Below are commonly asked questions regarding Big Bend's backcountry and backcountry use. Please contact us, or look elsewhere on the website if your question is not answered here.

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What is the backcountry?
What do I need to go backcountry camping?
How much does a backcountry permit cost?
Where can I camp with a motorhome or RV in the backcountry?
This primitive roadside camping sounds great - what amenities do the sites have?
What kind of rules and regulations must I follow in the backcountry?
Why can't I make a reservation for a backcountry campsite?
Can I camp in the backcountry if I arrive after 6:00 pm?
Do the springs have water?
Can I have my pet at a backcountry campsite?
What exactly is zone camping?
Do I need a map to camp in the backcountry?
Do I need a permit for a dayhike?
Can I have a fire in the backcountry?
Can I bring horses in the backcountry?
I'm bringing a large group (10+) - where can we camp in the backcountry?
Which backcountry sites can I get to in a car vs a high clearance vehicle?
Which backcountry sites allow the most privacy (not camped right next to someone)?
What time is checkout on a backcountry site? (important during peak season)
Where can I use my cell phone?
Do I really have to pack out my toilet paper?

What is the backcountry?
The backcountry is the heart of Big Bend, the undeveloped majority of the park. If you venture more than a half mile off a paved road, you've entered the backcountry; a place where development and modern amenities generally don't exist.
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What do I need to go backcountry camping?
A sense of adventure, plenty of water, and the proper equipment are essential for backcountry adventures in Big Bend. Anything else depends on the type of backcountry experience you have planned; planning ahead by using the resources on this website will help assure that you are prepared for the Big Bend backcountry.
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How much does a backcountry permit cost?
A backcountry use fee of $10.00 per permit is charged for all overnight use, with all revenue being used for backcountry-related projects.
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Where can I camp with a motorhome or RV in the backcountry?
Although Big Bend’s primitive roadside campsites are mostly inaccessible to large recreational vehicles, there are four sites which an RV could reach without much difficulty (remember, generator use is prohibited in the backcountry): Hannold Draw (1 site), Government Spring (1 site), and Croton Spring (2 sites).
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This primitive roadside camping sounds great - what amenities do the sites have?
None; no shade, no tables, no bathrooms, but plenty of breathtaking desert landscapes. If you aren't prepared for these conditions, you may want to consider camping in a developed campground instead. These campsites are very hot places during the summer.
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What kind of rules and regulations must I follow in the backcountry?
As a national park, Big Bend has a wide variety of regulations that govern use of park resources. Leave no Trace principles are strongly encouraged, and in some cases required. Our backcountry regulations and Superintendent's Compendium list additional rules and regulations that backcountry users are required to follow. 
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Why can't I make a reservation for a backcountry campsite?
A backcountry experience depends on many variables. Weather and rain can close trails and other areas. It is possible to obtain a backcountry permit up to twenty-four hours in advance of your trip.
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Can I camp in the backcountry if I arrive after 6:00 pm?
No. Backcountry camping permits can only be issued during business hours at any visitor center; you cannot not camp in a backcountry site if you do not arrive in time to obtain a permit. If you know you are going to arrive in the park after dark, plan on spending your first night in a developed campground.
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Do the springs have water?
At the risk of repeating the obvious, Big Bend is a desert park. Desert water is precious, ephemeral, and unpredictable. The amount of available water in the backcountry has everything to do with rainfall—no rain means no water. Never stake your life on a water source that might not be present.
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Can I have my pet at a backcountry campsite?
You can have a pet at backcountry roadside campsites, provided it is on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river. Basically, your pet can only go where your car can go. Pets are not allowed in zone camping areas or in the High Chisos.
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What exactly is zone camping?
Designated campsites exist along the primitive dirt roads and in the High Chisos area; the remainder of the park is classified as open zone camping. In these areas, you can camp nearly anywhere; this type of camping is best enjoyed by experienced hikers. more information...
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Do I need a map to camp in the backcountry?
This depends on the type of backcountry camping you plan on doing; open zone camping in the desert generally requires the use of detailed topographic maps; a trail map for the the High Chisos can be useful, for backcountry roadside camping, the basic park map can suffice. However, we strongly encourage use of a topographic map for all backcountry camping. A variety of maps are available at all visitor centers.
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Do I need a permit for a dayhike?
No. Free Backcountry Use permits are required for daytrips on the river or with horses/stock, but not for dayhikes.
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Can I have a fire in the backcountry?
No. Wood or ground fires are prohibited throughout Big Bend National Park.
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Can I bring horses in the backcountry?
Visitors are welcome to bring and use their horses in the park. A backcountry-use permit is required and may be obtained in person at any of the park’s visitor centers up to 24 hours in advance of the trip. Every horse user should obtain a copy of the regulations regarding use of horses in the park. All livestock must meet state vaccination requirements. Copies of vaccination documents must be in your possession. more information...
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I'm bringing a large group (10+) - where can we camp in the backcountry?
No overnight backcountry camping group or party can be larger than 15 person. In open-zone areas groups larger than 15 must camp in non-adjacent zones (separated by paved or unpaved roads). In the High Chisos area, a number of designated campsites can accommodate groups, though it may be necessary to split into a number of nearby sites.
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Which backcountry sites can I get to in a car vs a high clearance vehicle?
To a certain extent, this is determined by road conditions at the time of your visit, however, a number of roadsite sides are generally accessible to all vehicles.
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Which backcountry sites allow the most privacy?
All High Chisos campsites are seperated and private; a small number of roadsde campsites are situated to allow larger groups to camp together. If you really want privacy in the backcountry, go zone camping.
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What time is checkout on a backcountry site?
Checkout time is noon for all designated backcountry campsites.
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Where can I use my cell phone?
Cellular phones are not generally reliable in the Big Bend area. Satellite phones are more reliable, but can still be blocked by the rugged desert landscape. Always have a friend who knows your itinerary and will call park dispatch at 432-477-2251 if you are overdue.
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Do I really have to pack out my toilet paper?
Yes, unless you are hiking in the High Chisos. Backcountry regulations require that solid human waste be buried in a cat-hole at least six inches deep, and that used toilet paper be carried out. It's a good idea to carry a trowel and extra resealable plastic baggies as you hike, just in case nature calls. In the High Chisos, four composting toilets are located along the trail system, for your convenience.
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