For the benefit of organized groups of nine [9] or more people wishing to camp in Big Bend National Park, certain areas have been designated as group campsites. These sites are made available on a reservation basis only and are subject to certain regulations or conditions. Reservations may be made up to 360 days in advance.
For purposes of using these campsites, a group is defined as ten or more people who use a common kitchen for cooking and eating, arrive and leave as a group or single entity, and have a leader who assumes full authority and responsibility for the group and its actions while in the park.
Reservations will not be made for any group whose size exceeds the available capacity in any one group campground. Additionally, each group must consist of a minimum number of ten people. Individual site size determines maximum number allowable (see below).
Reservations for group camping can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Big Bend National Park cannot make reservations for group camping.
Parking spaces may be limited and vehicles may have to be parked some distance from the actual camping areas. There is no vehicle camping allowed in the group campsite areas. Trailer hook-ups are not available at any of the group campsites.
Reservations
Call 1-877-444-6777 or go to recreation.gov for group reservations.
Length of Stay Limitations
Occupancy of group campsites is limited to 7 consecutive nights and 14 nights total between November 15 and April 15. Camping in the park for more than 28 days in a calendar year is prohibited.
Fees and Fee Waivers
The park entrance fee (non-commercial) of $20.00 per vehicle is payable at the Maverick or Persimmon Gap entrance stations, or at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. In addition, fees for group campsites are $3.00 per person, per night.
Fee waivers may be granted under specific circumstances. Educational groups may request a fee waiver for park entrance fees.
Occupancy
Sites must be occupied by a minimum of nine persons each night. No group may leave an unoccupied camp set up overnight or with only token occupants. Groups wishing to use the backcountry or travel to other areas for overnight stays should be prepared to vacate their site during those times. All items left in unoccupied campsites are subject to impound.
Reserved sites may be occupied after 1:00 p.m. on the day of the reservation, or earlier that morning if the site is vacant. Groups must vacate their assigned sites no later than 12:00 noon on the scheduled departure date to allow incoming groups to occupy the site.