Campground

Stillwell Ranch Store & RV Park

Campground★ 4.3
Hall of Fame sign at Stillwell Ranch area in Big Bend National Park, a rustic frame amid desert plants and gravel.

Stillwell Ranch Store & RV Park is a no-frills basecamp near Big Bend. It isn’t a resort; it’s a practical stop with RV, water/electric, dry, and tent sites across roughly 60 pads. Summer can limit availability due to extreme heat, and cell service is absent on-site. Plan ahead and respect the quiet hours and store operations.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Private (via stillwellstore.com)
Reservation Window
Not specified; same-day reservations not accepted after 4 p.m.
Reservation Tips
Book via stillwellstore.com; expect a 2-day minimum during peak times; plan for heat-driven site limitations; check-in 1–7 pm
Season Dates
Open year-round, but tent sites and some water/electric RV sites unavailable May–September due to extreme heat

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Private (via stillwellstore.com)
Reservation Window
Not specified; same-day reservations not accepted after 4 p.m.
Reservation Tips
Book via stillwellstore.com; expect a 2-day minimum during peak times; plan for heat-driven site limitations; check-in 1–7 pm
Season Dates
Open year-round, but tent sites and some water/electric RV sites unavailable May–September due to extreme heat
Fills Up Speed
Busy during holidays and spring break; 2-day minimum stays common
Per Night Cost
$25/night (Dry RV); $44 (Full Hook-up 30A); $52 (Full Hook-up 50A); $33 (Water & Electric 30A); $38 (Water & Electric 50A); $32 (Tent/Car); $10 (Tent camping per adult)
Extra Vehicle Fees
Site change fee $30; reservation change fee $10
Day Use Fees
Not listed
Passes Accepted
Not listed

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
Approximately 60 RV sites, plus additional tent sites
Site Types
Full hook-up sites, water & electric sites, dry sites, tent sites
Site Type Breakdown
Full hook-up (30/50A), Water & Electric (30/50A), Dry, Tent
RV Max Length
No official max length; some sites described as cramped
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
Up to 12 people per group site
Hookups
Full hookups with 30/50A including water and sewer; water & electric sites (30/50A); dry sites
Site Features
Fire rings and picnic tables on select pads; potable water at approved pads; on-site dump station; old-fashioned general store
Ground Type
Gravel with some paved sections
Site Privacy
Variable privacy; some sites cramped

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Older bathrooms; generally clean
Showers Available
Showers available; older but clean; cost not specified
Potable Water
Potable water on sites 1-14, 19-32, 48-89; dry campers bring water or pay for well water; low pressure
Dump Station
On-site dump station
Trash Service
Not listed
Camp Store
On-site general store with basics, drinks, beer, ice, canned goods, and regular gasoline
Firewood Availability
Firewood gathering prohibited; propane fire pits, charcoal, or clean-burning logs allowed in designated containers
Cell Service
No on-site cell service; nearest service about 15 miles away
Nearby Facilities
On-site store; gas; Big Bend NP nearby

Access

Road Type
Primarily gravel internal roads; some paved areas
Road Conditions
Dusty
Vehicle Restrictions
Dirt bikes and ATVs restricted
Gate Hours
Check-in 1–7 pm; after-hours arrival instructions available
Distance From Entrance
8 miles from the Persimmon Gap entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Gasoline available at the store; no on-site diesel; nearest diesel may be in Big Bend NP
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
Not listed
ADA Accessible Sites
Not listed

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Fire Restrictions
Wood fires prohibited; propane, charcoal, or clean-burning logs allowed in designated containers
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets on a leash at all times; no unattended; no pets in store or museum
Generator Hours
Generally not allowed; exceptions for outages or with management permission
Quiet Hours
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
Not specified; long stays possible
Alcohol Permitted
1

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Stargazing, bird watching, exploring Big Bend NP
Trailheads Nearby
Access to Big Bend NP trailheads; Persimmon Gap area about 8 miles away
Fishing Details
Not listed
Wildlife Viewing
Bird watching and general desert wildlife
Stargazing Quality
Not listed
Shade Coverage
Not listed
Scenic Views
Desert landscape with park access
Noise Level
Remote setting; generally quiet with dusty drive
Best Time To Visit
Not listed
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp vibe: clean enough, no-frills comforts, and a focus on access to Big Bend rather than luxury. You’re here to base out and explore, not enjoy resort-style spaces.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a budget-friendly basecamp near Big Bend with multiple pad types and on-site store; you don’t mind older facilities. ❌ SKIP IF: You need a high-end feel, guaranteed privacy, or a long, uninterrupted stay.
Tips Advice
  • Plan for heat; May–Sept site availability shrinks
  • Bring extra water and a reliable offline map
  • Check-in window 1–7 pm; after-hours instructions exist
  • Some pads are cramped; prioritize full-hookup options if length is a concern

More details

Park Area
Big Bend region, Alpine, Texas
Family Friendly Notes
Family-friendly with quiet hours; heat can be intense; bring water for hot days; on-site store has essentials
Senior Access Discounts
Not listed
Amphitheater
Not listed
Boat Launch
Not listed
Nearby Attractions
Big Bend National Park; Persimmon Gap area; Alpine, TX
Terrain Type
Desert scrub; remote setting
Temperature Ranges
Hot summers; mild winters
Snow Season
Not listed
Monsoon Season
Not listed
Wind Exposure
Not listed
Bug Season
Not listed
Setup Strategy
Internal roads are gravel; expect a mix of site layouts (some back-in, some pull-through). Big rigs may fit with careful maneuvering; bring leveling gear if your pad isn’t perfectly flat. Aim for check-in during 1–7 pm and be prepared for after-hours arrival guidance.
Bath Laundry Recon
Showers exist and are kept reasonably clean; cost not published. Laundry details not provided; plan to use the store for basics and ice.
Review Summary
Stillwell Ranch is a practical basecamp near Big Bend with an on-site store and straightforward RV/tent options. It operates as a no-frills campground rather than a resort, with older facilities and a heat-aware summer schedule. Expect limited cell service and peak-time crowding; plan ahead for site selection and water needs.

Location

Ranch storefront and outdoor seating along a dusty road in Big Bend National Park.Desert road scene with a sign pointing to The Strip amid scrubby bushes in Big Bend National Park at a remote campground area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stillwell Ranch Bear Country aware?

Yes, it sits within bear country; store foods securely and use proper food storage practices as you would in adjacent Big Bend areas.

Will a 35-foot RV fit on site?

There isn’t a published max length; pads vary and some are cramped. Check your chosen site size and plan for back-in maneuvers.

Is there cell service on-site?

No on-site cell service; download maps and guides before you arrive and rely on offline navigation.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

During peak times, a 2-day minimum stay is typical.

What about showers and water access?

Showers are available but aging; potable water is on selected pads and pressure can be low; bring extra water for dry sites.

Chisos Basin Campground

Chisos Basin: 56 standard sites + 7 group tents; no hookups; bear lockers; steep, winding access.

Cottonwood Campground

Big Bend dry camping: 22 sites, no hookups, water spigots, bear boxes, quiet desert nights.

Terlingua Ranch Lodge

Upper RV sites with full hookups; cabins and tents nearby; Big Bend nights under dark skies.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.