Chisos Basin Campground
29.2759, -103.3023 · Park boundary: National Park Service
The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the iconic views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The sunset through the nearby "Window" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. Elevation is 5,400 feet. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites.
- Every day
- All Day
Open year round.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Per night. Campsite capacity is maximum of 8 people and two vehicles. Reservations required through www.recreation.gov. Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees. An entrance pass is required in the park and while staying in the campground.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Reservations are required. No first-come, first-serve camping. The Chisos Basin Campground is open year-round. -- 2/3 of campsites are reservable up to 6 months in advance. -- 1/3 of campsites are reservable up to 14 days in advance. Reservations for Chisos Basin Campground are made at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234038
- Amphitheater
- Yes - year round
- Camp store
- Yes - year round
- Cell reception
- Yes - year round
- Drinking water
- Yes - year round
- Dump station
- Yes - year round
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - year round
- Host on site
- Yes - year round
- Ice for sale
- Yes - year round
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - year round · Portable Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - year round
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 24 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 20 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
- Cell service
- There is cell service in the campground area.
The campground is somewhat hilly, but paved roads connect campsite parking areas and restrooms.
One ADA campsite (site #37) with paved walkway, accessible picnic table and grill. Adjacent to water spigot and public restroom facility. The nearby public restroom is accessible.
No fires. Charcoal grills only.
Trailers over 20' and RVs over 24' are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road into the Basin and the very small campsites in the campground. There are very few places where a larger recreational vehicle can turn around within the entire Chisos Basin area.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters), or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). The Chisos Basin Campground is located in the Chisos Basin near the end of the Chisos Basin Road, 10 miles from Panther Junction.
Visitors may stay in the park up to 14 consecutive nights, with a limit of 28 nights in a calendar year. During the busiest time of the year, January 1 through April 15, visitors are limited to 14 total nights in the park. Pets are permitted in the campground, but must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be six feet (1.8 m) or less in length. Pets may not be left unattended for their safety and for the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Pets are NOT allowed on trails. Wood and ground fires are prohibited. All food items must be stored inside a vehicle or animal-proof food storage locker. Generators allowed in specified sites only 8:00 AM-11:00 AM and 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy spectacular views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. Sunset through the nearby "Window" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites.
Drive to Chisos Basin Campground
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