Best Camping in and near Big Bend National Park

98% (125 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Bend National Park adventure.

This massive park in far west Texas offers plenty of rugged and remote room to roam.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Big Bend National Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Big Bend National Park

100%

(71)

Chisos Basin Campground

67 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Bend National Park

Rio Grande Village Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Bend National Park

Cottonwood Campground

31 sites In Big Bend National Park

from

$27

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bend National Park

99%

(201)

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX

Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more!

96%

(1059)

Paisano Azul Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

94%

(41)

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX

Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.

99%

(370)

Lynn y B's land

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX

98%

(130)

Perdido Overland Overnight Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Study Butte, TX

We bought our property in 2003. Built our completely off-grid cabin in 2009, and moved out here full time in 2015. Since 2015 we've been continually improving our property and in 2019 had the idea to start a small campsite on the backside of our property in a private valley. A valley that while private and secluded has excellent 360 degree views.

100%

(16)

Mel's Place

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Study Butte, TX

Mel's Place has been a favorite camp spot for many since we opened 5 years ago. Feels secluded and remote, yet only a mile or so from everything you might need and only 5 miles to the national park west (Maverick) entrance. 5 miles to the lively ghost town ofTerlingua with some great bars and restraunts. The views from camp are stunning with breathtaking sunrises over the Chisos mountains. Sunsets aren't too shabby either. We are an adults only retreat and hope to provide you the peaceful solitude with breathtaking stargazing you need to renew your spirit!! We are within a few miles of nearly all the local outfitters for your river trips, Jeep or ATV tours, etc. Come make memories!

98%

(1136)

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Terlingua, TX

This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions. The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events. The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's. Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience. **New This Winter** Rachel Wey Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides Please contact us about hours and availibilty Rachel.wey.ranch @faceboook.com-

100%

(29)

Ocotillo Acres

1 site · RV, Tent70 acres · Terlingua, TX

This is our piece of Desert. Come take a look!! Learn more about this land:Is the journey half the fun? Do you dream of off-grid living or expedition camping? Do you enjoy shows like Naked and Afraid or Alone? If you said no to any of these questions we may not be the right Hipcamp for you; but if you said yes… you’ve found the right spot. Ocotillo Acres is a nudist friendly campsite and long term project that Molly and I have taken on which allows us a place to get away from quite literally everything about city life. We are remote and the drive out can be difficult. A 4wd vehicle can be required as the roads are rough and rocky, but the rewards are plentiful once you arrive. We are so remote in fact that in Feb 2021 we were happy to host “Alone: The Arctic” and “Alone: The Beast” contestant Donny Dust with Paleo Tracks Survival and Ryan Maguire with Wyld Ryde Outdoors as the location for a few of their Primitive Survival Workshops. Once arrived you will have 70 Acres of pristine Chihuahuan Desert to explore as you wish. We have cleared out a camping area, built a nearby rain catchment structure to provide shade, and have a tool box with emergency essentials if needed. Other than those items, there is nothing to facilitate a comfortable visit. If you're still reading this... the place is amazing. Stars fill completely dark skies, and coyotes howl to welcome you to their home. We've seen Tarantulas, Quail, Aoudad, Horny Toads, all types of cactus, fossils, and even if Molly doesn't believe me... a big freakin' rattlesnake. We do ask that there be no hunting and no killing of the wildlife, but you'll have all 70 acres to explore and we hope you see a bunch. While we like to think of our place as a destination, we are located about an hour away from both BBNP and BBRSP if that’s why you’re visiting the area. Feel free to set up your Basecamp here and daytrip to either park, or plan your visit on either end of your stay in the area. Due to our location Ocotillo Acres is a fair weather destination and if rain or snow occurs before or during your visit, your arrival or departure could be delayed by several days while the roads and river beds dry. There are only two routes to get to the property and they both go through areas that can flash flood during heavy rains. While there are not any bathroom or shower facilities, there is a portable toilet (Luggable Loo) and trash bags on site. If used we ask that you be prepared to haul out all waste. While our desert retreat is pet friendly, please clean up after them and dispose of properly. There is very limited cell signal. Satellite communication or emergency beacon is recommended. There are structures visible from some parts of our property, but do not rely on people actually being in those structures; especially in an emergency situation. Have an Instagram? Follow us @Ocotillo_Acres_TX for more info and to keep up to date on the progress.Search for Ryan's Youtube video titled "Primitive Skills Workshop // Chihuahua Desert // Epic Adventure" for some more insight of the location.

99%

(587)

Coyote Crossing

26 sites · Tents21 acres · Terlingua, TX

Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks. Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend. Traveling highway 118 you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station. Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others. When arriving at night it will be very dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly on the highway on the west side of 118. Trash Dumpster up front for your use. No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE, leave it as you find it..

100%

(29)

Heath Canyon Ranch

75 sites · RVs, Tents700 acres · Big Bend National Park, TX

Heath Canyon Ranch is at the end of FM 2627 across the Rio Grande River from the ghost town of La Linda, Mexico. This Chihuahuan Desert Retreat is 67 miles south of Marathon next to Black Gap Game Preserve. It is a take out spot for folks canoeing Boquillas Canyon or a put in spot for the Lower Canyon trip.

95%

(263)

Jackass Flats Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX

Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access. The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies. Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS. Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving. NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters. We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items to meet your needs.

