Site Ernst Tinaja, Loop

Big Bend National Park | Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Type: MANAGEMENT

Enter dates to check availability

Site Details

• Checkout Time: 12:00 PM
• Max Num of People: 10
• Min Num of People: 1
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Site Access: Drive In
• Campfire Allowed: No
• Checkin Time: 01:00 PM

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

• Is Equipment Mandatory: No
• Max Num of Horses: 0
• Max Num of Vehicles: 2
• Max Vehicle Length: 25
• Min Num of Vehicles: 1
• Driveway Entry: Pull-through
• Driveway Surface: Gravel
• Double Driveway: Yes

Need to Know

• You will NEED a rugged, high-clearance vehicle with good tires to access this campsite. A passenger car or mini-van will not be able to access this campsite.

  This 26 mile-long primitive road follows the early 1900s historic route used to transport ore from Mexican mines to the railroad station in Marathon. This road has excellent vistas of the Chisos Mountains and Tornillo Creek, and passes through the foothills of the Deadhorse Mountains, including the cliffs of Alto Relex. 

  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. 

• Capacity

  Ernst Tinaja (ET-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 10 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle size is 25'. No trailers.

  Details and site photos are available at: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/campsite_ernst-tinaja.htm 

• Directions

  Ernst Tinaja 1 (ET-1) is located near the southern end of Old Ore Road , 4.5 miles north of the paved road. A short, 0.2 mile access road leads to ET-1. A short distance beyond the site is the trailhead. 

• Road Conditions

  The Old Ore Road is extremel y rocky and rough. It is maintained for high clearance vehicles only. Following rains and heavy use, the road becomes very rutted and requires 4-wheel drive. Always ask a park ranger for current road conditions. 

• Views

  Great views of the Chisos and nearby hills. 

• Cautions

  Ernst Tinaja is a popular day-use attraction. Given its close proximity to this campsite, do not leave valuables unattended for long periods of time. Expect frequent passing vehicles.

• Remarks

  This popular site sits at the mouth of a limestone canyon noted for three things: vibrant orange swirling striations in the rocks, fossils of giant oysters, and the Ernst tinaja itself - a 13-foot natural rock pool, also known as a ‘kettle.’ Further up canyon are opportunities for bouldering. 

  A short distance beyond the campsite is the parking area for the trailhead to Ernst Tinaja. It is about 1/3 mile up the canyon to the tinaja. Do not drink from, or swim in, the tinaja. It is a natural trap for animals when the water level is low as it is often impossible to climb out of. This canyon flash floods during heavy rain events.

• You will NEED a rugged, high-clearance vehicle with good tires to access this campsite. A passenger car, mini-van, trailer, or RV will NOT be able to access this campsite.

• The Old Ore Road is rocky and rough. It is a primitive dirt road and NOT maintained for passenger cars or RVs. You will NEED a rugged, high-clearance vehicle with good tires to access this campsite. A passenger car or mini-van will not be able to access this campsite. Be prepared for driving Big Bend's backcountry  

• Ernst Tinaja (ET-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 8 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'. No trailers.

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

• Do not drink from, or swim in, the tinaja. It is a natural trap for animals when the water level is low as it is often impossible to climb out of. This canyon flash floods during heavy rain events.

Photo Gallery