Primitive Roadside Campsites— Pine Canyon

Driving the Pine Canyon Road

 

YOU are responsible for protecting YOUR park.

Campsite Specifics

There are five primitive roadside campsites, (PC #1-5) located along the gravel Pine Canyon Road.

Primitive 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

 

Site Capacity and Limits

• Pine Canyon 1 (PC-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles (including trailers), 6 people, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
    Maximum trailer length is 20 feet.
• Pine Canyon 2 (PC-2) can accommodate 2 vehicles (including trailers), 6 people, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
    Maximum trailer length is 20 feet.
• Pine Canyon 3 (PC-3) can accommodate 1 vehicle, 4 people, no trailers, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
    No Trailers
• Pine Canyon 4 (PC-4) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 6 people, no trailers, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle length is 25 feet.
    No Trailers
• Pine Canyon 5 (PC-5) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 6 people, no trailers, no horses.
  • Maximum vehicle size is 25'
    NO Trailers

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

 

Directions

Pine Canyon primitive roadside campsites are located along the Pine Canyon Road via the Glenn Spring Road. Pine Canyon Road begins 2.3 miles from the junction of the Glenn Spring Road and the main road to Rio Grande Village. The Pine Canyon Road is 4.2 miles in length.

 

Road Conditions

Glenn Spring Road and Pine Canyon Road are maintained for high clearance vehicles only. Roads are rocky and may become rutted or experience wash-outs, especially after heavy rains.Traveling this road with trailers is NOT recommended. Check with a ranger for current conditions.

 

Vegetation

These campsites are in the open desert. No shade at these sites. Vegetation is sparse grasses and lechuguilla. Pine Canyon proper is accessed via a 2-mile hike from the end of this road.

 

Views

Great views of the Chisos Mountains are available from all sites. Views of Crown Mountain and the Sierra del Carmen are especially scenic.

 

Cautions

Day hikers may park vehicles near the gate at the end of the road. The road may be frequently travelled throughout the day. Lock and secure your vehicle and campsite while away.

 

Remarks

Pine Canyon trail, located at the end of the road at the old gate, is moderate for the first mile and a half. The last half mile of trail is difficult and steep over loose gravels. The trail ends below a high pouroff that flows only after a rain. The canyon is named for its ponderosa pines. The pine/oak forest here is a relict of the last ice age!

Campsite Photos

 

Pine Canyon 1 Campsite

 

Pine Canyon 2 Campsite

 

Pine Canyon 3 Campsite

 

Pine Canyon 4 Campsite

 

Pine Canyon 5 Campsite

 

Hiking in Pine Canyon