National Park Service
Learn about camping and boondocking on lands managed by the National Park Service
Is Dispersed Camping Allowed in Denali National Park?
No, dispersed camping is not allowed in Denali National Park. The National Park Service restricts all camping to its six (6) developed campgrounds, or to backcountry camping. Three (3) of those campgrounds are open to cars, vans, and RVs. The other three are restricted to tents only. Is Dispersed Camping Allowed in Denali National Park? The National Park Service (NPS) does not allow dispersed camping or boondocking anywhere within Denali National Park. All campground camping is restricted to one of six developed units… Backcountry Camping Backcountry Camping is allowed throughout the park, but you must obtain a backcountry permit at ... Read more
Is Boondocking Allowed in Big Bend National Park?
Yes and no. Boondocking and dispersed camping is not technically allowed in Big Bend National Park. However, the park does have 64 primitive backcountry “roadside campsites”. These are effectively what most people refer to as “designated dispersed camping”, and for all intents and purposes, these sites give you the same isolation and wilderness-immersion as boondocking. Read more to learn more about these. Is Boondocking Allowed in Big Bend National Park? Boondocking and dispersed camping is NOT allowed in Big Bend National Park. However, the park does offer a total of 64 “primitive backcountry roadside campsites”. Each of these sites are ... Read more
Map of Roadside Campsites at Big Bend National Park
This map of backcountry roadside campsites at Big Bend National Park is based on information published by the National Park Service. It displays the sixty-four (64) designated backcountry campsites for car camping, van camping, and RV camping.
Yarborough Pass, Padre Island, TX
Yarborough Pass is a primitive camping area located along the Laguna Madre. It is accessed by driving down South Beach for approximately 15 miles then traversing on a high clearance four-wheel drive sand and caliche road for 1.6 miles. There are four campsites with shade structures, but dispersed beach camping is also allowed.
South Beach, Mile 5-60, Padre Island, TX
South Beach, Mile 5-60, differs from Mile 0-5 in that 4WD is required, whereas at Mile 0-5, 2WD is allowed. The entire 60 mile stretch of Padre Island National Seashore is accessible from only one entrance, and that entrance starts at the north with Mile 0, thus if you went the full 60 miles, you have to retrace your route back north to get out.
South Beach, Mile 0-5, Padre Island, TX
Miles 0-5 along South Beach, Padre Island is open for free, dispersed camping. This section of South Beach is open to 2WD vehicles, whereas South Beach Miles 5-60 requires 4WD. The only amenities at Miles 0-5 are vault toilets and trash dumpsters. A permit is required to camp here, which can be obtained for free on site at the information kiosk.
North Beach, Padre Island, TX
North Beach is one of four dispersed camping areas in Padre Island National Seashore. A permit is required to camp here, but the permit is free and can be obtained at the information kiosk on site. In addition, there is a park entrance fee that must be paid at the gate. You can buy a 1-day, 7-day, or year pass. An Interagency Pass works here too.
Chiriaco Summit Campground
Chiriaco Summit Campground How Crowded: Rarely crowded, almost always plenty of campsites available. How Noisy or Peaceful: Usually very peaceful. Cellular Phone Signal: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, all come in strong here. Road Conditions: hard packed gravel road into the campground and throughout. There is a turnaround at the end. Amenities Within Campground: No amenities. Cost of Camping: Completely free.
