Primitive Roadside Campsite— Fresno

Fresno Campsite

NPS

 

YOU are responsible for protecting YOUR park.

Campsite Specifics

Primitive roadside campsites 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 campsite at Fresno. The site is located along River Road, 18.6 miles from the main paved road to Rio Grande Village.

• Fresno (FR-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 8 people, no horses.

Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.

A trailer is considered a vehicle for site capacities.

 

Directions

Fresno campsite is located along River Road, 18.6 miles from the main paved road to Rio Grande Village.

 

Road Conditions

River Road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. After rains, the River Road can be extremely muddy and may quickly become impassable to all vehicles. 4-wheel drive may be required.

 

Vegetation

There is no shade at this campsite. There is sparse creosote and lechuguilla ground cover.

 

Views

There are great views of the Sierra del Carmens in Mexico and the nearby Mariscal Mine ruins.

 

Cautions

To minimize the possibility of theft, secure belongings when away from campsite and while sleeping. Do not leave the site unattended for long periods of time. Do not handle mine artifacts, they still contain mercury.

 

Remarks

This campsite is close to the Mariscal Mine Historic District. A free brochure is available at visitor centers which outlines the history of the area and mining activities.

 

View of the Mariscal Mine near Fresno

NPS / C. Hoyt

 

Desert view near Fresno Campsite

NPS / C. Hoyt