vehicles only. Trailers and passenger vehicles will not be able to access most of these campsites. High clearance vehicles are defined as an SUV or truck, with at least 15 inch (38 cm) tire rims AND at least 8 inches (20 cm) of ground clearance, as measured from the lowest point of the vehicle (frame, suspension, body, differential).
Natural Features
From an elevation of less than 1,800 feet (550 m) along the Rio Grande to nearly 8,000 feet (2438 m) in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend includes massive canyons, vast desert expanses, forested mountains, and an ever-changing river. Here you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States Nearby Attractions Charges & Cancellations Changes/Modifications Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins. If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Cancellations Customers may cancel their reservation prior to day of arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 cancellation fee will be withheld from any refund due back the customer. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will have a $10.00 cancellation fee withheld from their refund AND will forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
What the agency tells you
Backcountry sites do not offer water, electricity, toilets or amenities. Visit Backcountry Safety & Preparation.
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. The park will NOT re-book your campsite or issue a refund if your vehicle cannot access the remote campsites.
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!).
Everything else this campground posts · 7
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.
The permit holder must be present and possess a printed or digital (PDF) copy of the permit to camp. Be prepared to show your permit to park ranger(s). Your vehicle information must match the permit. - You may not transfer a permit to another person. You must cancel and rebook.
THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL IS NOT YOUR PERMIT. YOU MUST PRINT YOUR PERMIT no more than 14 days prior to your arrival. To print, select "Reservation Details" from your confirmation email OR log into your Recreation.gov user account. Once printed, you will not be able to modify your permit.
Read the description for each campsite carefully prior to booking. Campsites have different maximum capacities of people, tents and vehicles. If you exceed the capacity of the site (in any of the categories), you are subject to a fine.
Campers are required to follow ALL BIG BEND BACKCOUNTRY REGULATIONS. Regulations are strictly enforced. - GROUNDFIRES AND WOODFIRES ARE PROHIBITED. Use containerized fuel only in the backcountry. Charcoal grills are allowed only in primitive roadside campsites. Pack out all cold charcoal briquets and ash. - CONTAIN YOUR TRASH AND PACK IT OUT. Animals are attracted to food, trash and other scents. Use bearproof storage lockers when you are away from your campsite and pack out all trash including toilet paper and cigarette butts. - USE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS IS PROHIBITED. Possession of other weapons, traps, or explosives is prohibited. - CAMP ONLY WITHIN YOUR DESIGNATED SITE. Prevent resource damage by camping within the area outlined by rocks, logs, or brush. - GENERATOR USE IS PROHIBITED IN ALL BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES. Natural quiet is a protected resource; help preserve a quiet wilderness experience. - NO PETS ON TRAILS OR IN THE BACKCOUNTRY. Pets may harm or be harmed by wildlife and attract predators. Pets can go only where vehicles are allowed. Learn more about bringing Pets to Big Bend. - BURY HUMAN WASTE AT LEAST 6 INCHES (15 cm) DEEP. PACK OUT TOILET PAPER. Carry a digging trowel. Holes must be 1/4 mile (.4 km) from any water source and well away from camp. Overnight backpackers at the South Rim (SR) and East Rim (ER) campsites are now required to pack out human waste using a waste disposal kit! Burying of waste is prohibited on the rim. - DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE. Feeding wildlife is illegal. Keep food, ice chests, and cookgear in a hard-sided vehicle or food storage locker where provided. Read more about Backcountry Food Storage. - COLLECTING OR DISTURBING ANY NATURAL OR HISTORICAL FEATURE OR OBJECT IS PROHIBITED. - CONTAMINATING NATURAL WATER SOURCES AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS IS PROHIBITED. Soaps, oils, skin lotions, and food residues from bathing or dishwashing can seriously impact water quality. - NO HAMMOCKS. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects. - MOTORIZED VEHICLES & BICYCLES ARE PERMITTED ONLY ON DESIGNATED PUBLIC ROADS. Off-road vehicle travel causes tremendous damage to desert environments. Only street legal vehicles are allowed on park roads. - CHECK OUT IS 12 NOON IN ALL SITES. Please be sure to leave your campsite nicer than you found it and depart by 12 noon.
Big Bend charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival or in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, military, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
Please collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite. Bears have been known to investigate and damage standing tents.
Tents and rigs
- Sites
- 112 · 38 walk-in
- Hookups
- None
- Longest rig
- 30 ft
- Accessible sites
- None listed
- Pets
- Allowed
- Campfires
- Not allowed
- Shade
- Every site
Facilities
- Stay limit
- 28 nights
- recreation.gov facility rule maxStay
Around the campground
- On the water
- River
- Backpacking
- Birding
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Kayaking
- Visitor center
- Wildlife viewing
- Night sky · 3rd darkest of 154 in TX
- Bortle 1
Full this Saturdayread 15:22 UTC
How full the weekend is nationally.
2 campgrounds have sites open within 30 miles, read 16:41 UTC. See them
OpenBookedClosed
Every one of the 8 sites on offer is taken this Friday and Saturday, and on four midweek nights after it as well. read 15:22 UTC Why the weekend fills and the week doesn’t
Watch for a cancellation
Watch this campground
One email when a night opens, plus More Than Just Parks dispatches. Unsubscribe any time.
We read recreation.gov once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time a site in your window is free for the nights you asked for.
Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.
We make nothing when you book. The link goes straight to the government.
Every line of the receipt · 13
What you actually pay
Derived by CAMPANAC: the agency’s published rate for this season, $10 a night, plus one $8 recreation.gov reservation fee for the booking. A weekend here means Friday and Saturday night, booked once. Optional charges (an extra vehicle, a second tent, a dump-station fee) are listed separately and aren’t in this total.
“Changes/Modifications - Changes may be made prior to the day the reservation begins. - If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. - There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes d…” · this campground’s own terms
Who keeps the booking fee
The agency’s own policy text says the reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee are “retained by the reservation service contractor”, and that a campground concessionaire will decline to refund them because “they did not receive these fees”. Recreation.gov is run under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton. What share of your booking fee the contractor keeps isn’t published in any federal dataset we can read, so we print no number for it. Our reporting on the contract →
How we know this receipt · 6
Open within 30 miles this weekend · 2
Sites the agency is offering this Friday and Saturday that nobody has taken, nearest first. read 16:41 UTC
- Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 7.0 mi · 5 of 110 site-nights open
- Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 18 mi · 2 of 44 site-nights open
recreation.gov availability, read 15:22 UTC · rules read Sep 9, 2026 · rates Sep 10, 2026 · How we know all this
The sites
112 sites · which ones have room · the site map
The sites, ranked
from 58 mapped sitesAll 112 sites
Toilet distances are OpenStreetMap’s, measured for 30 of the 112 sites listed. A site with no reading is unknown, never far.
The price is derived by CAMPANAC, not published per site: the per-night rate this campground publishes for each site’s own site type. 58 of the 112 sites listed carry one, and a site whose type has no published rate sits out of the price rather than being called free.
Measured shade is NLCD Tree Canopy Cover 2024 (USDA Forest Service / MRLC) read at the site’s own coordinate, 27% canopy or more, and only for the sites the agency gave no Shade value. It never changes the agency’s own shaded count beside it.
