Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Star4.52
1.2K reviews
PO BOX 129
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The facility rate for standard nonelectric campsites is $16 per night (peak season). Additional reservation fees may apply depending on the booking...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
432-477-1121
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 1.2K reviews

512 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanhiking

Some mention

crowded

"Most users praise the stunning views, central location near hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, but some express concerns about campsite proximity, lack of showers, and uneven terrain. The campground is described as picturesque, clean, and well-maintained."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 129

Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

PO BOX 129

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 10, take highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and then on to Marathon. From Marathon, go 40 miles south on Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right and drive for three miles. Turn left at the Basin sign and go seven miles before making a right into the campground road.
The road to the campground is steep, winding, and includes sharp hairpin turns. The vehicle restriction for the road and campground is 24 feet for motorhomes and 20 feet for travel trailers. Trailers over 19 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended.
Nearby places
Marathon is approximately 40 miles north of the Big Bend National Park entrance. Fort Stockton is approximately 90 miles north of Marathon.
Nearby supplies
Chisos Mountains Lodge, General Store, and Chisos Basin Visitor Center are located nearby. Rio Grande Village offers showers and a camp store approximately 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Experience nature's perfect climate control in this mountain sanctuary, where summer days bring refreshing temperatures that feel worlds away from the scorching desert floor. As autumn arrives, warm golden days grace the basin while cold air pools in the valleys below, creating a comfortable haven for camping. Winter transforms the landscape with crisp, sunny days perfect for hiking, while August's dramatic monsoon season paints the sky with towering clouds and brings life-giving rains to the mountains.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in TX

Summer is pleasant and much cooler than the desert floor; monsoons in August can be a challenge.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in TX

Autumn brings warm days and crisp nights; scenery and hiking conditions are excellent.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring provides pleasant hiking weather and good wildlife/birding opportunities in the basin.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 24% in TX

Winter offers quiet ambiance, clear skies and occasional snow; not a developed winter-sports area.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens January 1 and closes December 31 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Alerts include limited road access due to steep terrain and restrictions on RV sizes.

About Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Perched high in the heart of the Chisos Mountains at 5,400 feet, Chisos Basin Campground offers an extraordinary escape into Big Bend's most coveted camping destination. Here, towering rocky cliffs embrace your campsite like ancient sentinels, creating a natural amphitheater where spectacular vistas unfold in every direction and mountain breezes bring welcome relief from the desert heat below.
Chisos Basin Campground is well-suited for tent camping and smaller RVs/trailers due to its rocky and uneven terrain. Group camping and primitive camping options are also available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

The Chisos Basin Campground is centrally located near popular hiking trails, making it a hub for outdoor recreation. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, and stargazing. The proximity to the Chisos Mountains provides excellent opportunities for exploring trails such as the Window Trail and Lost Mine Trail.
HikingTrailheads for popular hikes like Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, and South Rim Trail are close to the campground. The Pinnacles Trail also provides access to Emory Peak, the highest point in Big Bend National Park.
FishingFishing opportunities are available approximately 30 miles away near the Rio Grande River.
BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are options near the Rio Grande River, about 30 miles away from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife frequently seen includes foxes, roadrunners, rabbits, and bears. The Chisos Mountains serve as the only nesting ground in the U.S. for the Colima Warbler.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger talks and interpretive programs are occasionally available.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears, scorpions, rocky terrain, and strong winds.
Active AlertsAlerts include limited road access due to steep terrain and restrictions on RV sizes.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each campsite.

Weather at Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Reviews

4.5
1.2K reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most users praise the stunning views, central location near hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, but some express concerns about campsite proximity, lack of showers, and uneven terrain. The campground is described as picturesque, clean, and well-maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 1243 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the breathtaking mountain views, clean facilities, proximity to hiking trails, and helpful campground hosts. Many appreciate the quiet atmosphere and dark skies for...
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Based on 1243 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised include lack of privacy between campsites, uneven and rocky terrain making setup difficult, and noisy neighbors during late hours. Some users find the potable water spigots...
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Based on 1243 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing strong tent stakes for rocky terrain, leveling blocks for RVs, and planning ahead for site selection based on individual needs. Early morning hiking is advised to avoid...
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Based on 1243 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often praise cooler temperatures in the basin compared to lower elevations. Winter reviews focus on quiet ambiance and clear skies. Monsoons in August are noted as a seasonal challenge.
Based on 1243 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Chisos Basin Campground has easily the most beautiful surroundings I've ever stayed at." - Kimberly Robinson. "Watching the sunset behind those mountains was a magical experience." - Mark A.
Based on 1243 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #54 is noted for its privacy and views. Site #15 is recommended for RVs due to its size and amenities. Site #60 is praised for quietness and birdwatching.
Based on 1243 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site #37 is ADA-accessible, and ADA facilities are available.
Based on 1243 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained and leashed at all times.
Based on 1243 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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