Big Bend National Park

Campgrounds in Big Bend National Park

Best Campgrounds & RV Parks

This collection spans the diverse ecosystems of Big Bend National Park, from the high-altitude Chisos Basin at 5,400 feet to the riverside groves of Rio Grande Village. It includes developed campgrounds with amenities like water and flush toilets, alongside primitive roadside sites like Terlingua Abajo and Pine Canyon that require high-clearance vehicles and permits. These locations provide direct access to key landmarks including Santa Elena Canyon, the Boquillas Port of Entry, and historic desert ranching remains.

Best Campgrounds & RV Parks — Map

A

Cottonwood Campground

Shaded, quiet site near Santa Elena Canyon. No hookups or generators are allowed to maintain the natural silence of the desert environment.

B

Chisos Basin Campground

High-altitude site at 5,400 feet surrounded by rocky peaks. Vehicle length is strictly restricted to 20 feet for trailers due to sharp mountain curves.

C

Rio Grande Village Campground

Concessioner-operated site offering full hookups for RVs. Located near the Rio Grande and the Boquillas Port of Entry.

D

Rio Grande Village Campground

Large NPS-run site near the river. Features flush toilets and running water, with a camp store and coin-operated showers located nearby.

E

Johnson Ranch

Primitive roadside site on the River Road. Located at the historic site of a mid-20th-century trading post and airfield.

F

Buenos Aires

Remote primitive roadside site requiring a high-clearance vehicle. Located in the desert scrub near the Castolon area.

G

Cottonwood Campground - group site

Designated area for large groups under a canopy of cottonwood trees. No hookups or generators are permitted at this location.

H

Terlingua Abajo

Primitive roadside site located near the remains of a historic farming community. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle.

I

Roys Peak Vista

Primitive roadside site in the northern desert. Offers views of the Dead Horse Mountains and requires a high-clearance vehicle.

J

Croton Springs

Primitive site off Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Generally accessible to most vehicles, providing a base for exploring desert springs and hiking trails.

K

Pine Canyon 2

Remote primitive site in the Chisos foothills. Requires a high-clearance vehicle and provides direct access to the Pine Canyon trail.

L

Pine Canyon 1

Primitive roadside site at the base of the Chisos Mountains. Accessible via a rugged dirt road requiring high-clearance vehicles.

Other Lists

Big Bend National Park Essentials Best Peaks and Viewpoints