Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground

A hardened surface for tents in grass and forest

Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground sits 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via the Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails. Five designated tent-only campsites feature prepared tent pads. The location offers views and western exposure, with semi-protected sites that still experience significant wind; the exposed approach trail can be difficult during high wind conditions. A Wilderness Use Permit (required, available through recreation.gov) costs $6 per person per night plus a $6 permit reservation fee. Campers must bring containerized fuel stoves (campfires prohibited), pack out all trash, and carry a landfill-safe toilet bag system (minimum one per person per night). No water, toilets, or food storage lockers are available.

Quick facts

Reservation System: A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all overnight camping. Permits can be obtained up to one day in advance through recreation.gov and are also available through advanced reservations at the same site.
Reservation Tips: Even though wilderness permits can be obtained one day before your trip, popular seasons book quickly. Make advanced reservations when possible. Have proof of required landfill-safe toilet bags ready when you pick up your permit. Verify weather forecasts and wind conditions before your visit and don't hesitate to reschedule if conditions make the trail approach unsafe.
Per Night Cost: $6 per person per night plus $6 permit reservation fee

Reservations & season

Reservation System: A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all overnight camping. Permits can be obtained up to one day in advance through recreation.gov and are also available through advanced reservations at the same site.
Reservation Tips: Even though wilderness permits can be obtained one day before your trip, popular seasons book quickly. Make advanced reservations when possible. Have proof of required landfill-safe toilet bags ready when you pick up your permit. Verify weather forecasts and wind conditions before your visit and don't hesitate to reschedule if conditions make the trail approach unsafe.
Per Night Cost: $6 per person per night plus $6 permit reservation fee
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful annual pass covers park entrance fee; Wilderness Use Permit fee ($6 + $6/person/night) applies separately

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 5
Site Types: Tent-only sites with designated tent pads. No RV, group, or horse camping.
Site Type Breakdown: Tent-only: 5 sites. RV: 0. Group: 0. Horse: 0.
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: No
Site Features: Designated tent pads at each site

Facilities

Bathroom Types: No facility toilets. Landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system required; users must pack out all waste.
Showers Available: No
Potable Water: No water available; bring all water for your stay
Dump Station: No
Trash Service: Pack it out
Camp Store: No
Firewood Availability: Gathering not allowed; fires prohibited park-wide
Cell Service: No cell service; download offline maps before your trip
Nearby Facilities: Pine Springs Campground (developed campground with facilities) accessed from the same trailhead

Access

Distance From Entrance: 6.2 miles from Pine Springs Trailhead via Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails
Accessibility: The campground is accessible only by foot trail and is not suitable for those with mobility limitations. The 6.2-mile approach hike crosses exposed terrain that can be difficult in wind.
ADA Accessible Sites: No; accessible only by foot trail

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: No food storage lockers available. All food, trash, and scented items must be packed out. Landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system required (minimum one per person per night).
Fire Restrictions: Fires, including charcoal fires, are not permitted anywhere in the park. Bring a containerized fuel stove if you plan to cook.
Pet Restrictions: No pets allowed on trails or in the backcountry

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Backcountry hiking, backpacking, photography, scenic viewing
Trailheads Nearby: Pine Springs Trailhead (starting point for 6.2-mile approach via Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails)
Best Time To Visit: Late spring through early fall (May–October) generally offer more stable weather, though wind exposure remains a year-round consideration. Winter can bring snow and below-freezing temperatures; summer brings heat at lower park elevations.
Vibe Check: This is a wilderness backpacking destination for experienced campers seeking remote solitude. Expect no facilities, significant wind exposure, full Leave No Trace responsibility, and preparation-intensive logistics.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You are an experienced backpacker comfortable with a 6.2-mile hike, prepared for exposed ridge hiking and wind, seeking wilderness solitude, and able to self-manage Leave No Trace camping. ❌ SKIP IF: You want facilities (water, toilets, shade), an easy-access first backpacking trip, shelter from wind, or companionship with other campers.
Tips Advice: Pack a sturdy, low-profile tent and quality stakes rated for high wind.
Exposed sections of the approach trail can be difficult in strong winds; check weather forecasts before your trip.
Start your 6.2-mile hike early to complete it before dark.
Carry all water for your stay (none available at camp).
Test your portable stove before the trip.
Have proof of landfill-safe toilet bags when picking up your permit.
Choose a site offering maximum wind protection and camp only on designated tent pads.

More details

Sites Tent Only: 5
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for families with young children due to remote access, lack of facilities, and wilderness conditions. Older children with backpacking experience and proper supervision by experienced adults could camp here.
Nearby Attractions: El Capitan Viewpoint, Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint, Frijole Ranch Museum, McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
Terrain Type: High elevation mountain terrain with exposed ridges and wind-swept slopes
Wind Exposure: true
Setup Strategy: Examine your site for wind protection before pitching. Orient your tent door away from prevailing winds. Drive all stakes fully and tension all guy-lines—don't skip attachment points in wind-exposed terrain. Camp only on designated tent pads to protect vegetation and maintain erosion control.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to stay here?

Yes. A Wilderness Use Permit is required for all overnight camping and costs $6 per person per night plus a $6 permit reservation fee. Permits can be obtained up to one day in advance through recreation.gov.

Are campfires allowed?

No. Fires, including charcoal fires, are prohibited park-wide. You must bring a containerized fuel stove if you plan to cook.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.

Is water available at the campground?

No. There is no water available at Bush Mountain. You must carry all water needed for your stay.

What should I know about the approach trail?

The 6.2-mile hike via Tejas and Bush Mountain Trails is exposed and crosses wind-swept terrain. High winds can make the approach trail difficult. Check weather forecasts and start early to finish before dark.

How do I handle human waste?

A landfill-safe commercial toilet bag system is required (minimum one per person per night). You must pack out all waste in these bags.