1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Texas
    /
  4. Study Butte
1 / 100
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Texas
    /
  4. Study Butte

Big Bend Overland Adventure Camping

Hosted by Chris · Study Butte, Texas
3 sites · Tent · 100 acres
95%
·
35 reviews
Avatar
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Big Bend Camp — Remote Overland Sites (High-Clearance Required) ATTENTION: REQUIREMENT CHECK Big Bend Camp is 100 acres of raw Chihuahuan Desert. This is True Overlanding. If you are looking for a standard campground with pavement or cell service, this is not the site for you. VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: CAPABLE: High-clearance AWD (Subaru Forester/Outback, etc.) or factory 4WD (Jeep, Truck, SUV) are perfectly capable and welcome. PROHIBITED: Low-clearance "Pavement-Only" vehicles. Minivans, Sedans, and Subcompacts will not make it. You will bottom out, sustain undercarriage damage, or become stranded. 13 miles of rough desert track is not the place to test a city car. NAVIGATION & SELF-RELIANCE: GPS WARNING: Standard Google/Apple Maps will fail. They often route visitors to locked private gates 3 hours away. You must be comfortable using offline mapping (onX Offroad, Gaia, or GPX files). NO SERVICES: There is no help, no water, and no cell service. You must be prepared to manage your own flat tires and recovery. THE ADVENTURE Located near Terlingua, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. 3 Private Sites: Total seclusion. No neighbors, no noise. International Dark Sky Reserve: Unbeatable stargazing and Milky Way views. Wildlife: Javelina, Aoudad, Bobcat, and the occasional Mountain Lion. This is their home; please respect it. SEASONAL NOTES: Summer: Potentially lethal heat (100°F+). Bring double the water you think you need. Monsoon: Watch for flash floods in dry washes. Winter: High winds and sub-freezing nights are common. FINAL WORD: Big Bend Camp is for the self-reliant traveler. If you have the right vehicle (AWD/4WD), the right tools (Offline GPS), and the right mindset, this will be the most memorable adventure of your trip. If you are unprepared, the desert is unforgiving. Do your homework before you drive in.

Select a site

Filter by

Tent-only sites

3 sites
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland

100%
(21)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
MODERATE - Indicates access to the site requires patience and skill for experienced Overland Adventurists. 4WD is required. High clearance is mandatory. 10-ply rugged terrain tires are needed. Chihuahuan Desert camping with fantastic sunrise and sunrise views of the Chalk Draw Mtns and sunset splendor over 9-Point Mesa. Desert plants and wildlife surround you (mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, quail, and dove). Big Bend Camp is in Terlingua Ranch for the overland adventurist seeking remote camping. The property is 100 acres sitting on top of the cliffs overlooking Chalk Draw with 360-degree panoramic views of Big Bend National Park, Nine Point Mesa, Rosilla Peak, and Christmas Mountains. The overland camping adventure trip begins when you leave the pavement! Once you turn off of Terlingua Ranch Rd, you will traverse 13 miles on the back roads of Terlingua Ranch. The first 6 miles are relatively easy, but 4WD is still recommended during wet circumstances. Take your time driving slowly through the valley and taking in the surrounding vistas. The last 6 miles will challenge your overland driving skills a little as you ascend the area toward Big Bend Camp. This is where 4WD will be handy as you cover some steep canyon draws, dry creek beds, and cross Cedar Springs Creek (usually dry). Once you reach your destination, you will be completely off-grid with no cell phone coverage, human interaction, and complete solitude. If you are a serious overland adventurist, I doubt you want access to civilization. Still, if you do, Terlingua Ranch Lodge is 6 miles east on Terlingua Ranch Rd from where you turned off, offering a restaurant, showers, and pool (pay/day). Please check in at the main office.
4WD required
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Cliff Site - Advanced Overland

92%
(13)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
ADVANCED - Indicates access to the site requires advanced offroad skills navigating narrow trails with no site lines as reference. Having a spotter is recommended. Highly skilled Overland Adventurists should only attempt accessing this site. 4WD is required. High clearance is mandatory. 10-ply rugged terrain tires are needed. Chihuahuan Desert camping with fantastic sunrise and sunrise views of the Chalk Draw Mtns and sunset splendor over 9-Point Mesa. Desert plants and wildlife surround you (mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, quail, and dove). Big Bend Camp is in Terlingua Ranch for the overland adventurist seeking remote camping. The property is 100 acres sitting on top of the cliffs overlooking Chalk Draw with 360-degree panoramic views of Big Bend National Park, Nine Point Mesa, Rosilla Peak, and Christmas Mountains. The overland camping adventure trip begins when you leave the pavement! Once you turn off of Terlingua Ranch Rd, you will traverse 13 miles on the back roads of Terlingua Ranch. The first 6 miles are relatively easy, but 4WD is still recommended during wet circumstances. Take your time driving slowly through the valley and taking in the surrounding vistas. The last 6 miles will challenge your overland driving skills a little as you ascend the area toward Big Bend Camp. This is where 4WD will be handy as you cover some steep canyon draws, dry creek beds, and cross Cedar Springs Creek (usually dry). Once you reach your destination, you will be completely off-grid with no cell phone coverage, human interaction, and complete solitude. If you are a serious overland adventurist, I doubt you want access to civilization. Still, if you do, Terlingua Ranch Lodge is 6 miles east on Terlingua Ranch Rd from where you turned off, offering a restaurant, showers, and pool (pay/day). Please check in at the main office.
4WD required
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Panorama Site - Novice Overland

