What exactly is zone camping?

[happyhiker39]

I'm guessing it's the same thing as car camping. You drive out to a spot and camp right? I am guessing the roads are tricky out there for zone camping? I'm so new to all this and apologize in advance if I'm asking dumb questions.

[randell]

The backcountry areas of the park are divided into zones.  There are quotas on how many campers can occupy a zone at one time to preserve the fragile areas and ensure privacy.

Here is more info and a map of zones:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc-zone_camping.htm

[Casa Grande]

I'm guessing it's the same thing as car camping. You drive out to a spot and camp right? I am guessing the roads are tricky out there for zone camping? I'm so new to all this and apologize in advance if I'm asking dumb questions.

no, no car camping.  you have to hike/backpack out to the 'zone' you have signed up for at PJ....i believe there are a maximum of 2 parties of 5 per zone?? not sure, the link randell provide will help

[Robert]

Group size is limited to 15. But this statement is confusing:

Within the backcountry, the group size limit is 15 people. Larger groups must split up and may not camp in adjacent zones.

[Picacho]

Last time I was in Big Bend there were people camping IN Homer Wilson's house.  Some people.

[McTullis]

Sorry..we were afraid of the javelinas. Looked like a safe place to be.

Ya'll haven't lived til you've slept in a condensing pipe at the mariscal mine!

[Casa Grande]

Last time I was in Big Bend there were people camping IN Homer Wilson's house.  Some people.

 

Ya'll haven't lived til you've slept in a condensing pipe at the mariscal mine!

     

[tjavery]

Ya'll haven't lived til you've slept in a condensing pipe at the mariscal mine!

I'd be more afraid of mercury poisoning than any critter in the park  

[01ACRViper]

Group size is limited to 15. But this statement is confusing:

Within the backcountry, the group size limit is 15 people. Larger groups must split up and may not camp in adjacent zones.

the way i figure it is that if you have 16 people, you can't divide up into 2 groups and get 2 permits for the same zone for 8 people. though they might bend on one person, or you could just accidentally miscount :lol:

[Robert]

the way i figure it is that if you have 16 people, you can't divide up into 2 groups and get 2 permits for the same zone for 8 people. though they might bend on one person, or you could just accidentally miscount :lol:

Well I agree that's what they are trying to say but the use of "adjacent zones" is confusing. If anything should be that you can't be in the same zone.

[okiehiker]

There are four main types of camping in Big Bend (excluding illegal and RV)

1. Developed campgrounds.  These are Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin and Cottonwood.  They include 191 individual and 11 group sites.  Most are first come first served but some are available by advance reservation.

2.  Roadside sites.  There are 72 roadside sites scattered throughout the park.  Each will acommodate 2 to 10 people.  These are primitive sites, often accessed only by rough roads.

3.  Designated backcountry campsites.  In the high Chisos backpackers must camp at designated sites in order to prevent overcrowding and resource damage in sensitive areas.  

4. Zone camping.  This also is backpacking camping.  You must camp at least 1/2 mile from AND be out of sight of any road so it is not car camping .  Zones accommodate 10 to 60 people.  Maximum group size for a backpacking party is 15 people.  EVEN IF the zone will take 60.  The NO ADJACENT ZONES rule is made for groups like the Boy Scouts who might come with 25 kids.  They tend then to get 2 permits and camp "on the edge" of adjacent zones... and voila... you have one group that is too large.  This is a no no.  

The rules are fairly simple once you understand them.  All permits except a few of the developed campgrounds are first come first served and available not more than 24 hours in advance of use.

I hope this helps.

[happyhiker39]

Thanks everyone! You have been a tremendous help .  I liked getting all the descriptions of the different type of camping in the park.

[xseption]

2.  Roadside sites.  There are 72 roadside sites scattered throughout the park.  Each will acommodate 2 to 10 people.  These are primitive sites, often accessed only by rough roads.

Can you give me an example of a roadside site? Would that be like Pine Canyon?

thanks!

~ edd

[jeffblaylock]

2.  Roadside sites.  There are 72 roadside sites scattered throughout the park.  Each will acommodate 2 to 10 people.  These are primitive sites, often accessed only by rough roads.

Can you give me an example of a roadside site? Would that be like Pine Canyon?

thanks!

~ edd

https://cms.imr.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

[xseption]

https://cms.imr.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

Thanks Jeff!