| Backpacking Site | Blue Creek 1 | hike to | 203 ft | 6.2 mi | 664 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Blue Creek 2 | hike to | 203 ft | 6.3 mi | 494 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boot Canyon 1 | hike to | 543 ft | 6.5 mi | 103 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boot Canyon 2 | hike to | 543 ft | 6.5 mi | 634 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boot Canyon 3 | hike to | 164 ft | 6.6 mi | 1,181 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boot Canyon 4 | hike to | 164 ft | 6.6 mi | 1,159 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boulder Mdw 1 | hike to | 306 ft | 7.5 mi | 2,936 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boulder Mdw 2 | hike to | 255 ft | 7.6 mi | 3,242 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boulder Mdw 3 | hike to | 352 ft | 7.5 mi | 3,056 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Boulder Mdw 4 | hike to | 255 ft | 7.6 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | Boulder Mdw 5 | hike to | 1227 ft | 7.4 mi | 2,419 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Colima 1 | hike to | 800 ft | 6.4 mi | 699 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Colima 2 | hike to | 859 ft | 6.3 mi | 1,551 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Colima 3 | type not stated | 6.3 mi | 1,822 ft | |||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 1 | hike to | 1302 ft | 5.9 mi | 3,119 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 2 | hike to | 518 ft | 6.0 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 3 | hike to | 122 ft | 6.0 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 4 | hike to | 786 ft | 6.1 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 5 | hike to | 122 ft | 6.0 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 6 | hike to | 137 ft | 5.9 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 7 | hike to | 137 ft | 5.9 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 8 | hike to | 1302 ft | 5.7 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | East Rim 9 | hike to | 1475 ft | 5.4 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | Juniper Can. 1 | hike to | 861 ft | 6.4 mi | 959 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Juniper Flat 1 | hike to | 321 ft | 7.8 mi | 2,564 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Juniper Flat 2 | hike to | 322 ft | 7.8 mi | 2,913 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Juniper Flat 3 | hike to | 321 ft | 7.7 mi | 2,885 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Laguna Mdw 1 | hike to | 893 ft | 6.5 mi | 735 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Laguna Mdw 2 | hike to | 270 ft | 6.3 mi | 224 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Laguna Mdw 3 | type not stated | 6.3 mi | 203 ft | |||
| Backpacking Site | Laguna Mdw 4 | hike to | 270 ft | 6.3 mi | 429 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Laguna West 1 | type not stated | 6.7 mi | 2,047 ft | |||
| Backpacking Site | Laguna West 2 | hike to | 329 ft | 6.6 mi | 2,158 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Laguna West 3 | hike to | 329 ft | 6.6 mi | 2,395 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Pinnacles 1 | hike to | 246 ft | 7.1 mi | 935 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Pinnacles 2 | hike to | 115 ft | 7.2 mi | 1,161 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | Pinnacles 3 | hike to | 115 ft | 7.2 mi | 1,201 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | South Rim 2 | hike to | 1591 ft | 6.0 mi | 2,599 ft | $10 | |
| Backpacking Site | South Rim 3 | hike to | 1984 ft | 5.7 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | South Rim 4 | hike to | 1977 ft | 5.3 mi | $10 | ||
| Backpacking Site | Toll Mountain | hike to | 942 ft | 7.0 mi | 355 ft | $10 | |
| Black Dike | type not stated | 423 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Buenos Aires | type not stated | 1,164 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Camp de Leon | type not stated | 25 ft | 4.6 miRio Grande | ||||
| Candelilla | type not stated | 25 ft | 2.1 miRio Grande | ||||
| Chilicotal | type not stated | 7.9 miTornillo Creek | |||||
| Croton Spring 1 | standard nonelectric | 20583 ft | 7.4 mi | $10 | |||
| Desert Vista 1 (DV-1) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Desert Vista 2 (DV-2) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Dominguez Trailhead | type not stated | 2.3 miRio Grande | |||||
| Elephant Tusk | type not stated | 6.2 mi | |||||
| Ernst Basin | type not stated | 25 ft | 2.6 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Ernst Tinaja | type not stated | 25 ft | 5.1 miRio Grande | ||||
| Fresno | type not stated | 5.5 miRio Grande | |||||
| Gauging Station | type not stated | 147 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Glenn Spring 1 | type not stated | 7.5 miRio Grande | |||||
| Glenn Spring 2 | type not stated | 6.9 miRio Grande | |||||
| Grand View 1 (GV-1) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Grand View 2 (GV-2) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Grand View 3 (GV-3) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Grapevine Hills 1 | standard nonelectric | 16943 ft | 2.4 mi | $10 | |||
| Grapevine Hills 2 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 14185 ft | 4,599 ft | $10 | ||
| Grapevine Hills 3 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 219 ft | 3.5 mi | $10 | ||
