Camp ObserverBig Bend National Park
Directions
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters).
Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.
Reviews
Big Bend National Park remains a stunning destination with excellent camping and hiking experiences, enhanced by memorable wildlife sightings such as bear families. While most visitors enjoy the peaceful and magical atmosphere, occasional disturbances from unexpected events have been reported.
Beautiful and scenic views
Clean and well-maintained facilities
Good campsites with level ground
Friendly and helpful staff and camp hosts
Excellent hiking trails nearby
High temperatures and limited shade
Presence of biting insects like gnats and mosquitoes
Limited or no shower facilities in many areas
Noise from generators, wildlife, other campers, and occasional staff events
Crowded or closely spaced campsites reducing privacy
Kannah P
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.
Ezequias F
Reviewed 8 days ago
What a view. Throughout the day you see the mountains and at night you see the milky way. Going to sleep you'll get a nice cool breeze, none of that Texas heat.
Richard S
Reviewed 10 days ago
Soooo beautiful! Wish I stayed another night.
Shannon B
Reviewed 11 days ago
Such a great campsite! Fabulous views and close to a visitors centre where we got great advice from Jimmy. Absolutely would stay again.
jaymarion f
Reviewed 13 days ago
shane was very helpful! i stopped by big bend on a whim but i had no clue what i was doing. as i was trying to figure out what i was doing, he stopped to make sure i was alright and help me set up for my camp that night. next day i hiked Emory peak! i’ve never been camping so i was surprised by how pleasant of a stay it was out there! definitely going back soon
Riannon A
Reviewed 13 days ago
Big Bend is my favorite National Park that I have visited. Chisos Basin Campground was breathtakingly beautiful. The sites were spaced perfectly. The bathrooms were clean. The ranger who checked on us was kind and informative. We loved seeing the Milky Way!!!!! Best camping experience of my life, honestly.
Popularity: Very quiet
Busiest in August, when about 4% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.
Campgrounds
Big Bend National Park has 103 campgrounds, 238 campsites in total.
