News Release

Increased Reservations for Big Bend Campgrounds

Cottonwood Campground

NPS

News Release Date: April 23, 2021

Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS – With record visitation comes increased demand for campsites. To reduce the frustration of driving all the way to Big Bend, only to find that all campground sites are full, the National Park Service will be increasing the number of Big Bend campsites available for advanced reservations online.

Beginning November 1st, Big Bend National Park campground operations will change. Approximately 2/3 of the campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin Campgrounds will remain reservable up to six months in advance. The remaining 1/3 of the campsites will now be reservable, but only up to 14 days in advance. In addition, all campsites at Cottonwood Campground will now be reservable up to 14 days in advance. Adding these sites to the reservation system with a shorter booking window will allow those visitors who thrive on the flexibility of last-minute travel to still plan a visit to Big Bend and secure a campsite. 

“We’ve heard loud and clear that people want us to expand the park’s reservation system, and I’m excited that we’re able to respond,” said Superintendent Bob Krumenaker. “The reservation system will allow more visitors to plan their Big Bend adventure well ahead of time and guarantee they have a campsite when they arrive. I’m happy that these changes will now also provide a reservation option for the more spontaneous traveler who finds it difficult to plan six months ahead.”

Campground reservations are available online via www.recreation.gov, or through the help center at 1-877-6777. Campsites are $16 per night, and $8 per night for holders of the Interagency Senior (US citizens aged 62+) or Access Pass (permanently disabled US citizens).

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  A Night Under the Stars

  Big Bend Camping

  There are four developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, and primitive backcountry camping too.

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  Stay in the Basin

  Chisos Mountains Lodge

  The full-service Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only lodging within Big Bend National Park.