Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)

Show on map432-477-1121
PO BOX 129
BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX 79834

Overview

The Rio Grande Village Campground sits near the banks of the Rio Grande, the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, especially for those traveling in large recreational vehicles. It is located close to Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs, and serves as a launch point for visitors accessing the river or the endless miles of backcountry roads. Rio Grande Village has an outstanding view of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains, located in Mexico to the east, which light up with hues of red and orange during sunset.

Recreation

The river offers ample opportunities to explore its shores and water. The river put-in allows easy access to canoeing and kayaking on the river. Birders flock to the river banks to spot such rare and unique species often found only in Big Bend.

Day Hike trails are also found nearby and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.

Facilities

  • Equipment Types. This fairly large campground has 100 campsites that range in size from small tent sites to large pull-through sites that can fit a 40-ft. (12 m) motor home. Please look carefully at each campsite description, as low hanging branches persist in the campground and not all sites are suitable for tall or long RVs and trailers.   

  • All campsites are reservable, some six months in advance, some two weeks in advance (campsites #14 (accessible), 20-25, 34, 61-65, 67-70, 72, 74-75, 87-100). There is no first-come, first served camping. A few sites are set aside for administrative use.  

  • No Hookups. There are no hookups available in the facility but each site offers a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage locker. Some are also furnished with picnic shelters for shade. Generators are permitted in some sites during designated generator hours (8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.).

  • Other amenities. All campsites are within easy walking distance to water spigots, flush toilets, and utility sinks, and for those camping in motor homes and travel trailers, a fill/dump station is provided at the campground's entrance. Showers and laundry facilities can be found at the Rio Grande Village Store just outside the entrance to the campground.

Natural Features

The mountain views, proximity to Mexico, the Rio, and shade from the surrounding cottonwood trees make Rio Grande Village Campground irresistible to visitors.

The campground is at an elevation of 1,850 ft. During the winter season (November through March) temperatures are warm and pleasant with daily highs in the mid-70s to low 80s. From April through September, this campground is extremely HOT with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees. 

Be prepared for the weather: Current Weather Readings 

Nearby Attractions

Rio Grande Village is located near the Boquillas Canyon trail, the Boquillas Port of Entry, the Marufo Vega Loop trail, the Hot Springs and Hot Springs Historic District and Daniels Ranch. It is 20 miles (32 km) from the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

Camp site features

Across 93 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: 92 of 93 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 93 sites
  • ADA accessible: 1 of 93 sites
  • Longest rig: 65 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

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 State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles (62 km) (south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 miles (42 km) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn left and proceed for 20 miles (32 km) to the Rio Grande Village area. Turn left at the stop sign and follow signs into the campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

2,050 reviews
5 stars
1,316
4 stars
474
3 stars
164
2 stars
63
1 stars
33
Kannah P
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
The campsite is well maintained and the bathrooms are clean! I will say that if you don’t like the heat this is not the best choice of sites in Big Bend (for hotter seasons at least). The Chisos Basin campground was about 10 degrees cooler during our stay in mid August. If you plan on staying in a tent Chisos was much more comfortable and had beautiful views! If you don’t mind the heat, the Rio Grande village was peaceful and gave good space between sites. There’s also a short trail that allows you to see the river and the views across the border, very cool spot! If you’d like some super cool souvenirs take some cash down the nature trail. A local artist leaves some pretty awesome stuff for sale right beyond the boardwalk.
Elio Z
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 17 days ago
Had a wonderful time. Scenery is amazing. Although it was quite difficult to sleep in my tent at 100 degrees, the proximity of available showers at the store was a refreshing welcome. I love the place.
Emilee C
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
It’s summer, so most of the sites are closed. I was there with maybe 2-3 other groups over the 3 nights I was there. The general store was open, and one of the visitors’ centers was open nearby. I stayed at site 19 which was right next to the nature trailhead. All the other sites next to it were closed so it was very quiet- however- the javelinas, donkeys with loud bells and horses like to use this particular site as a cut through to the rest of the campground and they could be pretty loud. They didn’t come to my tent and my cooler was safely stored so no issues there but they certainly didn’t respect quiet hours.
Scott H
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
The Excellent Five Star rating was for Mike who called and helped us transfer our registration to Chisos Basin because of a water main break in RGV. And Five Stars for our camp host, the campsite, and the amazing views and sunsets.
Mara D
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Had a great time, the park was gorgeous, and the campgrounds were perfect!
Eduardo F
Loop:Loop 1
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Everything was great. Restrooms are as you'd expect for an outdoor restroom. Store is walking distance with showers and snacks. I really did read the entire website and I did not find anywhere saying I can't have my vehicle on at night. I did see generators which I understand. I was instructed not to do so, which I obeyed and decided to leave. I did get a full refund for the night not used. Other then that beautiful park
Availability

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

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 1% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 8 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds