Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Elephant Tusk Primitive Dispersed Campsite — Big Bend National Park
Elephant Tusk Primitive Dispersed Campsite is located in Big Bend National Park, surrounded by desert terrain and rugged mountains. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to over 100°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Rio Grande River and the Chisos Basin, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.
Description
National Park Service
Big Bend National Park
Recommended for HIGH CLEARANCE vehicles only.
Primitive roadside sites offer nice views, solitude, and a small flat gravel space to set up camp next to your vehicle. No shade, toilets, or other amenities are provided. The use of generators is prohibited in the backcountry.
This campsite is adjacent to the road and is located across from the Elephant Tusk Trailhead. The site is small. It is easiest to reach this site from the south along the River Road, as opposed to coming from the north via the Glenn Spring and Black Gap Roads. Sometimes water will flow in Fresno Creek after a large rain event.
There is no shade at this campsite. There is gravel ground cover with sparse creosote and lechuguilla.
A Backcountry Permit is required to use any backcountry campsite.
Fee Info
Back Country Permit REQUIRED https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_usepermits.htm
Reservation Info
CAUTION: This is a very remote site with very little vehicle traffic.
Location
Elephant Tusk Primitive Dispersed Campsite — Big Bend National Park is located in Texas
Directions
Directions Elephant Tusk campsite is located along the southern end of the Black Gap Road, 21 miles from the east end of the River Road and 29.6 miles from the west end. The campsite is 3 miles north on the Black Gap Road. This site is best reached from the south end via the River Road. The northern Black Gap Road is very rugged, 4x4 required. It will take approximately 3 hours to reach this campsite from the paved road. Road Conditions River Road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. After rains, River Road gets extremely muddy and may quickly become impassable to all vehicles. 4-wheel drive may be required. The northern end of the Black Gap Road is extremely rough, not maintained, and for rugged 4x4 vehicles only.
Coordinates
29.12687701 N
103.20702518 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Elephant Tusk Primitive Dispersed Campsite — Big Bend National Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 39 min from Odessa
- 4 hrs 50 min from Midland
- 5 hrs 42 min from San Angelo
- 5 hrs 52 min from Eagle Pass
