East Rim 5 Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Rim 5 is a designated backcountry campsite in Big Bend National Park, Texas.


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Summary

It requires a permit (no fee if reserved online via recreation.gov) and must be reserved in advance—no walk-ins. There are no amenities: no toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, or RV access (backpacking only). The site sits on the scenic East Rim Trail at over 7,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains, offering expansive desert and mountain views in a high alpine setting. Popular nearby hikes include the South Rim and Boot Canyon Trails. Best visited October–April; summer temperatures and storms can be extreme. A serene, remote experience ideal for experienced backpackers.

       

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Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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