Site McKinney Spring, Loop

Big Bend National Park | Big Bend Backcountry Camping

Type: MANAGEMENT

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Site Details

• Campfire Allowed: No
• Checkin Time: 01:00 PM
• Checkout Time: 12:00 PM
• Max Num of People: 6
• Min Num of People: 1
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Site Access: Drive In

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

Need to Know

• You will NEED A rugged High-Clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle with sturdy tires to access this campsite. A passenger car, RV, trailer, or mini-van will NOT be able to access this remote campsite. 

• Capacity

  McKinney Spring (MS-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 6 people, no horses.

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

• The 26 mile-long primitive Old Ore 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. You will NEED A rugged High-Clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle to access this campsite.

  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.

• Directions

  McKinney Spring campsite (MS-1) is located along the Old Ore Road , 7.3 miles from the northern end or 19.0 miles from the southern end. The access road is 50 yards long. It will take approximately 60 minutes of driving (each way) along a rocky, rugged gravel road to reach this campsite from the northern end of the Old Ore Road. It will take over 3 hours from the southern end. 

• Road Conditions

  Old Ore Road is maintained for rugged high-clearance 4x4 vehicles only. Following rains and heavy use, the road becomes very rutted and may become impassable. Always ask a park ranger for current road conditions.

• Vegetation

  There is no shade at this campsite. Vegetation includes creosote, lechuguilla, grasses, and shrubby mesquite. There is a small grove of cottonwood trees 0.25 miles up the nearby drainage.

• Views

  Great views of the Chisos Mountains to the southwest. The campsite is in a small valley which offers wind protection.

• Cautions

  Javelina frequent this area due to the water source. Please keep all food and coolers in your vehicle.

• Remarks

  The campsite is in a small valley near the McKinney Spring creekbed. The site is protected from wind. The wash downstream of the site leads to Tornillo Creek after a few miles.

• 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 4-wheel drive vehicle to access this campsite. Be prepared for driving Big Bend's backcountry 

• McKinney Spring (MS-1) can accommodate 2 vehicles, 6 people, no horses. Maximum vehicle length is 25'. No trailers.

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

• Javelina frequent this area due to the water source. Please keep all food and coolers in your vehicle.

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