| Grapevine Hills 4 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 219 ft | 3.6 mi | $10 | ||
| Gravel Pit 1 | type not stated | 884 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Gravel Pit 2 | type not stated | 812 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Gravel Pit 3 | type not stated | 552 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Hannold Draw | standard nonelectric | 16766 ft | 2.6 miTornillo Creek | $10 | |||
| Johnson Ranch 1 | type not stated | 311 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Johnson Ranch 2 | type not stated | 444 ftRio Grande | |||||
| K-Bar 1 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 2302 ft | 5.2 mi | $10 | ||
| K-Bar 2 | standard nonelectric | 30 ft | 2302 ft | 5.0 miTornillo Creek | $10 | ||
| La Clocha 1 | type not stated | 155 ftRio Grande | |||||
| La Clocha 2 | type not stated | 224 ftRio Grande | |||||
| La Noria 1 | type not stated | 25 ft | 4.9 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| La Noria 2 | type not stated | 25 ft | 5.1 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Loop Camp 1 | type not stated | 126 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Loop Camp 2 | type not stated | 470 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Maverick Camp 1 (MC-1) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| McKinney Spring | type not stated | 25 ft | 1.3 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Nine Point Draw | standard nonelectric | 30 ft | 77177 ft | 3.3 mi | $10 | ||
| Nugent Mountain | standard nonelectric | 30 ft | 9575 ft | 6.2 miTornillo Creek | $10 | ||
| Ocotillo Grove | type not stated | 2,632 ftTerlingua Creek | |||||
| Paint Gap 1 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 6183 ft | 4.0 mi | $10 | ||
| Paint Gap 2 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 3356 ft | 4.8 mi | $10 | ||
| Paint Gap 3 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 3356 ft | 5.1 mi | $10 | ||
| Pine Canyon 1 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 76 ft | 7.7 miTornillo Creek | $10 | ||
| Pine Canyon 2 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 76 ft | 7.7 miTornillo Creek | $10 | ||
| Pine Canyon 3 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 1499 ft | 8.0 mi | $10 | ||
| Pine Canyon 4 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 1499 ft | 7.8 mi | $10 | ||
| Pine Canyon 5 | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 2956 ft | 7.6 mi | $10 | ||
| Rattlesnake Mountain 1 (RM-1) | type not stated | 25 ft | |||||
| Rattlesnake Mountain 2 (RM-s) | type not stated | 25 ft | 1.9 miTerlingua Creek | ||||
| Rice Tank | type not stated | 8.2 miTornillo Creek | |||||
| Robbers Roost | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 9582 ft | 7.2 mi | $10 | ||
| Roys Peak | type not stated | 25 ft | 1.3 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Solis 1 | type not stated | 3,386 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Solis 2 | type not stated | 2,668 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Talley 1 | type not stated | 4.5 miRio Grande | |||||
| Talley 2 | type not stated | 3,944 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Talley 3 | type not stated | 71 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Talley 4 | type not stated | 120 ftRio Grande | |||||
| Telephone Canyon 1 | type not stated | 25 ft | 2.6 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Telephone Canyon 2 | type not stated | 25 ft | 2.7 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| Terlingua Abajo 1 | type not stated | 25 ft | 509 ftTerlingua Creek | ||||
| Twisted Shoe | standard nonelectric | 25 ft | 9582 ft | 6.5 mi | $10 | ||
| Willow Tank | type not stated | 25 ft | 2.5 miTornillo Creek | ||||
| ZCroton Spring 2 | type not stated | 30 ft | 7.4 mi | ||||
| ZGrapevine Hills 3 | type not stated | 30 ft | 4,712 ft | ||||
| ZPaint Gap 3 | type not stated | 25 ft | 4.9 mi | ||||
| ZTerlingua Abajo 2 | type not stated | 515 ftTerlingua Creek | |||||
| ZTerlingua Abajo 3 | type not stated | 615 ftTerlingua Creek |
25 of 112 listed
Getting there
the map and the coordinate · the agency’s directions · the phone number
Where it is
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 7.0 mi
Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 7.0 mi
Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 18 mi
Rio Grande Village Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 18 mi
Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)Big Bend National Park · 23 miBig Bend National Park is located in West Texas, a considerable distance from cities and transportation hubs. While the isolation of Big Bend is a draw for many visitors, it also means you must be well prepared for and carefully plan your trip. There is no public transportation to or within Big Bend National Park.
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 (42 km) east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles/113 km) south to park headquarters). Visit the park's Directions & Transportation web page for details.
Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, oil, food, and water for your trip. The park has four camp stores, but supply and selection can be limited. There are also small stores in the communities outside the park. The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio.
- Each backcountry campsite is in a remote area of the park. Check the site listing for your reservation for detailed directions on how to get to that specific site.
