Primitive Roadside Campsite— Black Dike

Black Dike Primitive Campsite

 

YOU are responsible for protecting YOUR park.

Campsite Specifics

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.

A Backcountry Permit is required to use any backcountry campsite.

There is one Black Dike primitive roadside campsite. The access road is located along River Road West, 10.7 miles from the west end near Castolon, or 43.3 miles from the east end near Rio Grande Village. There is a short 0.1 mile access road to the campsite.. The access road is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle.

• Black Dike 1 (BD-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 10 people, no trailers. Maximum vehicle length is 25'

 

Directions

Black Dike campsite is located along on River Road West, 10.7 miles from the west end near Castolon, or 43.3 miles from the east end near Rio Grande Village. There is a short 0.1 mile access road to the campsite.

 

Road Conditions

River Road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. After rains, River Road is extremely muddy and may quickly become impassable to all vehicles. 4-wheel drive may be required. Always ask a ranger for current conditions.

 

Vegetation

Black Dike campsite is located within the flood plain of the Rio Grande. There is thick riparian vegetation; this is one the shadiest sites along River Road.

 

Views

Although the riparian vegetation obscures any river view, there are nice desert and mountain views to the north.

 

River Access

Easy river access via a 1-minute walk through heavy brush. This is a popular campsite for fishing.

 

Cautions

To minimize the possibility of theft, secure belongings when away from this site. Do not leave the site unattended for long periods of time.

 

Remarks

The forces that erupted the Chisos through thousands of feet of sedimentary rock are evident at Black Dike where a finger of magma (called a dike) once intruded softer rock. That soft rock has eroded away, leaving the blackish basalt standing alone. Black Dike is named for the volcanic dike that crosses the river nearby.

Campsite Photos:

 

View of the Rio near Black Dike Campsite

 

Black Dike Campsite access