Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

PO BOX 129
BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX 79834

Notice

The planned construction of the Big Bend National Park Chisos Mountains Lodge and other Chisos Basin facility improvements, originally scheduled to begin in May 2026, will not proceed as planned.

Importantly, Big Bend National Park remains fully open to visitors. Due to the construction delay, previously planned closures of the Chisos Basin will not take place, ensuring continued access to the park’s facilities and breathtaking landscapes. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing updates as we work toward bringing these important improvements to fruition.

Apr 2, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026

Overview

Chisos Basin Group Campground, situated high in the rugged Chisos Mountains, is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. It has seven group camping sites available for groups of nine to 20 people (size is site-dependent). At an altitude of 5,400 ft. (1646 m),, the campground is surrounded on all sides by tall, rocky cliffs and conveniently located near some of the park's most spectacular and popular trails. The Rio Grande is only a short drive away.

Also found in the area is the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the General Store and the Chisos Mountains Lodge , which houses the only restaurant in Big Bend National Park.

Recreation

This campground is a hub for hikers. Some of the park's most spectacular and popular Day Hike trails are nearby, including the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, the South Rim Trail and the Pinnacles Trail, with its access to the park's highest point, Emory Peak (elevation 7,825 ft./2385 m). Campers can find the trailheads for most of these trails in the main Chisos Basin area a mile or so further down the Basin road from the campground.

Access to the river is approximately 30 miles (48 km) away, where visitors can canoe, kayak and fish.

Facilities

The group campground is located approximately 1/4 mile (.4 km) away from the main Chisos Basin Campground. Each site comes with a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage container and some sites come with picnic shelters for shade. All campsites are within easy walking distance to drinking water and toilets. No RVs, trailers, or generators are allowed.
Group Site "O" allows for ONE smaller (up to 20 feet/6 m) recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV) to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively walk-in, tents only.

Natural Features

The national park is named for a curve in the Rio Grande called the "big bend." For 1,250 miles (2012 km), the river is an International Boundary between the United States and Mexico.

The campground lies at the base of several sloping cliffs amidst montane shrubland; desert plants such as Arizona cyprus and mesquite trees fill the landscape. Maple, aspen, pinyon and ponderosa pines grow at higher elevations just above the campground. Though it is lower than the surrounding cliffs, the Chisos Basin is at a higher elevation than other campgrounds within the park. Summer temperatures here are cool, yet warmer than other areas in fall and winter due to the cold air sinking into lower regions.

The Chisos Mountains are a popular nesting site for migratory birds . The mountains provide the only nesting ground in the United States for the Colima Warbler, which arrives in mid-April and departs for its wintering grounds in southwestern Mexico by mid-September.

Nearby Attractions

Big Bend National Park encompasses 801,000 acres (324,153 ha) and the Chisos Basin area is centrally located. This allows visitors an excellent opportunity to explore all areas of the park in a relatively short drive. Big Bend offers excellent hiking trails, miles of rugged dirt roads, and endless possibilities for sightseeing.

Camp site features

Across 7 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 7 sites
Pets allowed: all 7 sites
Group sites: all 7 sites
Longest rig: 30 ft
Largest party: 20 people

Fees

Entrance Fee. Big Bend charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, military, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

Directions

From Interstate 10, take highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and then on to Marathon. From Marathon, go 40 miles south on Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight 26 miles (42 km) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right and drive for three miles (1 km). Turn left at the Basin sign and go seven miles (2.1 km) before making a right into the campground road.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

70 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Amanda G

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Absolutely incredible!! We had a group camping site which fit our group's 7 tents comfortably, a large covered pavilion with plenty of bench seating and bear box to store food while away. The surrounding landscape was breathtaking and you could see every star in the sky at night. Bathrooms were clean and close to the campsite. You will need a vehicle that has higher elevation to get around some of the park roads. A sedan would not be able to get over the rocky terrain.

Ronny S

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

The group campsites were great with the restrooms and dish washing station close by. Our geoup had a fantastic time with the high adventure group hitting emory peak while others did the Mexico excursion and dozens of trails in-between. The camp host was friendly and had a lot of great advice to offer. 10 out of 10 experience l.

Kelly P

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Nice campsite. Very close proximity to other campsites so can hear voices etc. late at night and early morning. Not everyone is considerate of quiet hours

Joshua B

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Group site M has a great unobstructed view of the Window. It has very few level areas for tents but is doable. It doesn't have cover for picnic tables, but has the best view. The parking is tight for more than two cars. You can fit three if you park two of them in.

Amanda S

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

During our visit, we experienced a medical emergency involving one of our adult volunteers. The officer who assisted us—whose name, I believe, was Officer Mark—was exceptional. He responded quickly, helped manage the situation, and provided steady support to our group of 12 Boy Scouts and 4 adults. His professionalism and kindness made a very difficult moment much easier for all of us. We are deeply grateful for his assistance and will not forget the care he showed our group.

Ramiro R

Loop:Group Sites L-R

Site:

Reviewed 8 months ago

The view and weather in this site is simply amazing

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 6% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.