- Chisos Basin Campground
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Chisos Basin Campground
60 sites · RV, Tent
Campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
Sewer hookups
No electric hookups
Explore 97 campgrounds near Big Bend National Park
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Available campgrounds nearby
Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Big Bend National Park
Willow Creek Camping Company
Willow Creek Camping Company
99%
(475)
14mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away in the rugged desert landscape of Terlingua, Willow Creek Campground offers a peaceful, off-grid camping experience just minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. Set on 20 private acres, this small, rustic campground provides a quiet, scenic base for exploring the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding mountains.
Guests can choose from a mix of tent and small RV sites, some equipped with water and 30-amp power hookups. The campground features clean bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, and a community sink for dishwashing. Fire rings and shade structures are available at select sites, and the wide-open skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing in this official dark skies region.
Willow Creek is known for its laid-back atmosphere, desert views, and proximity to hiking, river access, and the quirky charm of the Terlingua Ghost Town. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and easy access to West Texas’ wildest places.
On the east side of highway 118 1.3 miles from Study Butte (grocery store, gas station)
4.3 miles from big bend national park west entrance
6.0 miles from Terlingua ghost town
17 miles from Barton Warnock Visitors Center (tx state park)
shade structure site 1-2
small campers up to 22'
water and 30a power site 1-5
This is a dark skies community. Please be mindful of your surrounding and limit your use of headlights and noise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Bus Stop Campground
The Bus Stop Campground
99%
(619)
25mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
🌵 Welcome to The at The Bus Stop Campground! 🌄
Your peaceful desert getaway nestled in the heart of West Texas! Our 12-acre campground is surrounded by stunning mountains, offering the perfect base for your next Big Bend adventure. 🏜️✨
🏕️ What We Offer:
We have 10 campsites ready to welcome you! Whether you're rolling in with a Sprinter van, a small RV (14ft or shorter), or just pitching a tent, we’ve got everything you need for a comfy, relaxing stay. 🌙
✅ Each Campsite Includes:
🔌 Electric hookups
🚰 Running water
🪣 Wash tub (perfect for dishes!)
🍴 Picnic table
🪑 Seating area
🔥 Fire pit (bring the marshmallows!)
📶 Amazing Wi-Fi — yes, even out here in the desert!
🚿 Bathhouse Amenities:
Our on-site bathhouse will keep you feeling fresh after a day of adventuring!
🚻 4 private bathrooms
🚿 2 double showers
🚿 Outdoor shower — perfect for rinsing off under the stars 🌌
🌟 Why Stay Here?
🧭 Our location is a gateway to adventure! Here are just a few epic activities nearby:
🌵 Big Bend National Park – Explore stunning landscapes, epic hikes, and endless stargazing.
🐎 Horseback Riding – Ride through the wild, open desert.
🏍️ ATV Tours – Get your adrenaline fix with off-road fun.
🌊 River Rafting – Experience the Rio Grande up close!
🥾 Hiking & Mountain Biking – Endless trails to discover.
🚌 Want to Stay in Our Famous Bus Airbnb?
Our converted military bus offers a unique stay with all the comforts of home! Check it out on Airbnb by searching: "The Terlingua Bus Stop"
📋 Other Things to Know:
We welcome RVs up to 14ft, Sprinter vans, truck/car camping or tent campers.
Pets are welcome! 🐾 Just be sure to keep them leashed.
Campfires allowed (as long as there’s no burn ban in effect). 🔥
🏜️ Come for the Adventure, Stay for the Stars! 🌌
Our dark sky campground is perfect for stargazing — bring your camera or just sit back and soak in the magic of the Milky Way.
