Camping 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.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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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%

(254)

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! Looking to stay inside our Bus Airbnb? Click here to find it and more: https://linktr.ee/BusStopCampground

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(612)

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..

96%

(1102)

Paisano Azul Ranch

14 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 camp; 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. DIRECTIONS: Once you are on Road Runner Circle, go past the house on the left with the Christmas lights on. Please continue down the road and follow the road around the curve to the left. The campsites will be on the left and side behind the rock walls. The campsite number that is booked is the campsite you will stay in. 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.

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(1157)

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents600 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.

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(20)

Willow Creek Camping Company

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Study Butte, TX

On the east side of highway 118 1.4 miles from Study Butte (grocery store, gas station) 4.3 miles from big bend national park west entrance 6.0 miles from Terlingua ghost town 17 miles from Barton Warnock Visitors Center (tx state park) Bath house with hot showers and flush commodes Picnic table fire pit shade structure small campers up to 18' water and 30a power at each site This is a dark skies community. Please be mindful of your surrounding and limit your use of headlights and noise.

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(138)

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.

93%

(55)

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.

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(38)

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.

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(24)

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!

87%

(31)

Rough Run Creek Campground

44 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX

The name says it all! 'Rough Run Creek Campground: is conveniently located downtown Study-Butte 1000 feet West of Cottonwood General Store. Just 2 miles before the western entrance to Big Bend National Park We have 10 acres of room for tent camping and boondock RV camping-only spots in the roadside spot in downtown Study-Butte Texas. Come and stay near the Big Bend National Park! An intimate campsite (not too far off the grid) A campground just outside Big Bend National Park where you can relax and recharge. Short walk to Cottonwood grocery ONLY 1000 FEET TO WALK East crossing over the bridge to mile marker 538 just 1000 feet walking distance from Rough Run Creek Bridge to Cottonwood grocery store and supply. The camping area is about one mile past the intersection of Highway TX-170 and TX-118 approximately one mile South on the left at the Rough Run Creek Campground. Heading only 3 miles further to the gateway into Big Bend National Park, Texas at the Western entrance following on State Highway TX-118 South. Big Bend State Park is to the West on Highway TX-170 approximately 29 miles from Rough Run Creek Bridge past the town of Terlingua, Texas 79852 Rough Run Creek Bridge Camping 53737 TX-118, Study Butte, Texas 79852 - Ten 10 acres of creekfront property This campground is a roadside camping area, directly on Highway TX-118 at the Southeast end of Rough Run Creek Bridge On the East side of the highway. Enter the property between the Rough Run Creek Bridge and the large black mailbox which also marks the South property line of the camping area. The South property line runs 800' feet deep from the roadside of highway TX-118 along the creek bed of Rough Run Creek. At the East end of the campground, you will find an old camper shell near the Southeast end of the campground and the property corner. There are 10 acres in the "dispersed" #BYO everything camping area, #BYO Sleeping bags, #BYO Tent Shades, and #BYO Gas grills, unfortunately, for now, you have to #BYO toilet. Rough Run Creek Bridge camping area includes the creek bed itself, with beachfront camping. The best location to stage an early morning hiking trip from locations for campers visiting Big Bend National Park which is only 2 miles away. Please leave nothing but your tracks when camping or leaving the area for the day. Each night campers must make bookings by 11:00 AM for check-in and out on a ticketed day pass. For showers and bathroom facilities, we recommend the bathroom showers provided at the Big Bend Motor Inn where they have coin-operated shower facilities for visiting tourists. If you need to dump any trash the Big Bend Motor Store and gas station will let you pay $5.00 to use their dumpsters. Please honor the BURN BAN (no open fires). Propane cooking stoves are okay.

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(293)

Tierra del Sol Basecamp

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Alpine, TX

The Tierra del Sol Basecamp is an open desert camping area located within Terlingua Ranch, 3 miles off of Hwy 118, 19 miles north of Study Butte and 22 miles to the entrance to Big Bend National Park. This region of far west Texas is well known for its remote ruggedness and beauty rapidly becoming the go-to place for those wanting to get away from it all, without having to spend a fortune to do it. It’s one of the last frontiers of North America and One of the only two National Parks in Texas. The Basecamp will reside on the 40 acre property. In the center is an area of approximately 6 acres flat, with rising limestone ridge lines to the east and west, open skyline to south with a view of Bofecillos Mountains, an area characterized by volcanic deposits of lava and ash-flow tuff and sedimentary deposits of conglomerates and sandstones. The four mountain tops; Packsaddle, Hen Egg, Panther and Agua Fria Mountains provide an amazing view during the day and at night, breathtaking night time views of the Milky Way and the multitudes of stars to gaze upon unlike any other place in North America. The morning sunrise over the eastern mesa brings its own spectacular views. Surrounding the 40 acres are many things of archaeological wonder. A Rock Hounds dream of minerals, stones and fossilized prehistoric microorganisms, as well as, the potential of finding the fossils of large prehistoric aquatic mammals. Yes, you are free to take a small sample of the thousands of quartz and calcite stones found in huge abundance. As you come to then end of Mailbox Rd., you'll see a residence to your left. This is "The Field Lab", owned by the well know sustainable engineer John Wells. If you'd like to pay him a visit, please contact him in advance.

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Sky Ranch Terlingua

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Study Butte, TX

Sky Ranch is the result of a love for the desert and for 1980s post-apocalyptic movies. A place to step out of our busy lives and be still, gain a new perspective, and imagine a different way to live. Once the floor of a large inland sea, Sky Ranch Terlingua is covered with fossilized mollusk shells. After the water receded, the area was visited by various animal and human migrations. Today, Sky Ranch is a refuge for two native Texans with deep roots that predate Texas itself. "Be friendly, but firm. But most of all, be yourselves." - Lester, Cherry 2000

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.