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Big Bend National ParkRainbow over the desert
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Big Bend National Park
Primitive camping along the River Road
 
The Punta de la Sierra as seen from the River Road
NPS/Eric Leonard
The Punta de la Sierra as seen from the River Road.
 

This remote 51-mile route parallels the southern boundary of the park and the U.S. border with Mexico. Parts of the roadway follow the Rio Grande, but most of the road is a considerable distance from the river, especially near Mariscal Mountain. The western end of the River Road is quite rough and much of the road becomes impassable following any rain. Approximate driving time is 5 hours between Castolon and Rio Grande Village.

There are fourteen campsite areas along the River Road with a total of twenty-nine (29) individual campsites.

Select a primitive roadside campsite for descriptions and images:

Gravel Pit
La Clocha
Solis
Fresno
Talley
Elephant Tusk
Dominguez Trailhead
Woodson's
Jewel's Camp
Loop Camp
Johnson's Ranch
Gauging Station
Black Dike
Buenos Aires
 
Map of the River Road
NPS
Map of the River Road
 
Find a park map here!
Park Maps
Chart Your Course
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Washout on the Old Ore Road
Backcountry Road Conditions
Current conditions on Big Bend's dirt roads
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Road guide cover
Backcountry Road Guide
Purchase a detailed road guide from the Big Bend Natural History Association
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Along the River Road
River Road Camping Advisory
Information regarding camping at some River Road sites
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A Window sunset  

Did You Know?
There are two trails that provide access to "The Window." in the Chisos Basin of Big Bend National Park. The Window Trail is a strenuous five mile round-trip to the base of The Window, and the The Window View Trail is a .3 mile loop that provides excellent views of the Basin.
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Last Updated: November 30, 2006 at 16:41 EST