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Big Bend Overland Adventure Camping

Hosted by Chris · Study Butte, Texas
3 sites · Tent · 100 acres
96%
·
28 reviews
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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 in the Wild West Texas Backcountry of the Big Bend Region If you’re looking for pavement, hookups, or cell service—you’re in the wrong place. Big Bend Camp is 100 acres of raw Chihuahuan Desert backcountry, deep in the West Texas wilds near Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This is true overland camping—primitive, remote, and as real as it gets. We’ve got three isolated backcountry campsites. No facilities. No distractions. Just you, your rig, and some of the most rugged, wide-open terrain in the Lower 48. Designated an International Dark Sky Reserve—Big Bend camp has some of the darkest skies in the US—with epic stars and the Milky Way blazing overhead. ⸻ Only high-clearance 4x4s belong out here—leave the soft-roaders behind. Sure, a 4x2 might make it, but 13 miles of rough desert track will test your rig. If it’s not built for it, don’t risk it. And make no mistake: this is wild country. You might spot javelina, aoudad, bobcats, bats, mule deer, foxes, rabbits, roadrunners, falcon and hawks riding thermals overhead. Even the occasional mountain lion roams these parts—though rarely seen, you may hear one in the distance. And yes, rattlesnakes and bear live here too. Stay alert. Respect wildlife. This is their home. ⸻ What You Get: • 3 primitive, private campsites on 100 acres of desert • Total off-grid experience—no water, no power, no cell • Between Big Bend NP, Big Bend Ranch SP, and Black Gap WMA • Vast views, rugged terrain, unbeatable stargazing • Common wildlife sightings (no people, just nature) ⸻ Seasonal Notes: • Spring (Mar–May): Best season—mild temps, blooming cactus, epic sunsets • Summer (June–Aug): Brutally hot—temps easily hit 100°F+. Travel early, rest mid-day, and carry extra water • Fall (Sept–Nov): Cooler days, crisp nights, great for hiking and long stays • Winter (Dec–Feb): Can get cold, especially at night—pack for wind and sub-freezing temps • Storms: Monsoon season (late summer) can bring flash floods—stay alert near washes and low spots ⸻ Big Bend Camp isn’t Glamping. It's an Adventure! If you’re experienced, self-reliant, and looking to get way out there—Big Bend Camp is your kind of place.
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Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland

100%
(15)
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.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
No picnic table
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Cliff Site - Advanced Overland

91%
(11)
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.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
No picnic table
from
$6
/ night
for NaN guests
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Panorama Site - Novice Overland

94%
(8)
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.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
No picnic table
from
$6
/ night
for NaN guests
from
$6
/ night
3 sites

Reviews

96% Recommend34 ratings · 28 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.
2 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.
9 months 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.
9 months 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.
10 months 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.
10 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.
3 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.
3 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.
2 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.
4 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
Recommends
· March 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
If you’re looking for a secluded spot, far away from pretty much everything, you’ve found it. No amenities, no water, no nothing except a spectacular view. Fortunately that’s just what we were after and Chris’s land delivered. The starry night skies were a great bonus. We didn’t see another human the entire time we were out there, again, perfect for us. It was a bit farther drive through the back country than I had anticipated, a bit further from getting into Big Bend itself, but it ended up being worth it. The “roads” were pretty well maintained for back country dirt roads, and were fairly easily navigable. I didn’t need to use 4 wheel drive at any point, however with less ground clearance than my rig has, or with any rain/mud whatsoever, that would quickly change. Overall, a great spot. Thanks!
J
Jamie C.
8 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Hilltop site
Tent · Group trip ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
Great spot if you want to get off the grid. Lost cell service and then drove about 35-40 minutes to the site. Mostly Jeep trails not that hard. I have a 2024 defender didn’t have to put it in low or anything like that. Pretty easy to find. Beautiful scenery nobody around.
Avatar
Steven B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2023
Overlander's Delight
Tent ·
Cliff Site - Advanced Overland
This site gives you a proper location for overlanding in a capable off-road vehicle–It was everything I wanted for my trip to Big Bend! Be prepared for some enjoyable maneuvers getting to this spot and enjoy a night under the stars surrounded by west Texas landscape.
J
James B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2023
Tent ·
Panorama Site - Novice Overland
We came into the camp from Terlingua Ranch Road coming north from Terlingua. My rig is an F350 diesel fully loaded at 13,000 pounds with a slide in truck camper. It was a little fun at times given the weight of the rig but in a standard truck or jeep they will be no problems. The coordinates were dead on using Google maps, but for some reason my Navigation system didn’t take the coordinates properly and tried to route us to big Bend Park. The views were spectacular, but definitely check the wind forecast as you have absolutely no wind protection. Will definitely go again given the right weather forecast.
J
Jeffrey A.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2023
A+ views, sunrises, sunsets
Tent ·
Hilltop Site - Moderate Overland
This was a great site! Exactly what we were looking for!
Avatar
A B.
2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Study Butte, Brewster, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Chris K.

Joined in December 2018

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