Primitive Roadside Campsites— Gravel Pit

 

View into Mexico from Gravel Pit Campsites

 

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 are three Gravel Pit primitive roadside campsites. The access road is located along River Road East, 1.8 miles from the main paved road to Rio Grande Village. The access road is rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle.

• Gravel Pit 1 (GP-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 10 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'
• Gravel Pit 2 (GP-2) can each accommodate 2 vehicles, no trailers, 10 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'
• Gravel Pit 3 (GP-3) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 12 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'
• *A trailer is considered a vehicle for site capacities.

 

Directions

Gravel Pit campsites are located off of River Road East, 1.8 miles from the main paved road to Rio Grande Village. Campsite access road is 1.4 miles in length.

 

Road Conditions

River Road is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. After rains, River Road and Gravel Pit Road are extremely muddy and may quickly become impassable to all vehicles. Check with a ranger for current conditions.

 

Vegetation

There is no shade these campsites. Open desert scrub and cactus surrounds a gravel base.

 

Views

Gravel Pit campsites have beautiful views of the Sierra del Carmen and Sierra San Vicente.

 

River Access

The river bank at the end of the Gravel Pit road is easily accessed. However, it has deep sand and gravel and 2-wheel drive vehicles may get stuck. It is a popular launching point for a day float through Hot Springs Canyon to Rio Grande Village.

 

Cautions

It is illegal to cross the river and enter Mexico. Report any contacts with Mexican Nationals to rangers; do not purchase items from vendors. To minimize the possibility of theft, secure belongings when away from these campsites and while sleeping. Do not leave your property unattended for long periods of time.

Campsite Photos:

 

Gravel Pit 1 (GP-1) Campsite

 

Gravel Pit 2 Campsite is small and won't accommodate trailers.

 

Gravel Pit 3 Campsite is flat and open.

 

Rio Grande access near Gravel Pit campsites.