88%
(13)
Tent site · Sleeps 8
NOVICE - Indicates access to the site is relatively easy for experienced Overland Adventurists. 4WD is recommended (not required), and high clearance is necessary. 10-ply rugged terrain tires are recommended. Chihuahuan Desert camping with fantastic sunrise and sunrise views of the Chalk Draw Mtns and sunset splendor over 9-Point Mesa. Desert plants and wildlife surround you (mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, quail, and dove). Big Bend Camp is in Terlingua Ranch for the overland adventurist seeking remote camping. The property is 100 acres sitting on top of the cliffs overlooking Chalk Draw with 360-degree panoramic views of Big Bend National Park, Nine Point Mesa, Rosilla Peak, and Christmas Mountains. The overland camping adventure trip begins when you leave the pavement! Once you turn off of Terlingua Ranch Rd, you will traverse 13 miles on the back roads of Terlingua Ranch. The first 6 miles are relatively easy, but 4WD is still recommended during wet circumstances. Take your time driving slowly through the valley and taking in the surrounding vistas. The last 6 miles will challenge your overland driving skills a little as you ascend the area toward Big Bend Camp. This is where 4WD will be handy as you cover some steep canyon draws, dry creek beds, and cross Cedar Springs Creek (usually dry). Once you reach your destination, you will be completely off-grid with no cell phone coverage, human interaction, and complete solitude. If you are a serious overland adventurist, I doubt you want access to civilization. Still, if you do, Terlingua Ranch Lodge is 6 miles east on Terlingua Ranch Rd from where you turned off, offering a restaurant, showers, and pool (pay/day). Please check in at the main office.
4WD recommended
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