The weather
the next four days · the thirty-year normal
Next four days, and the thirty-year normal
Forecast
NWS forecast for Study Butte, TX
Typical weather
Typical October night 55°F, day 80°F.
Coldest month of the year: typical January night 37°F. Bring the bag rated for it.
Daily high and lowDays with 0.10 in or more
A normal is the 1991-2020 average for the month, not a forecast: about half of all Junes are colder than the June line. The seven-day forecast above answers the other question.
The land, and who answers for it
what threatens it · who answers for it · a letter you can send
What threatens this place
You’re camping on ground somebody wants. We track the threats and the comment deadlines.
Who answers for this land
Big Bend Backcountry Camping is in Texas’s 23rd congressional district. Whoever holds it votes on the laws that decide what happens to this land. See how its representative votes on public lands →
Our roster still carries Tony Gonzales for this district and the current federal record doesn’t list them as sitting, so we’re not naming a representative here until the two agree.
Who can change it · 2
Two offices, two different asks. The draft to the agency asks it to set aside a published share of the sites here for whoever drives up. The draft to Congress asks why that share is zero and presses for a published minimum at the campgrounds it funds.
- Your senator, on the same appropriationJohn CornynU.S. Senator · Texas
- Your senator, on the same appropriationTed CruzU.S. Senator · Texas
Read the draft, or change the wording
For the camper who turned up, or tried to book, and couldn’t get in. Every draft is written from this campground’s own record (its agency, its unit, its site count and its own weekend) and the buttons above copy whichever wording is selected here.
Asks them to put the question to the agency in writing, and to press for a published minimum share of walk-up sites across the campgrounds they fund.
Subject Walk-up camping at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, Big Bend National Park, Texas
Dear John Cornyn, I’m a constituent in Texas. I tried to camp at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, Big Bend National Park, Texas, and couldn’t. recreation.gov lists 58 of the 112 campsites the agency files at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 8 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked. 1,623 of the 7,639 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Big Bend Backcountry Camping keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule. I’m not asking you to run Big Bend Backcountry Camping. I’m asking you to put it to the National Park Service in writing: why is the share of first-come sites there zero, and what would a published minimum share cost? Please press for that minimum at the federal campgrounds you fund. The people who open these campgrounds, collect the fees and keep the water running are seasonal positions. At GS-5, base pay plus the government's own 36.25% benefit factor, one costs about $47,414 a year. One percent of the $13.3 billion the USS Gerald R. Ford cost to procure would pay for about 2,800 of them for a year. Both figures are the government's own (a Congressional Research Service report and an OPM pay table), and I’m glad to send them. Sent about Big Bend Backcountry Camping (Big Bend National Park, Texas) via campanac.com
Asks them to put the question to the agency in writing, and to press for a published minimum share of walk-up sites across the campgrounds they fund.
Subject Walk-up camping at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, Big Bend National Park, Texas
Dear Ted Cruz, I’m a constituent in Texas. I tried to camp at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, Big Bend National Park, Texas, and couldn’t. recreation.gov lists 58 of the 112 campsites the agency files at Big Bend Backcountry Camping, and every one of them is booked ahead, and the agency's own record lists none held back for somebody who drives up. On Saturday, October 17, all 8 sites recreation.gov was offering there were already booked. 1,623 of the 7,639 federal campgrounds in this country still keep at least some sites for whoever arrives first. Big Bend Backcountry Camping keeps none, and that’s a choice somebody made rather than a rule. I’m not asking you to run Big Bend Backcountry Camping. I’m asking you to put it to the National Park Service in writing: why is the share of first-come sites there zero, and what would a published minimum share cost? Please press for that minimum at the federal campgrounds you fund. The people who open these campgrounds, collect the fees and keep the water running are seasonal positions. At GS-5, base pay plus the government's own 36.25% benefit factor, one costs about $47,414 a year. One percent of the $13.3 billion the USS Gerald R. Ford cost to procure would pay for about 2,800 of them for a year. Both figures are the government's own (a Congressional Research Service report and an OPM pay table), and I’m glad to send them. Sent about Big Bend Backcountry Camping (Big Bend National Park, Texas) via campanac.com