⚡ EV Charging ⚡
Each site includes a standard 50-amp RV hookup, which may also be used for EV charging with your own adapters and equipment. EV charging is optional at $20 per night. Please note: power in Terlingua can be unreliable, and outages affecting the entire area are possible. Charging is not guaranteed and is offered at your own risk.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Temple of the Bird
Temple of the Bird
100%
(114)
19mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Terlingua's only Hostel. Walking distance to all things in the Historic Ghost Town. We offer private rooms, a bunk room, primitive campsites and small motorhome sites. Huge communal area with a large bar (BYOB), well appointed kitchen, very nice bathrooms/showers, as well as frequent live music. Focusing on creating a strong community, social gatherings, including pot luck and fundraisers, and celebrating music, Willie Nelson and all things middle fingered. As we tell everyone, no need to wave with all your offensive fingers when it only takes 1 finger to say "I Love You!" We have a lot of fun here and have become a real social spot in this incredible community. When staying here you can expect to meet other travelers and locals alike. If you play music, all the better, as music usually fills the air here. From the house piano to any number of friends who stop by just to jam for a while. We are 21 and up, due to having a bar (BYOB) and just want adults to feel comfortable being adults . So bring an instrument, a sense of humor and a middle finger and come experience the magic that is Terlingua, Texas.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Way Out There Ranch
Way Out There Ranch
100%
(1)
25mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Way Out There Ranch, LLC – Off-Grid Desert Camping &; Dark Sky Sanctuary
Escape to wide-open desert skies at Way Out There Ranch. Our off-grid ranch welcomes overlanders, tent campers, artists, nature lovers, and stargazers seeking true quiet and connection. Here, the stillness is so deep you can hear your own heartbeat.
Why Stay With Us?
🔭 The Views: Unobstructed 360-degree horizons and Tier-1 Dark Sky stargazing.
⛰️ The Terrain: Over 150 feet of elevation change across 60 acres of high-desert ridges and ancient sea beds.
🎨 Artist-Owned: Founded in 2005 by local artists Christine and Douglas. When we aren’t at "The Fort" (our hand-built rock house), you can find our work at Venga Café in the Ghost Town.
🛣️ The Access: Direct dirt-road access to theTerlingua Ghost Town.
🚛 The Setup: Our "Overlook Camp" accommodates up to 3 setups—perfect for overlanding convoys.
Explore the Trails
We have hand-crafted a network of rock-lined walking trails that weave throughout the property, offering a "natural museum" experience:
Vista Lookouts: Follow the stones to hidden vantage points equipped with hand-built rock benches—the ultimate spot for sunset meditation or morning coffee.
Desert Treasures: The terrain is rich with ancient fossils and unique flora. We invite you to explore the fun of the desert with every step.
Grade Changes: Expect rewarding climbs and diverse vistas designed for the curious hiker.
Current Amenities
🚽 Private Composting Toilet: Clean and eco-friendly.
🔥 Community Area: Dedicated BBQ and hangout space.
🏗️ Coming Soon: We are currently perfecting an outdoor shower, an indoor "hangout" galley, and two vintage trailer rentals.
Host Note on Navigation :
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the 14-mile dirt road trek.
Bring all drinking water.
Limited to no cell service.
Summer temperatures can be extreme.
Best suited for experienced, self-sufficient campers. Overland trail moderate.
Upon booking, you will receive our Offline Arrival Guide with GPS coordinates and landmarks.
All guests are required to complete our digital liability waiver prior to arrival. Bookings not accompanied by a signed waiver will be canceled with a full refund.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
94%
(157)
13mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
10% SUMMER DISCOUNT CODE: UVTPEFCP
Valid for Stays May 16- Sept 1, 2026
DIRECTIONS: Traveling to Terlingua Ranch Lodge:
**DO NOT USE GPS**
1. Fuel up in Alpine or Study Butte, depending on which direction you are traveling from.
-From Alpine: take HWY 118 South out of Alpine approximately 62 miles until you come to the only left turn lane. Turn
left on Terlingua Ranch Road. You will see the large white Terlingua Ranch Lodge sign.
-From Study Butte: take Hwy 118 North 16 miles from the ALON gas station, turn right at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge
sign.
2. Follow Terlingua Ranch Road approximately 16 miles. The first 13 miles are asphalt. There is not a center stripe,
please stay on your side of the road. THE LAST THREE MILES ARE ON A MAINTAINED DIRT AND GRAVEL ROAD. It can be
wash-boarded in areas. Please drive slowly and observe speed limits to help protect our roads
We are proud to be a part of The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. All guests are requested to keep
their site as dark as possible between 10pm and 6am.