Reviews

95% Recommend47 ratings · 35 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
This spot had amazing views! It is a long drive to the sight, make sure you plan to arrive well before dark so that you can navigate to the without issues.
J
James Garrett E.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· March 2026
Panoramic? More like PANIC Site.
Tent · Group trip ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Overall, the campsite was in a beautiful location, but getting there was the most traumatizing drive of my ENTIRE life. There were 6 people in my group and we had a university-rented Chrysler Pacifica. The roads to the campsite were very treacherous and having high clearance was a MAJOUR REQUIREMENT we were unaware of (there was nothing in the listing and we were in too deep before we realized the mess we were getting ourselves into). I downloaded the recommended navigation app and paid for the subscription that the host told me to get to avoid trespassing on private property, but not only did the app still take us to a locked gate after 1 hour of driving, but it also failed to guide us once we got on the backroads. It took us almost over 3 hours to get to the campsite and I had mental trauma, the bottom of our van had physical trauma, and overall, was the most stressful campsite I have ever had to navigate to in my years enjoying nature. Even being prepared and reading everything the host had sent me, this was still a highly negative experience for me and the rest of my group.
E
Ella S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
Great location, clean, a bit windy but not much dust. Definitely would go there again
B
Bill P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Fun drive to the site. Avoid arriving after dark, like I did and take it slow. Budget 2.5 hours after you turn off the main highway, so take that into account if you have a park itinerary. Very remote, no cell reception, at least with ATT. Make sure you have off road tires. I arrived during a rain, so some spots were muddy but still passable. Excellent communication from the owner. I will visit again.
S
Steven D.
3 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
You gotta travel far to get away
Tent · Group trip ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
What a treat! The property is pristine and I don't have words for the view. 10/10 would recommend to folks trying to get away from park crowds, rugged camping, jeepers, and the like. Just to reiterate what other folks have said... you do need 4 wheel drive to get out there and it takes about an hour from the main hw to reach the sight for experienced drivers (maybe a little longer for noobs). As my husband would say, it's 90% Tesla road, 8% Subaru road and only 2% Jeep road. Be prepared for the wind.
A
Amanda C.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
The camp site was great. Barely saw a soul for a week, and no cell signal either! Total win as far as I’m concerned.
S
Scott G.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Big Bend get away
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
Chris's site was such an amazing experience. It was fairly easy to get to and once we arrive we were absolutely stunned at how beautiful the views were. The night sky was amazing. Will definitely return for another stay.
G
Gary C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
This camp spot was awesome a fun trail to get out there. This is exactly as he’s described it, intended to be a fun off road drive out and a great isolated camp spot. We loved it.
R
Rudy M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Panorama Site - Tent camping
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
I thoroughly enjoyed camping on Chris’s land. The off-road drive there was incredible, and once I got to the Panorama site, I could understand how it got its name. Will definitely be coming back! Stars were beautiful, didn’t come across any dangerous wildlife, and my truck made it just fine without putting it in 4x4. The onX directions Chris sent to me led me there perfectly, never a question on where I was, but there is absolutely no cell service, so download the map to be able to view offline/via satellite. Very rocky region so don’t expect to be able to stake your tent down, but plenty of big rocks to tie off to. Thanks Chris!
J
Jonathan M.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Awesome Site! Great Owner!
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
We booked this place as a back up site, and unfortunately had to cut our trip short and we’re not able to stay at the site. The owner was great to deal with. Great communication, great info about the site, and great directions that I was able to plug right into OnX. I will book this site again for sure, but come back when it is a little cooler.
J
Jonathan W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Those views tho....
Tent · With kids ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Beautiful views away from it all. Chris was very prompt to answer my questions and provided us with excellent directions to his property and camping spots/options. I would recommend and stay again!
J
Julia B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Cliffside had an amazing view. Chris was easy to contact and provided the camp location via html file that I uploaded in OnX. I’m not sure I would have found it otherwise. But the directions were perfect and sent us right to the location. It was a wonderful experience because you are completely on your own.
B
Brad T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· March 2025
Not worth the view
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Beautiful view but is extremely remote and hard to navigate. 10 miles on an up and down rock road with bad directions and NO WiFi. Would not recommend if you have any vehicle other than an all wheel drive (we had an fwd). Our car got pretty scratched up just getting to the site. We were also uncomfortable driving all the way down to the site’s parking due to the steep incline. Had to park around 100 yards away to ensure we didn’t get stuck with no way out. Though the host was nice and tried to give directions (through some written direction via chat and a gpx file that gives general directions once your basically there), it wasn’t simple and you can get lost easily. More warnings would have helped us to choose to camp elsewhere.
S
Sarah D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2025
Solitude and peace.
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Panorama site was easy to get to. The entire property in very secluded and quiet. If you want peace and solitude then this is the place for you. There is no cell or internet so this is about connecting with yourself. I stayed at the cliffside spot which takes a bit more work to get into but was not difficult. Lots of silence and wide expanse of views. Would recommend this.
E
Eric M.
7 reviews
Recommends
· February 2025
Amazing views
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Loved our adventure on Chris’ property. Spectacularly beautiful views. We stayed on the Hilltop campsite. Hilltop had 360 panoramic views of the horizon. The sun does set behind a mountain to the west but amazing views in all directions. The panorama site also has nice views. (You pass it on the way to the Hilltop. From the hilltop site you can see the cliff site. The cliff site has an amazing view to the east, but it is nestled down from the hilltop campsite so will have less of an open western sky. You can see the cliff side site from the hilltop site if that matters to you. Chris has labeled all of the sites accurately as far as difficulty. The campsites are about 1 hour from the hwy 118 terlingua ranch rd turnoff. There are almost no buildings or lights near you so it felt wonderfully isolated. Stars and sunset were absolutely stunning. Chris was great in communicating and shared the gps offline files with us. We found everything without difficulty. Will definitely be returning to this amazing spot.
Avatar
Mark P.
11 reviews
Recommends
· January 2025
Beautiful
Tent · Group trip ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
The host was unresponsive and the ground was rather difficult to put the tent stakes in, but everything else was amazing. The sky was beautiful, the sunsets and sunrises were magnificent. You really felt like you were all by yourself, not a soul around you visible. I definitely recommend this campsite, especially for such a great price.
A
Austin H.
8 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Tent camping
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
Great views, not too hard to get to. Very remote location, nice to be able to have a fire. High peak let’s you see amazing 360 views.
P
Paul D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· December 2024
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Overall we had a great experience at the camp site and would come again in the right circumstances. One thing we were not prepared for was the amount of time we needed to travel to get to the campsite and to Big Bend National Park. We booked this site due to the proximity of the site to the park (based on the map) BUT it actually takes 1.5-2 hours to get the actual park. I wished this was stated prior to booking and not after. Finding this out when we were already on the way to the site was definitely a game changer! We ended up changing our entire itinerary to make it work for us. As someone who has never been to the big bend area or southwest Texas I would not recommend venturing out to this location, however if you are familiar with mapping off roads, comfortable driving through unmarked terrain, and dusty conditions this place is for you! It was great that the host sent us detailed notes, weather reports, and a file for the GPS navigation, but we ended having to use the ONX OFF ROAD app to make the file work and to fine the correct map to the site. It was still confusing for a first timer using the app. It is 26 miles of dirt roads, private roads, and unmarked rocky trails you need to follow to get to the destination. Once we got to the campsite FIVE STARS. The views are 10000% worth the drive and the set up. Be sure to watch the weather as it gets EXTREMELY windy. We got lucky and had very good weather the first part of the trip and hiked the surrounding areas.
S
Shantiana H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
Camping was private while we were there, our site was at the entrance of Chris’s property. We had a little trouble finding the place but we used onx offroad and lead us right to the campsite. We did some hiking on his property as well.
J
Juan P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
This was our second trip to Chris’s land. It’s rugged and beautiful out there. We hope to be back for a 3rd time! Highly recommend his land if you’re looking to be removed from everything.
J
Jamie C.
8 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Amazing views
Tent · With kids ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
The hilltop campsite wasn’t really awesome experience for me and my family. It was serene with beautiful views both day and night. We had a Great time. And hope to come back soon.
J
Joey Z.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Unbelievable view! Will return 100%
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
Hilltop was my first solo camping trip. Spend 2 nights and 3 days at one of the more beautiful, tranquil, and memorable locations I have ever visited. Host, Chris K., reached out immediately after booking to provide solid instructions and advice when visiting his land. I asked for the KML file (highly recommended) and he emailed immediately. Drive out to camp site was not too hairy but 4x4 is definitely a must. First thing you are hit with when climbing the final hill to your destination is a breathtaking view of the entire valley below you. Camp site is well maintained. I felt like there was not a soul around me for miles! I will most certainly be back with my sons soon. Thank you for the stay, Chris!
J
Jason M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Great campsite. Definitely have a 4x4 with heavy duty tires. The panorama site is easily reached
C
Chris S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
This spot has amazing 360 views of the Big Bend region and not another soul for miles. 10/10 recommend for experienced travelers with appropriate vehicles. PLEASE heed the host’s recommendations on being prepared with supplies and vehicle preparedness. You will be at least 20 miles from the nearest road. I lost a brand new 10 ply tire but was able to self extract. My friends who camped separately lost a battery and had a $650 tow because they couldn’t get up and running.
G
Greg R.
10 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Overland adventuring Big Bend
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Chris has a really great thing going out here. The area is incredible and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the backcountry around Big Bend while still having access to the nearby lodgings and little restaurant. Double check your maps are consistent with the actual location and leave yourself plenty of day light to get there! I’d love the opportunity to get back out to his property to stay again. The stars were just incredible!
M
Mary B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
I really enjoyed camping on Chris’s land. It was secluded, with a long, rocky road to the site. You will probably want a vehicle with high clearance and 4x4. Dark skies made for great stargazing/astrophotography and it was close enough to Big Bend National Park for a day trip. Would definitely recommend it!
Avatar
Gavin K.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Amazing panoramic views!
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
We loved camping at the hilltop site on Chris’s land! He was very helpful with instructions and directions. We were in a Land Cruiser and had no problems on the gravel road. The views at sunset and sunrise were amazing, and the star gazing was the best we have ever seen!
A
Amanda J.
5 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Views for Days !
Tent · With kids ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
It’s a long way but the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it. I will definitely visit this location again. You will be miles from anyone. I always thought it would be cool to camp at the top of Christmas mountain , this was pretty close! Highly recommend if you like to get off the beaten path.
R
Ricardo R.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
I loved tent camping on Chris’s land! The views were beautiful and directions were clear. The night sky was amazing! The trail was very easy I have 4WD and made the whole trail in 2WD. Very nice secluded area. 10/10 will camp there again. Contacting Chris was easy and he responded fast. Very pleased with the campsite.
K
Kevin F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Best views in area
Tent · Group trip ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
Very remote. One of the best views you can get in the area. His directions were amazing. Even in the dark we got there no issues.
A
Andrew S.
4 reviews

Location

Study Butte, Brewster, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Chris K.

Joined in July 2023

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Popular searches in Texas

      Camping with horseback riding
      Private sites camping
      Dog-friendly camping
      Desert camping
      Mountainous camping
      Camping with campfires
      Camping with wildlife watching
      Camping with climbing

      About us

      Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

      Hosting

      Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

      Everywhere You Want To Camp™

      Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

      Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

      Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
      © 2026 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
      Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.