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How Much Does It Cost to Camp in Big Bend National Park?

So you’re doing some budgeting for your next Texas camping trip. Camping at Big Bend National Park varies in price, depending on the campground and amenities chosen, so here’s everything you need to know about Big Bend camping costs.

Aside from camping fees, Big Bend entrance pass costs $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. The entrance fee for motorcycles is $25, and individuals entering on foot or bicycle will pay $15 for a 7-day pass. Other options include the $55 Big Bend annual pass or an $80 annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass, which unlocks access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. You can buy your pass in advance online via Recreation.gov or at the entrance gate, but know that no cash is accepted—all fees must be paid by credit or debit card.

Reservations are not required to enter Big Bend National Park, though you will want to make any camping reservations in advance.

Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Brian Kinney

Campsite fees in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park hosts four developed campgrounds: three frontcountry campgrounds with potable water and restroom facilities, plus an RV park area with full hookups, in addition to backcountry campsites. All Big Bend campgrounds require advance reservations, so you’ll need to plan ahead up to six months in advance, or create a Hipcamp Alert to be notified of cancellations for the best shot at a last-minute site. Here’s a campground breakdown.

Rio Grande Village Campground (year-round): From $16/night

This riverfront campground has 93 sites, including four group campsites. Tent and RV campers are allowed. Here, you’ll have access to flush toilets and coin-operated showers, while a camp store and visitor center are nearby. The Rio Grande Village Group Tent Campground area features four group sites for groups of 9+ at $60-$100/night.

Rio Grande Village RV Campground (year-round): $36/night for double occupancy

Operated by Aramark, not the National Park Service, this spot features 25 back-in RV campsites with Big Bend’s only hookups (water, electrical, and 3-inch sewer connection). The Rio Grande Village camp store is nearby. No tents allowed!

Chisos Basin Campground (year-round): $16/night ($8 with Senior Pass)

Chisos Basin is set at 5,400 feet in the middle of the national park, under a mile from the Chisos Mountains Lodge and visitor center. The 56 campsites are open to tent campers and RVs under 24 foot. Expect flush toilets, potable water, and one wheelchair-accessible campsite (#37). Campers here are well situated to visit “the Window” from its trailhead.

Cottonwood Campground (November through April): $16/night

Cottonwood is your bare bones option on the park’s remote west side. With 22 campsites (each hosting up to 8 campers, aside from one group site), this is Big Bend’s quietest campground. Amenities for tent and RV campers include pit toilets, picnic tables, grills, and potable water but no dump station. No generators allowed!

Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Lizzie Jespersen

Backcountry camping (November through April): $10/night ($5 with Senior Pass)

A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping in Big Bend National Park. (Most permits can be permitted up to 6 months in advance via Rec.gov, but some must be picked up at either the Panther Junction or Chisos Basin Visitor Center, up to 24 hours in advance of your first night’s stay.) It’s worth noting that permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and often sell out between October and April.

Backcountry camping must be done in designated campsites either in the High Chisos Backpacking Sites or the Primitive Roadside Sites—no dispersed camping is allowed, even in the backcountry. Campers must be self-sufficient, as water, toilets, and other amenities are unavailable in the backcountry. Four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are typically required for the Roadside Sites’ dirt roads, while the High Chisos Backpacking Sites are accessible only via backpacking one to six miles in—there is no vehicle access.

Other unique campsites near Big Bend

Camping in the park isn’t the only way to experience its magic. From secluded scenic land to a vintage school bus, there are a number of Hipcamp options near Big Bend National Park entrances that can suit your camping needs. Here are some of our favorites.

Find a Big Bend campsite

Coyote Crossing

13 tent sites
From $19/night
21 acres

Take in the Coyote Crossing sunsets as you prepare for a day of exploring the nearby Big Bend National Park. This 21-acre primitive tent area boasts scenic mountain views plus access to toilets.