Fire Ban: Due to extreme drought, only gas grills and propane burners are allowed. NO charcoal or wood fires.
PARK INFO:
While we are adjacent to Big Bend National Park, it is approximately 36 miles to the Maverick Junction entrance of Big Bend National Park and an additional 22 miles to Panther Junction Headquarters and Visitors Center.
We are about 32 miles to Study Butte and about 37 miles to Terlingua Ghost Town area.
Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Coyote Crossing
Coyote Crossing
99%
(737)
14mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 9 sites
Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks.
Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend.
Traveling highway 118
you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station.
Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others.
When arriving at night it will be very
dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly
on the highway on the west side of 118.
Trash Dumpster up front for your use.
No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE,
leave it as you find it..
Pets
Toilets
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
97%
(1301)
18mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 50 sites · Tents, RVs
This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions.
The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events.
The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's.
Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Yaqui Moon Ranch
Yaqui Moon Ranch
97%
(15)
20mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come enjoy Mountain View’s from both sides of this mini ranch located just 30 minutes off a paved road. We have just one tent site & stone fire ring set up at the moment so the entire property would be yours to enjoy. Our property includes the base of a large hill, seasonal river/ ravine and a large plateau area with ample parking, road and level Rv turn around.
Pets
Campfires
Casa de Keaveny Cabin and Campsite
Casa de Keaveny Cabin and Campsite
100%
(17)
21mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Beautiful land in the Chihuahua desert north of the Christmas mountains and south of the famous 9 point Mesa. Just north of Mexico and 30 min from Big Bend National park and The Terlingua ghostown . West Texas.
Off grid small house running on solar power and rain water catchment.
Very cozy.
Plenty of land for camping also, discuss with Jim for pricing, if interested.
Mr. Keaveny built the house himself over a 15 year period.
Very private, although Mr. Keaveny lives on the property in his Jayco most of the time, and sometimes a camping site is rented ----however always giving the house lots of space. Great place for long term rental, see discounts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Perdido Overland Overnight Camp
Perdido Overland Overnight Camp
98%
(168)
15mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We bought our property in 2003. Built our completely off-grid cabin in 2009, and moved out here full time in 2015. Since 2015 we've been continually improving our property and in 2019 had the idea to start a small campsite on the backside of our property in a private valley. A valley that while private and secluded has excellent 360 degree views.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
Jackass Flats Campground
Jackass Flats Campground
95%
(286)
29mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access.
The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies.
Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident donkeys, mules and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT FEED THEM.
Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving.
NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area.
Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password can be acquired within the store.
We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items for sale on the property to meet your needs at The Little Burro Country Store.
You can also find more of what we offer through our Linktr.ee. https://linktr.ee/jackassflatsimprovement
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Big Bend Overland Adventure Camping
Big Bend Overland Adventure Camping
95%
(47)
26mi from Chisos Basin Campground · 3 sites
Big Bend Camp — Remote Overland Sites (High-Clearance Required)
ATTENTION: REQUIREMENT CHECK
Big Bend Camp is 100 acres of raw Chihuahuan Desert. This is True Overlanding. If you are looking for a standard campground with pavement or cell service, this is not the site for you.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
CAPABLE: High-clearance AWD (Subaru Forester/Outback, etc.) or factory 4WD (Jeep, Truck, SUV) are perfectly capable and welcome.
PROHIBITED: Low-clearance "Pavement-Only" vehicles. Minivans, Sedans, and Subcompacts will not make it. You will bottom out, sustain undercarriage damage, or become stranded. 13 miles of rough desert track is not the place to test a city car.
NAVIGATION & SELF-RELIANCE:
GPS WARNING: Standard Google/Apple Maps will fail. They often route visitors to locked private gates 3 hours away. You must be comfortable using offline mapping (onX Offroad, Gaia, or GPX files).
NO SERVICES: There is no help, no water, and no cell service. You must be prepared to manage your own flat tires and recovery.
THE ADVENTURE
Located near Terlingua, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
3 Private Sites: Total seclusion. No neighbors, no noise.
International Dark Sky Reserve: Unbeatable stargazing and Milky Way views.
