Camping in Big Bend: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations and Fees

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Big Bend

Big Bend has three developed campgrounds inside the park, an extensive network of primitive backcountry sites, and a few private options on the edge of the desert. The short answer is yes, you can camp in the park, with more than 180 sites spread across three official campgrounds. Online reservations are essential from February through April. Outside peak season, several sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan on spending between $14 and $30 per night, depending on the amenities.

Campgrounds in the park (4)

• Campground Chisos Basin Campground recreation.gov · 56 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Rio Grande Village Campground recreation.gov · 93 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Cottonwood Campground recreation.gov · 22 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Rio Grande Village RV see NPS · 25 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Big Bend?

Yes, without any special restrictions. Big Bend National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including its entrances. Camping in the park is legal and highly recommended if you want to immerse yourself in the landscape. There is one nonnegotiable rule: stay in a designated site or, in the backcountry, carry a valid permit. Free camping outside authorized areas is prohibited.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Chisos Basin Campground

At 5,400 feet in the Chisos Mountains, this campground offers a valuable advantage during the hot months: cooler temperatures. It is often 18 to 27°F cooler than the desert below. About 60 sites accommodate tents and RVs, with one important restriction: the winding access road limits vehicles to 24 feet in total length, including the hitch. Flush toilets and running water are available. Reservations are possible through Recreation.gov and are essential in March and April.

Rio Grande Village Campground

At the bottom of the valley, along the Rio Grande and just a stone's throw from the Mexican border, this campground has about 100 non-hookup sites available first come, first served, plus a separate area with electric and water hookups that can be reserved. There is no vehicle-length restriction for RVs. The heat is more intense here than at higher elevations, so avoid it in summer unless you're properly equipped. Its proximity to Boquillas Canyon makes it an excellent base for exploring the eastern part of the park.

Cottonwood Campground

On the western side of the park, near Castolon, this campground has about 20 sites and is for tents only. There is no running water or electricity, and only pit toilets are available, so the setting is decidedly rustic. The tradeoff is complete peace and quiet. No reservations are available. Sites are first come, first served year-round.

RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

If you're traveling by RV or converted van, Rio Grande Village is your natural base camp. It has hookups, no vehicle-length restriction, and clear access roads. Chisos Basin works for shorter vehicles under 24 feet and offers the best relief from the summer heat. Cottonwood is strictly for tent campers. For information about driving on park roads, dumping tanks, and filling water tanks, see the Big Bend RV camping guide.

Tent campers can choose from all three campgrounds. Chisos Basin offers the best balance of comfort and scenery. Cottonwood appeals to travelers packing light.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

When the park is full, the immediate area offers solid alternatives. In Study Butte, Big Bend Station has a small RV park with hookups, which is convenient for RV travelers who arrive too late to reserve a site at Rio Grande Village. Farther west along FM 170, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers primitive sites in a spectacular setting, managed by Texas State Parks. The towns of Alpine and Marfa, 1 to 1.5 hours away by car, round out the options with campgrounds and RV parks. For rooms and lodges, the Big Bend hotels and lodges guide and the Where to Stay in Big Bend guide cover all the options.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Big Bend is one of the few parks where backcountry camping remains accessible and lightly used. It is allowed, but you need a required permit. You can get one at the Panther Junction Visitor Center or at one of the park's secondary ranger stations for a modest fee. Primitive sites are scattered throughout the Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos Mountains, with no infrastructure or services. Plan on at least 4 liters of water per person per day in summer, and more if you're undertaking strenuous activity. Routes and backcountry zones are detailed in the Big Bend hiking guide.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Big Bend

Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, with a booking window that opens six months before your arrival date. Be ready when the window opens if you're targeting March or April. Chisos Basin fills up within hours. Outside that period, Rio Grande Village sites on a first-come, first-served basis and Cottonwood remain accessible without much advance planning. Fall and winter, from November through February, are pleasant and significantly less crowded. For the best weather window, see the guide to when to visit Big Bend.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Big Bend?

These fees are in addition to the park entrance fee, which is $30 per private vehicle or $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. The America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers admission to all federal recreation sites and pays for itself after your second park visit of the year. Our National Parks Fees and Passes page explains entrance fees and the different pass options.

Safety and Best Practices

Heat comes first. From May through August, temperatures in the Chihuahuan Desert regularly climb above 100 to 104°F by midmorning. Plan activities before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., carry at least 2 liters of water per hour of exertion, and never head out without a hat and sun protection.

Scorpions and snakes. Big Bend is home to the Arizona bark scorpion and several rattlesnake species, including the western diamondback. Always shake out your shoes and clothing before putting them on. Never put your hands under rocks or into crevices.

Managing food. Black bears live in the park, especially in the Chisos area. Store food in your vehicle's trunk or in the food-storage lockers provided at campgrounds. This is not optional. Javelinas and raccoons are also highly opportunistic after dark. In the backcountry, a canister or the hang technique is essential. To learn more about local wildlife, see the Big Bend wildlife guide.

The Rio Grande. Do not swim across the river from Rio Grande Village. The international border runs through the middle of the channel, and the current can be deceptive. The official ferry crossing to Boquillas, Mexico, is the only legal option.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

You're tent camping and want scenery: Chisos Basin. Reserve exactly six months out, as soon as the Recreation.gov booking window opens.

You're in a large RV: Rio Grande Village with hookups. You won't have any unpleasant surprises when you arrive, and your space is guaranteed.

You want solitude: Cottonwood or the backcountry. Come during the week, outside March and April.

You're traveling with your family: Rio Grande Village, which is easier to reach at lower elevation and better equipped with amenities. The guide to visiting Big Bend with kids will point you toward activities suited to different ages.

Need an overview to organize your trip? Our complete Big Bend guide brings everything together, from budget to itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions