Primitive Roadside Campsites - Grapevine Hills

Grapevine Hills Road Vista

 

YOU are responsible for protecting YOUR park.

Campsite Specifics

Grapevine Hills Primitive Roadside Campsites are located along the gravel Grapevine Hills Road which begins 3 miles west of Panther Junction. Five primitive roadside campsites are located along the Grapevine Hills road.

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.

You can now obtain a backcountry permit to use these sites up to 180 days in advance through www.recreation.gov

• GH-1 is a large site and can accommodate 3 vehicles*, 20 people, no horses.
• GH-2 is a large site that can accommodate 4 vehicles*, 12 people, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25'
• GH-3 and GH-4 can accommodate 2 vehicles, 6 people, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25'
    No Trailers at GH-3 and GH-4
  • NOTE: The road to GH-3 and GH-4 is very rough and REQUIRES a sturdy High Clearance Vehicle. Do NOT attempt to reach these campsites with a passenger car, minivan or RV or a trailer.

*NOTE: A trailer is considered a vehicle for site capacities.

 

Directions

Grapevine Hills road is an improved dirt road 3.3 miles west of Panther Junction. Four primitive roadside campsites are located along the Grapevine Hills road. GH-1 is 0.3 miles down the dirt road. GH-2 is located 3.8 miles down the dirt road. GH-3 and GH-4 are are located at the end of the dirt road, 7.7 miles from the pavement.

 

Road Conditions

Grapevine Hills Road is usually accessible to all vehicles as far as campsite GH-2. Beyond that point the road is very rough, and REQUIRES a sturdy High Clearance Vehicle. Do NOT attempt to reach the Grapevine Hills Trail or campsites GH-3 and GH-4 with a passenger car, minivan, trailer or RV of any kind.

 

Vegetation

There is no shade at any of these campsites. There is minimal ground cover surrounding GH-1, and GH-2. Moderate ground cover and low shrubs border GH-3 and GH-4 due to increased vegetation near Grapevine Spring.

 

Views

The Chisos Mountains can be seen from the entire length of the road. Government Spring is located near GH-1. There are good views of the Grapevine Hills and distant Rosillos Mountains from GH-2,3,4. Good sunset views of the Deadhorse and Sierra del Carmen from GH-3 and GH-4.

Remarks

Government Spring is located near campsite #1. It is usually not running. The Grapevine Hills Trail is located along the east side of the road at mile 6.5. This beautiful trail leads through a boulder strewn valley to a balanced rock formation. At the end of the road, heavy thickets of thorny vegetation mark the location of Grapevine Spring. There is usually no surface water at the spring.

Campsite Photos

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 1 (GH-1)

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 2 (GH-2)

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 2 (GH-2) looking north.

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 3 (GH-3) access road

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 3  GH-3

 

Grapevine Hills Campsite 4 (GH-4)