Site Paint Gap 3, Loop

Big Bend National Park | Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Type: STANDARD NONELECTRIC

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Site Details

• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Site Access: Drive In
• Checkin Time: 12:00 PM
• Checkout Time: 12:00 PM
• Location Rating: Prime
• Max Num of People: 6
• Min Num of People: 1

Permitted Equipment

• Tent
• Large Tent Over 9X12`
• Pickup Camper (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Caravan/Camper Van (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Small Tent
• Car (Max length: 25 ft.)
• Vehicle (Max length: 25 ft.)

Driveway Details

• Driveway Entry: Back-in
• Driveway Surface: Gravel
• Double Driveway: No
• Is Equipment Mandatory: No
• Max Num of Horses: 0
• Max Num of Vehicles: 2
• Max Vehicle Length: 25

Need to Know

• Capacity

  This site was Paint Gap 4 until June 1 2024. Paint Gap 3 Campsite (PG-3) can accommodate 2 vehicles*, 6 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'

  *NOTE: No Trailers at this site.

  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.  

  Site details and photos are available at: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/campsites_paintgap.htm  

• Access

  Paint Gap Road is 6 miles west of the Panther Junction Visitor Center along the north side of the main park road (Route 13). PG-1 is one mile down the improved dirt road. Paint Gap Hills road is generally in good condition and accessible to all vehicles up to campsite PG-2. This road ocassionally floods during rainstorms and may be impassable to passenger vehicles. Beyond PG-2 high clearance is required at all times. The road is very rocky and rutted where it enters "Paint Gap" and may require 4-wheel drive to reach the ranch site located beyond PG-3. 

• Vegetation

  There is no shade at these campsites. Thick vegetation near PG-2 provides some cover. PG-3 is in the "gap" with some shade in early morning or late evening. 

• Views

  Good views of the Chisos Mountains from PG-1and 2. Nice views of Paint Gap Hills from PG-2and 3. Dripping Spring and an old ranch site are located at the end of the road beyond the "gap". A wide array of color is visible in Tornillo Creek to the north. 

• Cautions

  Javelina frequent this area. Secure all food in your vehicle, including coolers. Pick up all trash. Javelina become aggressive around food. 

  This road may be impassable when wet due to heavy rains. Use discretion.

• Remarks

  Remnants of an old ranch site are located at the end of Paint Gap Road. Not much is left today except some fencing, a trough, a crumbling stone ruin, and assorted historic debris scattered among the cresosote. The ranching period ended with the establishment of Big Bend National Park. 

• Maximum capacity for this campsite is 2 vehicles and 6 people. No Trailers. Maximum vehicle length is 25'

• You are responsible for protecting YOUR park. All Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced.  

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