So many great back country campsites in Big Bend! The park is massive and I appreciate the many options that are provided for people to get out of the RV campgrounds and out in solitude. . Every campsite we saw in the back country had a bear box on site. Obviously no other facilities.
I went here in November 2020. It was a one of a kind experience! I saw lots of wildlife- javelinas, coyotes, some beautiful birds, and even a BEAR!! I stayed at Pinnacles 3. It was a steep uphill 3.8 mile hike. Very difficult, but so rewarding! Stunning views!
I definitely enjoyed this type of camping because of the insanely beautiful view! But, we went over the summer and of course we were miserable from the heat. So, I recommend going during cooler months
This was our first experience with hike-in backcountry camping, and some of us struggled with the short hike to this spot but it was well worth it. The trailhead and parking area is a little difficult to find, but there are bathrooms and an information area right beside it. We made the reservation a few months before and most sites were already booked. The hike had wonderful views and so did our campsite, which was very large and could’ve fit many more than the 3 tents we had with us. A food locker was available and we did fine without a propane fire set-up, eating our food cold. We brought plenty of water to be sure we’d have enough.
Majestic!
It was very peaceful and spacious. Beautiful scenery in front of the mountains.
It's a drove but worth the seclusion. Zero facilities, or shade, a bear box in the unlikely time a bear may be close. Make sure you can be self-sufficient, had had a great time in our GX it performed flawlessly getting to the site which actually has three "spaces". We camped in early July 2019 which was hot in the day but 70s at night. No fires and no generators so easy times and quiet peaceful sunrises and sets. Not a demanding road to get to the site but everytime it rains conditions change with washout etc. Again ZERO facilities... we had a 13 gallon water tank which was great and Panther junction where you pickup your permit has some of the best natural spring water... be prepared and enjoy!
I went to Big Bend to do some photography.
I arrived just before noon. The plan was to spend 2 nights camping at the Boot Canyon hike in camp ground. I planned to spend some time doing some photography. Everything I read said that you really need at least a gallon of water per person per day so I left my car at the amphitheater parking lot with 9 liters of water.
I took the Pinnacles Trail to get to the Boot Canyon camp site.
The hike up is beautiful. I was able to watch my progress relative to the mountains on the north-ish side of the basin (me being on the south side of the basin).
It took me about 3-4 hours to reach the camp site. When the assent starts, it is brutal. There are a lot of switch-backs, and significant elevation is gained relatively short milage.
Once at the top (just at the base of emory peak trail) views into Texas seem nearly endless, only limited by haze. Truly stunning views.
From this point there is a decent for most of the rest of the trip to the Boot Canyon camping area. I stayed at Boot Canyon 1. There is a composting toilet that this camp site is closest to. There is a sign that asks that you not "pee" in the toilets. There are 2 metal containers to keep your snacks safe in the event that the javelinas or black bears decide to show up.
When I arrived at the campsite I realized that I had consumed all but about 1.5 liters of my water that I packed in. Maps and GPS units show that there is a spring near the camp sites at boot canyon. I was unable to actually locate it though.
The site itself was well shaded. The ground is hard and I did have some extra trouble getting my tent stakes to seat securely but I did manage. Many of the spots to set down a tent were on enough of a slope that I found them unsuitable, but there were several spots that were well suited to my 2 person tent.
After dinner I was down to just under a liter of water. This combined with the fact that I was unable to locate the spring led to my decision to not stay another night.
I spent a couple of hours enjoying the company of some birds and then was evidently so tired that I slept fully 13 hours. I awoke to a couple of white tail deer investigating my set up, had breakfast and descended.
Weather was good. It was sunny with mild temperatures.
The hike was brutal with a 50 pound pack, but it was fully with every step and the campsites are very nice. There is no water access so take in what you need.
Ranger station, has water and bathrooms. No camping here. Pick up your backcountry camping permits here.