100%

(10)

Nesting Star Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Nestled within the rugged and mesmerizing landscape of Terlingua, our off-grid desert camp offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This camp is a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and a connection with the raw beauty of the desert. Nesting Star Camp is situated within the legendary Terlingua Ranch and is strategically located to provide easy access to the stunning offerings of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and the surrounding backcountry. The West entrance to Big Bend National Park is 23 miles from the camp. Big Bend Ranch State Park's East entrance is 38 miles from camp. The camp sits on 5 acres and is located 0.7 miles from Terlingua Ranch Road, which is a paved asphalt road leading to Hwy 118. The final 0.7 miles to the property consist of dirt and gravel roads maintained by the Property Owners Association of Terlingua Ranch (POATRI). These dirt and gravel roads leading to the camp are generally easily traversed, though they can become silty or muddy if it rains. In some areas, heavy rain may cause road flooding. We recommend driving an SUV or a truck, as low-profile cars may struggle depending on the road conditions that day. Please be aware that the roads within Terlingua Ranch, while publicly accessible, are located on private land. We kindly request that you not drive off of any roads, as the surrounding areas are all privately owned. While navigating the deeper parts of Terlingua Ranch can be challenging, reaching the camp is usually straightforward. We've driven in with a 3500 dually with a 20’ gooseneck horse trailer, and we’ve never encountered any issues. It’s easily accessible yet remote enough to showcase its pristine natural beauty. The surroundings are incredibly tranquil and serene. At night, under Nesting Star Camp's skies, the stars unveil a majestic tapestry that will leave you in awe. The night also awakens with the coyote calls, the gentle desert winds, and the possible flutter of a bat or owl hoot. We also have wild donkeys that roam the area, and you might hear them braying. Please avoid approaching them, though. We provide a composting toilet for your use. Please note that when we are not present to manage waste (#2), you will be responsible for removing the toilet liner bag and disposing of your waste in the provided trash cans. There is also a shower room, and we will supply solar shower bags for your use. If you’re not familiar with them, please research solar showers before booking. Essentially, they are bags you will be responsible for filling with water and placing in the sun to heat up. On a sunny day, you can achieve a temperature of around 115 degrees, although on cloudy days, it won’t heat beyond the ambient temperature. The camp features two uncovered decks for stargazing and one deck with a roof that is partially open on the sides, providing more shelter from the elements. Please be aware that this is an off-grid camp, meaning there is no running water or power on-site. You are required to bring your own water. Additionally, we request that you limit generator use to basic needs only and keep it off between 7 PM and 8 AM. Cell phone coverage on the property can be inconsistent, but on most days, you can expect to get 2-3 bars of 3G signal on Verizon and Google Fi. We personally use a cell phone booster and recommend one if you don't have one, on most days it can provide a 4-bar 3G service. Sometimes, you may need to find an elevated spot to obtain a strong signal. However, it’s important to note that reception can be unreliable, and we recommend you plan ahead. Starlink works very well here.

The best camping near Big Bend National Park guide

Overview

About

One of the most geographically diverse parks in the US, Big Bend has a vast landscape that stretches from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos Mountains. Its canyons, carved by the Rio Grande River, separate the United States from Mexico and offer opportunities for rafting, paddling, and fishing. There are also more than 200 miles of dirt roads and trails to explore, from scenic drives to rugged hiking trails along historic villages and hot springs. With so much to see, you’ll want to spend a few days at either a developed campground or a backcountry campsite. Just don’t forget to look up at the incredibly dark skies once the sun goes down.

Notable campgrounds

Best for hikers: With views of Emory Peak, the Chisos Basin Campground is close to several hiking trails (including the Lost Mine Trail), and offers flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, and a dump station.
Best for peace and quiet: The seasonal and remote Cottonwood Campground is one of the quietest, offering 25 tent camping sites, a group campground, picnic tables, water, and pit toilets.
Best for RV camping: The Rio Grande Village RV Park is the only RV campground offering full hookups for campers. It has 25 sites available.

Tips for snagging a campsite

During spring and holiday weekends, plan to make your reservation as soon as you know your dates. Some campsites are reservable up to six months in advance.
Consider checking two weeks before your trip, as some campsites can only be reserved two weeks in advance. Otherwise, plan to arrive at the park early to grab any unreserved sites. Check ahead of time if any first-come, first-served sites are available.
If traveling light or with a high-clearance vehicle, you can try to secure a backcountry or primitive roadside campsite, which can be reserved six months in advance.

When to go

Peak season is from November to April, with the park busiest in March, April, and summer holidays. Summer temperatures can be dangerously hot, reaching over 100°F. Avoid hiking during summer afternoons. The visitor centers at Rio Grande Village, Persimmon Gap, and the Castolon Historic District are closed in summer. Visit in late winter or early spring (discover top spring break camping destinations, including Big Bend!) to see the Big Bend bluebonnets in bloom.

Know before you go

The park is massive. Be sure to have plenty of gas, water, food, and supplies, although the park offers several camp stores and one gas station near Panther Junction.
Permits are required for backcountry camping, fishing, and river trips. Some backcountry permits (including backpacking sites) are only available from Panther Junction.
Wood and ground fires are not permitted. A charcoal or propane grill can be used for cooking. Many campsites do not permit generator use, or have limited hours.
Pets are allowed but not inside buildings or on trails.
Visitor centers, some campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin, and several trails (the Founder’s Walk, Panther Path, Window View Trail, and Rio Grande Village Nature Boardwalk) are wheelchair-accessible.
Swimming is not recommended in the Rio Grande due to swift currents and pollution. Don’t drink from the Rio Grande either, even if you filter the water.