Off-road adventurers willing to tackle Black Gap Road find this remote primitive site positioned at the Elephant Tusk trailhead. The approach requires navigating several hours of rough, unmaintained dirt roads that rangers identify as among the park's most challenging routes. The single-vehicle site accommodates one tent with no shade cover, sitting in open desert terrain that provides direct views of the distinctive Elephant Tusk rock formation. Campers exploring the region can find campgrounds near Big Bend National Park for less demanding access conditions.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsElephant Tusk Primitive Dispersed Campsite is located in Texas near Big Bend National Park
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
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, TX
- 4 hrs 50 min from Midland, TX
- 5 hrs 42 min from San Angelo, TX
- 5 hrs 52 min from Eagle Pass, TX
