Frontcountry and Backcountry Camping

• 1). If you are only camping in the front country, there are three campgrounds, Chisos Basin, Cottonwood and the Rio Grande Village. Chisos Basin is located just north of the Chisos Mountains in the center of the park. It has 63 campsites, grocery and trash facilities, but no laundry, showers, or service station.
  
  Cottonwood is located in the western portion of the park, near the Castolon Visitors Center, which is closed during the summer. This campground has 31 campsites and has similar accommodations as the Chisos Basin except that it does not have trash facilities. The Rio Grande Village borders the eastern end of the park and resides along the shores of the Rio Grande. It has 100 campsites and has trash facilities, laundry, showers, groceries, and a service station. All of these campgrounds are open year round.
  
  Obtain a backcountry use permit for $10, which can be picked up at any park visitor center. Be sure that while you are at the visitor center that you have all the necessary maps that you will need as well as any information on trail conditions. While the permit will allow for you to travel anywhere, the Chisos Mountains offer some of the best backcountry camping in the park. You can pick up a permit at the Visitors center on the way to the Chisos Mountains, which is near the middle of the park. While the park is open year round, it is not recommended to go into the backcountry during the summer due to extreme heat.
  
  
• 2). Carry lots of water. Especially if you are using backcountry campgrounds in the Chisos Mountains, there are no reliable water sources. According to the National Park Service, you will need a minimum of 1 gallon per person for every 24-hour period that you will be in the backcountry.
  
  
• 3). Prepare to be completely self-sufficient. You will need your own stove, as fires are not permitted within the boundaries of the park. Backcountry sites in the High Chisos are only equipped with composting toilets and food storage lockers. Plan your trip in advance, including a backup plan, and inform friends and family of those plans. Chisos backcountry sites are between one and eight miles apart. Remember that you will be carrying lots of water, therefore hiking longer distances may prove to be more difficult.
  
  If your plans take you away from the established campsites, make sure that you are at least a half mile out of site from any roads and 100 yards from any historical or archaeological site, dry wash, or cliff edge.
  
  
• 4). Follow all backcountry regulations. Follow all Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your toilet paper. High Chisos is equipped with four composting toilets, however all other backcountry sites require packing out toilet paper or smearing as parts of wilderness travel and desert camping.
  
  
• 5). Wear adequate clothing. Remember that because Big Bend is a desert environment, temperatures can get extremely hot during the day and cold during the nights, which is also somewhat dependent on the time of year. Taking extra layers and long sleeves will help prevent sunburn during the day and discomfort or hypothermia during the night.
  
  
• 6). Apply sunscreen regularly. Having protection from the sun can not only prevent sunburn, but also dehydration, and discomfort. Getting sunburned can be a liability for both you and your group. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also advisable for desert travel.