Backcountry Food Storage

Backcountry Food Storage Lockers are provided at all primitive roadside and Chisos backpacking sites. All food, water, and aromatic items must be stored in these.

 

Black bears, javelinas, skunks, rodents and other animals may explore your campsite looking for food scraps. Do your part to properly store food, water, and edible items from animals whether backpacking in the Chisos Mountains or camping at a primitive roadside campsite.

 

Water Storage

The Homer Wilson and Juniper Canyon Trailhead storage boxes are for WATER STORAGE ONLY. Water must be marked with a name and a predicted date out. Food stored in these boxes is subject to removal by park personnel. Upon retrieval of the cached water, all associated water bottles must be removed from the storage container and packed out.

Food Storage

At all campsites: All food products and trash, unclean cooking utensils, water, and other aromatic items (sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) MUST be stored in a hard-sided vehicle, or in the provided bear resistant storage locker. Bear lockers are provided at all Chisos backpacking sites and primitive roadside sites. Never leave food unattended. If backpacking in the open desert, attend your food, water, and aromatic items by keeping them packed up and within immediate reach. Prepare meals and eat food a distance from your sleeping area. Keep your campsite clean at all times.

The caching of food and water is prohibited unless items are stored within a bear resistant storage container. Bear resistant containers are defined as a securable container constructed of a solid, non pliable material capable of withstanding a minimum of 300 foot-pounds of energy.

 

Keep a Clean Camp

Cook away from your sleeping area. Dispose of cooking water in camper sinks in the Chisos Basin campground or well away from camp in the backcountry. Strain water to insure food scraps aren't dumped on the ground.

Break Down Your Tent When Not In Use

Wildlife can be curious or attracted by food smells and may explore your tent. Consider leaving backpacks open at night, too.

Pack Out All Trash, Including Food Scraps and Grease

Don't leave food or trash in the storage locker.