Top Camping Sites in Big Bend National Park

When it comes to camping, few places can compare to Big Bend National Park. With over 800,000 acres of land to explore, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you are looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing float down the river, Big Bend has something for everyone.

There are many different types of camping, each with its own benefits. However, car camping is by far the best type of camping for Big Bend National Park. Car camping allows you to bring all of your gear with you, which means you can be prepared for anything.

Additionally, it allows you to get away from the crowds and really experience the solitude that the park has to offer.

Chisos Basin Campground

Chisos Basin Campground is a secluded campground located in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park. The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,400 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are 30 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Water spigots are located throughout the campground, but there is no hookup for RVs. Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are also available.

The Chisos Basin Campground is open year-round, but access may be limited in winter due to snowfall. Fees are $14 per night for camping, and an additional $3 per person per night for those using the showers. A free backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays in the park (including at the campground).

Which Big Bend Campground is Best?

There are many different campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, each with their own unique benefits and features. Choosing the best campground for your needs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your group, the type of camping you prefer (tent or RV), and your budget.

If you’re looking for a scenic campsite with plenty of space for a large group, Chisos Basin Campground is a great option.

This campground has 64 sites, all of which have stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Chisos Basin is also centrally located within the park, so it’s easy to get to all of the major attractions. For those who prefer more privacy and solitude, Cottonwood Campground may be a better choice.

This smaller campground has only 30 sites, but they are spread out over a larger area so you won’t feel crowded. Cottonwood Campground is also located near some great hiking trails, so it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re traveling with an RV, Rio Grande Village Campground is the best option in Big Bend National Park.

This campground has full hookups available for RVs (electricity, water, and sewer), as well as a dump station. There are also laundry facilities and showers available at Rio Grande Village Campground – perfect if you’ve been roughing it in the wilderness for awhile!

What Do I Need to Know About Camping in Big Bend National Park?

If you’re planning on camping in Big Bend National Park, there are a few things you should know. First, the park is huge – over 800,000 acres – so you’ll want to make sure you have a good map and know where you’re going. There are four main campgrounds in the park – Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, Rio Grande Village and Pebble Beach – and each has its own unique features.

second, because the park is so big and remote, cell phone service is spotty at best, so be sure to bring a paper map (or two) just in case. Third, while temperatures during the day can be quite hot (100+ degrees Fahrenheit), nights can get very cold (below freezing), so make sure you have warm clothing and a good sleeping bag. Finally, because of its location on the Rio Grande River, Big Bend is home to some amazing wildlife – including javelinas, deer, bighorn sheep and even black bears.

So be sure to keep your food stored properly (in bear-proof containers) and be alert for wildlife when hiking.

How Safe is Camping in Big Bend National Park?

Big Bend National Park is one of the safest places to camp in the United States. The park is located in a remote area of Texas and has very few visitors each year. There are no roads leading into or out of the park, so visitors must either hike or take a boat to reach their campsite.

This isolation means that there is little crime in the park and visitors can feel safe camping here.

Where Can I Camp When Big Bend is Full?

There are a few different options for camping when Big Bend is full. One option is to camp at one of the nearby state parks, such as Chisos Basin State Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Another option is to camp on private land outside of the park boundaries.

This option requires advance planning and permission from the landowner. Finally, there are a few developed campgrounds located just outside of the park boundaries that may have availability even when the park is full.

CHISOS BASIN CAMPGROUND Site Exploration & Review | BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK | Texas

Conclusion

There are many different ways to camp in Big Bend National Park. However, the best camping is definitely primitive camping. Primitive camping allows you to be more in touch with nature and experience the true beauty of the park.

There are no showers or flush toilets available, but there are pit toilets scattered throughout the park. Water is also limited, so you will need to bring your own water supply.