Wildlife: Javelina, Aoudad, Bobcat, and the occasional Mountain Lion. This is their home; please respect it.
SEASONAL NOTES:
Summer: Potentially lethal heat (100°F+). Bring double the water you think you need.
Monsoon: Watch for flash floods in dry washes.
Winter: High winds and sub-freezing nights are common.
FINAL WORD:
Big Bend Camp is for the self-reliant traveler. If you have the right vehicle (AWD/4WD), the right tools (Offline GPS), and the right mindset, this will be the most memorable adventure of your trip. If you are unprepared, the desert is unforgiving. Do your homework before you drive in.
Pets
Campfires
99%
111 ratings · 45 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Great view no shower
Tent
Loved the campground but there are NO showers. So keep that in mind. Hiking from campground is hard lots of elevation every direction.
J
Jonathan E.
9 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Triple threat park life
Tent
Big Bend is a rarity in the NPS system because it offers three distinct ecosystems in one park: the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande, and the Chisos Mountains. It’s one of the few places where you can be standing in a high-altitude pine forest at noon and be looking at a limestone canyon in the desert by sunset. I visited here back in the '90s which is not an option to tag on hipcamp. Did a backpacking trip on the south rim and it was amazing!
Craig J.
16 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
16 ft truck camper · Group trip
Good spot
Koty M.
15 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With kids
Very hot, but very worth it.
K
Kailey C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip
We had an incredible time at this site. It felt very private while still offering a shower and bathroom. The stars were absolutely stunning and by far the best stargazing we have experienced.
Karen was extremely helpful in getting us settled and also shared great suggestions for activities. Her dog Mojo came by to hang out, which was a fun bonus. The location is ideal, very close to Terlingua and just a short drive to the park. I would absolutely stay here again and have already recommended it to others. Thank you, Karen!
Z
Zach S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Chisos Basin campsite 060
Tent
Great campground - cell signal, clean restrooms, beautiful sights. I will say, not all camp sites are the same. Some have shade, others have back-in spots for your car, others barely have space for a tent. But, with enough research and persistence you can snag a great spot!
M
Marianna W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent
Surprisingly pleasant in the summer. A reprieve from the desert heat.
M
Mike T.
15 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
My favorite Texas spot thus far.
K
Keith H.
10 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
One of the best parks. Went in December. Not too cold and was less crowded. Had Santa Elena Canyon and a few other trails to myself. Highly recommend Emory Peak and to take the drive down Ross Maxwell Drive to Sotol Vista for sunset.
W
Whitney W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Dark sky
Tent
I was super excited to be able to stay here before the renovation. The sites were spacious and clean. The bathhouse was also very well kept up and clean. The park itself was absolutely amazing.
M
Michael S.
12 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent
I loved it! I saw a cool bear :)
M
Micah H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · Group trip
Obsessed with this NP! Can’t wait to go back ¨̮
S
Siulee C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Travel trailer · With pets
Absolutely beautiful 4x4 drive to the campsite. The river was very low with lots of dead trees around it, especially near the campsite overlook, still a peaceful secluded spot to camp.
Misty Roze K.
17 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
BIBE
Tent
Actually camped at the primitive sites located along the unmaintained roads within the park. They were clearly marked and Google Maps worked to get you there. Would love to go back again.
M
Michael T.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent
Wonderful site and hosts. Can’t wait to return!
K
Kaylee G.
8 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent
Fantastic place to camp. Beautiful views
D
Dean P.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent
Backpacked in 10 miles to the east rim and camped, absolutely beautiful sunrise and tons of stars, you can see the entire Milky Way. Highly recommend 5/5
B
Brycen B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · Group trip
Really nice area
E
Emily M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent
Amazing spot in the basin. Great view of the night sky
M
Maggie Y.
8 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent
Coldest place in Texas during the summer. And you never saw stars as beautiful as the ones you’ll see out there. Great hiking, beautiful sunsets, gorgeous mountains, most definitely the best this state has to offer.
J
John A.
2 reviews
LocationChisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
Campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
Sewer hookups
No electric hookups