Camping

Cottonwood Campground is a shady oasis near the Rio Grande.

 

Developed Campgrounds

There are four campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds that provide drinking water and restroom facilities. In addition, a full hookup RV camping area is operated by the park concessioner, Aramark.

Wood fires and ground fires are NOT allowed anywhere in the park. A charcoal fire in an above-ground grill is allowed; ashes must be packed out. Liquid-fuel stoves are allowed.

NPS Campgrounds

• Chisos Basin Campground
  (Located in the center of the park in the Chisos Mountains)
  Open. Reservations REQUIRED.

• Rio Grande Village Campground
  (Located near the Rio Grande on the east side of the park)
  OPEN. Reservations REQUIRED.

• Cottonwood Campground
  (Located near the Rio Grande on the west side of the park)
  Closed for summer

Concession Campground

• Rio Grande Village RV Park
  (Operated by Aramark. 25 sites with full hook-ups).
  Maximum length 38 feet.
• Located adjacent to the Rio Grande Village Store.
  For reservations call 855-765-1324

Campgrounds Outside of Big Bend National Park

There are now many options for camping outside the park when Big Bend is full.

 

Backcountry Camping

For visitors with rugged vehicles, or the willingness to leave the road behind and backpack into the wild, Big Bend provides options for backcountry camping. No dispersed camping or "boondocking" is allowed in Big Bend National Park. All campers must be in designated campsites with a permit.

A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping and river trips.

• Permits for most designated backcountry campsites (Chisos Backpacking Campsites & Primitive Roadside Campsites) are available online through www.recreation.gov.
• Permits for desert backpacking and primitive roadside sites along the Maverick Road and remote River Road and Old Ore Road are available in person only at park visitor centers.

 

• 

  Off the Beaten Path!

  Primitive Roadside Campsites

  If you have a rugged vehicle, primitive camping in designated roadside campsites might be for you.

• 

  Into the Wild!

  Backpacking

  For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, the Chisos Mountains, and desert expanses to explore with a pack.

• 

  Spirit of Adventure!

  Big Bend River Trips

  Enjoy a day trip, or plan an extended float through spectacular limestone canyons.

• 

  Pardon Our Dust!

  Chisos Basin Improvement Projects

  Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in July 2025. Access to the Chisos area will be limited.

 

Backpacking Group Size Limit

An organized group or individual party may not exceed a 15 person limit.
Organized Groups over 15 will require a Special Use Permit

• In the Chisos Mountains: There is currently only one Chisos backpacking campsite that can accommodate a group of 15. Groups may split into separate campsites - however the 15 person size limit cannot be exceeded. (A group is limited to a total of 15 people in the High Chisos at one time.)
• In the desert: Groups over 15 people will also need to split up and backpack into separate, non-adjacent zones.

 

Camping Stay Limits

• Visitors are welcome to stay in the park up to 14 consecutive nights in either a front or backcountry site, with a limit of 28 total nights in the park in a calendar year.
• Campers can occupy a specific site up to 14 total nights in a year.
• EXCEPTION: During the busy season from January 1–April 15, visitors are limited to a total of 14 nights in the park.
• Campground Regulations