Gravel Pit — Big Bend National Park

We loved the experience of driving some backcountry roads to this campsite without having to go too far. We felt the road was in pretty good condition for a dirt road, took us about 20 minutes to get from the highway to Gravel Pit 1 in our truck. Probably need 4 wheel drive, which is what the park recommends anyways. The night we stayed here was extremely windy without any cover, so check the forecast if you’re going to be in a tent or anything compromised by wind.

You need a 4x4 to get in here or else it’ll take 40+ min just to get to site 1. Low clearance vehicles will not make it anymore. Several washouts make the road very rough. Ranger knew we were two women and also knew Mexicans cross in horseback.. why we were given this site is beyond me. You MUST lock up your valuables. Can NOT stake tents- ground is loose gravel for an inch then all rock. Even with rocks in tent wind is so strong it started to move. Pretty site but not worth it. Also even though you are less then a 1/2 click from the Rio Grande, you can not see it from any of the sites.

Along with the very literal size requirements of the Chisos Basin Campground, there are other recommendations of the park that one should take very literally. Among these are bring (and consume) enough water, and the 4-wheel drive, high clearance recommendations of certain back-country camping sites. They are not kidding around, when they say you need it, you need it. 

We’ve taken our little Hamlet through washes, up forest roads, along miles and miles of washboard dirt tracks, but Big Bend has provided some of the most gripping and challenging roads. The truck can handle it just fine, but Hamlet is a 64-year-old trailer. Even with his new-fangled axle, and his history of tackling tough spots, we don’t like to abuse him. An appropriate tow truck is at least 2 hours and possibly hundreds of dollars away. But once you arrive over the 5-miles of good dirt-road, and 2 miles of not as good, the site is a stunner. 

We were in site 3, which sits up on a little hill with picturesque views of the Rio Grande valley, and the many mountain ranges within the park. This area is a back-country camper’s dream, beautiful, quiet, comfortable and lovely. The backcountry campsites only offer a bear box, so don’t expect a picnic table or sun shade – come prepared. This campground has access to the river, so plan to do a float trip down to the Rio Grande Village, about 6 miles, through lovely canyons.  Be sure to get your FREE river permit from the Visitor's Center at Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, or Castelon. The hot springs, which were closed due to COVID restrictions, are about half-way and would make a lovely stop. 

Hiking is available in just about any direction and mountain biking would be lovely along the River Road. We dropped off our bikes at the Rio Grande Village to be able to bike our shuttle back to camp – it was a great day adventure. The closest facilities are in the Rio Grande Village, which has water, gas, and a small grocery store for any essentials. Like all experiences in Big Bend, it’s best to come prepared for anything.