Camping Guide for Big Bend National Park

Camping Guide for Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, located in west Texas, is a haven for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts alike. Two of the park's most popular campgrounds, Chisos Basin and Cottonwood, offer unique experiences amidst the park's diverse landscape.

Chisos Basin Campground, the park's most sought-after developed campground, sits at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet, providing a cooler mountain climate and breathtaking views. This campground offers undeveloped campsites with pit toilets, fresh water spigots, and a self-pay station. Group sites are available, but reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity, especially during peak seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and spring break.

Cottonwood Campground, while somewhat less busy than Chisos Basin, still offers a serene camping experience. Its large, privately situated sites require leveling blocks for comfortable camping. Despite being less crowded, it's advisable to plan ahead during busy periods. Both campgrounds charge around $14 per night for these undeveloped sites and do not offer full hook-ups.

Both Chisos Basin and Cottonwood Campgrounds provide essential amenities suitable for group camping, with adequate space and natural settings that reflect Big Bend's unique landscape. However, it's important to note that no generators are allowed in the Chisos Basin Campgrounds, and campsite occupancy is limited to eight people and two vehicles, or one RV plus one vehicle.

For the most current information and to ensure availability, it is recommended to check Big Bend National Park's official site or contact the park directly, as group site reservations may be required or recommended, especially during peak times. Group campsites can be reserved through www.reserveusa.com or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Big Bend National Park also offers group campsites at Rio Grande Village, which can be reserved in the same manner. The Rio Grande Village Group Campground has a total capacity of 120 persons, spread across four group sites. The maximum occupancy for each site varies from 10 to 40 persons.

Backcountry camping in Big Bend National Park requires a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance of your trip. Designated backcountry campsites in the high Chisos Mountains are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition to the campgrounds, Big Bend National Park boasts three campgrounds and an RV Park: Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, Rio Grande Village, and Rio Grande Village RV Park. The maximum occupancy for each site at the Chisos Basin Group Campground varies from 10 to 20 persons, while the maximum occupancy for the Cottonwood Group Campground is 25 persons.

For those planning extended stays, a parkwide limit of 28 nights per year is in effect at Big Bend National Park. From February 1 to April 15, a limit of 14 days occupancy is in effect for any developed campsite, including the concession-operated trailer sites at Rio Grande Village. Reservations for group campsites can be made 360 days in advance.

Big Bend Natural History Association, a non-profit organisation, can provide useful resources such as the "Hiker's Guide, Chisos Mountains Trails" guide and topo maps of the park, which can be purchased at visitor centers upon arrival in the park, or ordered in advance of your visit.

Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended at the Chisos Basin Campground. Vehicle parking is restricted to an adjacent parking area for all group campgrounds. Open campfires are not allowed.

Whether you're seeking a bustling campground experience or a more secluded getaway, Big Bend National Park's Chisos Basin and Cottonwood Campgrounds offer a variety of options for your next adventure.

1. The hiker exploring Big Bend National Park might find the Chisos Basin Campground, perched at an elevation of 5,400 feet, offering a cooler climate, breathtaking views, and undeveloped campsites for backpacking.
2. History buffs camping at Big Bend National Park can delve deeper into the park's rich history by purchasing a "Hiker's Guide, Chisos Mountains Trails" guide from the Big Bend Natural History Association.
3. Camping enthusiasts seeking serenity can retreat to the Cottonwood Campground, where large, privately situated sites require leveling blocks, offering a peaceful camping experience.
4. Those who wish to explore the park's diverse landscape can opt for backcountry camping in Big Bend National Park, requiring a backcountry permit and designated campsites in the high Chisos Mountains.
5. For outdoor-living aficionados, Big Bend National Park offers three campgrounds and an RV Park: Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, Rio Grande Village, and Rio Grande Village RV Park, catering to various preferences in campsite occupancy.
6. Campers planning extended trips should be aware of the parkwide limit of 28 nights per year and the 14-day occupancy limit for developed campsites from February 1 to April 15.
7. Nature lovers can explore a variety of trails across Big Bend National Park, from the high mountains to desert landscapes and the Rio Grande, providing opportunities for treks suitable for various lifestyles and outdoor-living preferences.
8. Home-and-garden enthusiasts can find inspiration in Big Bend National Park's natural beauty, offering a refreshing break from typical city landscapes and providing insight into the park's natural history and preservation efforts.
9. Those traveling with generators should note that they are not allowed in the Chisos Basin Campground and campsite occupancy is limited to eight people and two vehicles, or one RV plus one vehicle.
10. Big Bend National Park's Chisos Basin and Cottonwood Campgrounds cater to both popular and secluded camping experiences, providing an array of options for travelers to customize their trips based on their preferences, whether they crave a bustling campground or a more secluded getaway.

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