Notable Campgrounds
- Best for hikers: With views of Emory Peak, the Chisos Basin Campground is close to several hiking trails (including the Lost Mine Trail), and offers flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, and a dump station.
- Best for peace and quiet: The seasonal and remote Cottonwood Campground is one of the quietest, offering 25 tent camping sites, a group campground, picnic tables, water, and pit toilets.
- Best for RV camping: The Rio Grande Village RV Park is the only RV campground offering full hookups for campers. It has 25 sites available.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- During spring and holiday weekends, plan to make your reservation as soon as you know your dates. Some campsites are reservable up to six months in advance.
- Consider checking two weeks before your trip, as some campsites can only be reserved two weeks in advance. Otherwise, plan to arrive at the park early to grab any unreserved sites. Check ahead of time if any first-come, first-served sites are available.
- If traveling light or with a high-clearance vehicle, you can try to secure a backcountry or primitive roadside campsite, which can be reserved six months in advance.
When to Go
Peak season is from November to April, with the park busiest in March, April, and summer holidays. Summer temperatures can be dangerously hot, reaching over 100°F. Avoid hiking during summer afternoons. The visitor centers at Rio Grande Village, Persimmon Gap, and the Castolon Historic District are closed in summer. Visit in late winter or early spring to see the Big Bend bluebonnets in bloom.
Know Before You Go
- The park is massive. Be sure to have plenty of gas, water, food, and supplies, although the park offers several camp stores and one gas station near Panther Junction.
- Permits are required for backcountry camping, fishing, and river trips. Some backcountry permits (including backpacking sites) are only available from Panther Junction.
- Wood and ground fires are not permitted. A charcoal or propane grill can be used for cooking. Many campsites do not permit generator use, or have limited hours.
- Pets are allowed but not inside buildings or on trails.
- Visitor centers, some campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin, and several trails (the Founder’s Walk, Panther Path, Window View Trail, and Rio Grande Village Nature Boardwalk) are wheelchair-accessible.
- Swimming is not recommended in the Rio Grande due to swift currents and pollution. Don’t drink from the Rio Grande either, even if you filter the water.
Big Bend National Park
This massive park in far west Texas offers plenty of rugged and remote room to roam.
One of the most geographically diverse parks in the US, Big Bend has a vast landscape that stretches from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos Mountains. Its canyons, carved by the Rio Grande River, separate the United States from Mexico and offer opportunities for rafting, paddling, and fishing. There are also more than 200 miles of dirt roads and trails to explore, from scenic drives to rugged hiking trails along historic villages and hot springs. With so much to see, you’ll want to spend a few days at either a developed campground or a backcountry campsite. Just don’t forget to look up at the incredibly dark skies once the sun goes down.
One of the most geographically diverse parks in the US, Big Bend has a vast landscape that stretches from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos Mountains. Its canyons, carved by the Rio Grande River, separate the United States from Mexico and offer opportunities for rafting, paddling, and fishing. There are also more than 200 miles of dirt roads and trails to explore, from scenic drives to rugged hiking trails along historic villages and hot springs. With so much to see, you’ll want to spend a few days at either a developed campground or a backcountry campsite. Just don’t forget to look up at the incredibly dark skies once the sun goes down.
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Big Bend National Park
Spend a night at the 5,400-foot high Chisos Basin with a significant other and you may just be eligible for the coveted Mile High Club. If you don’t know what that means, we’ll tell you when you’re older. With running water, picnic tables, flush toilets, grills and a dump station this 60-site campground has just about everything you’d ever want (e Read more...
This campsite is located right next to a very famous body of water, betcha can’t guess which one? That’s right, the Amazon River!! Wait a second. . . ? Ok we were just pulling your leg. The Rio Grande is, indeed, correct! Just beyond the river bank, this 100-site campground with flush toilets, picnic tables, grills and running water is set among a Read more...
No its not just a mirage, those really are pit toilets! Ok we know you’re excited, but simmer down. Seriously you’re at like a 9. 5 right now and we need you to be at more of a 6. Well, since you’re so excited about pit toilets, who knows what will happen once you find out there are grills, water and wait for it… PICNIC TABLES! Your enthusiasm for Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Peak season is from November to April, with the park busiest in March, April, and summer holidays. Summer temperatures can be dangerously hot, reaching over 100°F. Avoid hiking during summer afternoons. The visitor centers at Rio Grande Village, Persimmon Gap, and the Castolon Historic District are closed in summer. Visit in late winter or early spring to see the Big Bend bluebonnets in bloom.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Is camping allowed in Big Bend National Park?
Yes, you can camp overnight in Big Bend. There are several campgrounds available for tent and RV camping in Big Bend National Park, such as Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, and Rio Grande Village campgrounds. Additionally, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers its own camping options. You can find more information and book a campsite at Hipcamp. For public parks and campgrounds, you cannot make reservations on Hipcamp, but you can learn about them.
What is the best month to camp Big Bend National Park?
The best month to camp in Big Bend National Park is typically October or November. During these months, temperatures are cooler and more comfortable, ranging from 50°F to 80°F, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the park. Additionally, these months see less rainfall and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. Spring, specifically March and April, is another good time to visit, but it's essential to be prepared for the possibility of occasional rain showers. Keep in mind that summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, which can make camping and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Big Bend National Park?
Securing a Big Bend National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Big Bend National Park campsite reservations. Try getting a reservation by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Big Bend campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Big Bend National Park?
Most Big Bend National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Big Bend National Park campsite reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Big Bend National Park campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —