Chisos Basin Campground

Chisos Basin Campground at Big Bend National Park features wooden picnic tables and a stone landscape under a blue sky.

Alright, Chisos Basin Campground sits in a high‑elevation basin with 56 standard sites and 7 group tent sites. There are no hookups at individual sites, and you’ll battle a steep, winding drive to reach the basin. Water spigots can disappear during droughts, so bring ample water and plan for charcoal grilling only. Bears frequent the area, so lock up food in bear lockers and keep tents clear when not in use.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Six months in advance for some sites; two weeks for others
Reservation Tips: Reserve 6 months ahead for best odds; use Recreation.gov; expect full occupancy; set an alarm
Season Dates: Year-round

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Six months in advance for some sites; two weeks for others
Reservation Tips: Reserve 6 months ahead for best odds; use Recreation.gov; expect full occupancy; set an alarm
Season Dates: Year-round
Fills Up Speed: Very high demand; reservations fill quickly
Per Night Cost: $16/night standard; group sites $40-$60/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Not specified; max two vehicles per site
Day Use Fees: Park entrance fees apply; day use not applicable to camping
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass and other Federal Interagency passes; 50% camping discount

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 56 individual sites + 7 group tent sites
Site Types: tent sites (no hookups), group tent sites
Site Type Breakdown: 56 individual sites, 7 group tent sites
RV Max Length: 20 ft trailers; 24 ft motorhomes (not recommended)
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 9-20 people per site
Hookups: No hookups at individual sites; some group sites have water and 30-amp power
Site Features: Picnic tables and charcoal grills; shade structures on some sites; bear-proof food lockers at each site
Ground Type: Dirt and gravel tent pads
Site Privacy: Varies; some sites offer more privacy in pine areas; others are closer to neighbors

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets; portable toilets during water emergencies
Showers Available: No on-site showers; coin-operated showers at Rio Grande Village camp store (about an hour away)
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available; may be turned off during Level 3 drought
Dump Station: On-site dump/fill station; may require extra-long hoses; another at Rio Grande Village
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters on-site
Camp Store: Chisos Basin camp store with basics, groceries, snacks, beverages, souvenirs
Firewood Availability: Gathering firewood prohibited; no firewood for sale
Cell Service: Cell service available in the campground area
Nearby Facilities: Chisos Basin camp store; Panther Junction gas; Rio Grande Village options for showers

Access

Road Type: Paved access road
Road Conditions: Steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns
Vehicle Restrictions: Trailers >20 ft and RVs >24 ft discouraged
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance; avoid very large rigs
Gate Hours: Gate hours not published
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 10 miles from Panther Junction
Nearest Gas Services: Gas and groceries at Chisos Basin store and Panther Junction
Elevation: Varies by site; high-elevation basin
Accessibility: ADA site #37; paved access to restrooms; varied terrain elsewhere
ADA Accessible Sites: ADA site #37 with paved restroom access and accessible grill/picnic table

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Bear-proof lockers or hard-sided vehicles
Fire Restrictions: Wood/ground fires prohibited; charcoal allowed; ashes packed out; liquid-fuel stoves permitted
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leashed
Generator Hours: 8:00-11:00 and 17:00-20:00
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours not published; generator hours restricted
Max Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights; 28 nights per calendar year; peak season limit 14 total nights
Alcohol Permitted: 1

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking in Chisos Basin, wildlife watching, nearby trails
Trailheads Nearby: Chisos Basin Trailhead nearby; access to Basin Rim and other trails
Fishing Details: Not listed
Wildlife Viewing: Bears common; expect javelina and deer
Stargazing Quality: Excellent dark skies with clear Milky Way visibility
Shade Coverage: Partial shade; some sites have shade structures
Scenic Views: Mountain and basin vistas
Noise Level: Generally quiet; wind can be noticeable on exposed sites
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather; summers can be hot, winters chilly
Vibe Check: A rugged basecamp feel in a high-elevation basin—practical, not plush. You’re here for the hikes and the skies, not resort vibes; privacy varies by site and bears are a real consideration.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want a rugged, mountain campground with multiple group sites and can handle no hookups. ADA #37 helps accessibility. ❌ SKIP IF: You need full RV hookups, guaranteed privacy, or a resort experience.
Tips Advice: Reserve far in advance on Recreation.gov
Bring ample water
No wood fires; charcoal only
Store food in bear lockers
Prepare for a winding drive; smaller rigs excel
Download offline maps for spotty cell service

More details

Park Area: Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park, Texas
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families with kids; trails are there, bears nearby; bring headlamps for evening activity
Senior Access Discounts: Senior/Access passes honored with 50% discount
Amphitheater: No dedicated amphitheater noted
Boat Launch: Not available
Nearby Attractions: Chisos Basin Camp Store, Panther Junction, Santa Elena Canyon, nearby basin trails
Terrain Type: Mountainous basin with steep, rocky canyons
Temperature Ranges: Nights cool; hot days; temps swing with season
Snow Season: Varies; occasional winter snowfall possible
Monsoon Season: Monsoon risk in summer; potential thunderstorms
Wind Exposure: Basins exposed to wind; plan for gusts
Bug Season: Mosquito season present; bring repellent
Setup Strategy: Big rigs are discouraged; internal roads are narrow and winding with limited turning space. Aim for a standard or group site with easy access; arrive with daylight; two-vehicle per site max; use back-in sites where possible; expect no hookups and plan for water and charcoal grilling.
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers are not on-site; nearest coin-operated showers are at Rio Grande Village about an hour away. No on-site laundry; plan accordingly. Bring large water reserves and rinse gear at the camppot.
Review Summary: Reviews highlight the unique basin setting and proximity to hikes, but caution about water availability and the drive in. Demand is high and spots disappear quickly; plan ahead and pack wisely.