How much does camping cost at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Camping fees at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) range from $40-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) first-come first-served or reservation?

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) before I book?

Yes! Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) is open January 01 to April 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Cell phone service at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) have?

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

Fire policies at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx): Campfires. No wood or ground fires allowed at any time. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

491 reviews

PO BOX 129, BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX 79834, USA

Top 4% in TXFall

Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat HikingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Camping Near Big Bend

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

$40 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

$40 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

$40.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Up to 14: $40.00; Up to 25: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

432-477-1121

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 129, BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX 79834, USA

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

PO BOX 129, BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX 79834, USA

Nearby places

Marathon (40 miles south), Fort Stockton (approximately 70 miles north), Panther Junction (26 miles east)

Weather at Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Current alerts(14)

A camper arriving the day AFTER the reservation begins is considered a No Show. A No Show may result in a cancellation of your reservation. Contact the park at 432-477-2251 if you are late or will not be arriving until the day after your reservation starts.
Are you still here? Please collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite. Bears have been known to investigate and damage standing tents.
Food Lockers/Bears. Bears frequent the area. All food must be kept in the food storage locker at each campsite or in a hard-sided vehicle. Trash must be disposed of in the animal-proof dumpsters provided. Do not leave coolers or food boxes unattended at any time.
Generators Prohibited. Generator use is prohibited in the group campground area.

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

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 60–80°F) and crisp, clear nights (30s–40s), making long hikes like Lost Mine and the Window more pleasant and photography superb as the basin’s maples and aspens shift color. Afternoon winds are milder than summer monsoon season and crowds are lively but not as dense as peak winter holidays, so you get excellent wildlife viewing and summit attempts with fewer heat-related hazards. Weekends in October–November are the B Peak months: October, November, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in TX

Fall cited as best: mild days, cool nights, vivid foliage and calmer conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to April 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

Chisos Basin Group Campground sits at mid-elevation in Big Bend National Park, surrounded by the Chisos Mountains and managed by the National Park Service. The very small campground serves groups seeking access to popular trails like Lost Mine and the Window, with cooler temperatures than the desert floor and exceptional stargazing. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, with flush toilets, potable water, and a nearby camp store.

Chisos Basin Group Campground is primarily designed for group tent camping, offering sites that accommodate between nine and 20 individuals. Limited RV camping is available at Site 'O,' but the campground is predominantly tent-only and walk-in.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 60–80°F) and crisp, clear nights (30s–40s), making long hikes like Lost Mine and the Window more pleasant and photography superb as the basin’s maples and aspens shift color. Afternoon winds are milder than summer monsoon season and crowds are lively but not as dense as peak winter holidays, so you get excellent wildlife viewing and summit attempts with fewer heat-related hazards. Weekends in October–November are the B Peak months: October, November, March, April

Elevation5400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Chisos Mountains rise like an island from the Chihuahuan Desert, and the basin holds an unexpected forest of Arizona cypress, mesquite, maple, aspen, pinyon, and ponderosa pine. This mix of desert and mountain ecosystems makes the area one of the most biologically diverse in Texas. Morning light hits the natural amphitheater of cliffs, and desert agaves spike up among the rocky outcrops. In fall, the maples and aspens shift color against the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe nearby Chisos Mountains Lodge provides dining and additional lodging options, including the only restaurant within Big Bend National Park.

Programs & ActivitiesEvening programs and guided interpretive walks are offered, enriching the visitor experience with insights into the park's natural and cultural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites require a minimum of 9 people and can accommodate up to 20 people.

Groups

Group sites accommodate nine to 20 people, with varying degrees of size and terrain. Site 'P' is noted for rocky and uneven tent pads.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or via their app.

AccessibilityRestrooms include handicap-friendly stalls, and designated accessible sites are available. However, uneven terrain and close proximity of campsites may limit accessibility for some campers.

Site SizeGroup sites accommodate nine to 20 people, depending on the specific site. Site P is described as rocky and uneven, limiting tent placement.

PrivacyLimited privacy due to the close proximity of campsites. Some sites are described as 'connected,' with no natural grass or barriers between them. User reviews frequently mention a lack of seclusion.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near 'The Window' have exceptional sunset views. Site P is recommended for larger tents but caution is needed due to uneven, rocky terrain.

Best CampsitesSite O fits one small RV. Sites P, Q, and R work better for larger tents and have picnic shelters, though reviewers note that Site P is rocky and uneven, which limits where you can pitch. No sites offer real seclusion. Many are described as connected with no natural barriers between them.

Need help booking Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

No Hookups. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups. Tents Only. The group campground is tent-only; no RVs or trailers allowed. That includes rooftop tents and camper vans. One exception is Group Site "O" which allows for ONE small (up to 20 feet/6 m) recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV) to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively tent camping only. Vehicle Restrictions . The road to the campground is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns. The vehicle restriction for the road and campground is 24 feet (7 m) for motor homes and 20 feet (5.8 m) for travel trailers. No RV parking is available at the group campground, with the exception of site O.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chisos Basin Group Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Big Bend National Park. Wildlife viewing is common, with sightings of roadrunners, rabbits, foxes, and black bears reported by campers. Stargazing is highly praised due to minimal light pollution. While boating, fishing, and swimming are available at the Rio Grande approximately 30 miles away, activities within the campground are primarily hiking and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each campsite and must be used to store food and scented items to prevent bear activity.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires. No wood or ground fires allowed at any time. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site.

Trash & RecyclingAnimal-proof dumpsters are used for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageMixed feedback from users regarding cell service. While Verizon cell service has been observed by some campers, others report that data speeds are slow. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, approximately a 15-minute walk from the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

491 reviews

Recommended

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews praise the campground's breathtaking views, proximity to renowned hiking trails, and opportunities for stargazing. However, concerns include the close proximity of campsites, lack of privacy, and absence of showers. Wildlife sightings are frequently highlighted, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 491 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 491 reviews.

Site 15Loved
Site 15 is recommended for smaller RVs due to privacy and accessibility.
Site 47Loved
Site 47 is praised for its sunset views.

What Campers Love

Exceptional views of the surrounding Chisos Mountains; proximity to popular trailheads; clean and well-maintained restrooms; opportunities for stargazing and wildlife observation; cooler temperatures...

Based on 491 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites are close together, limiting privacy; absence of shower facilities; rocky and uneven terrain at certain sites; enforcement of quiet hours is inconsistent.

Based on 491 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book sites well in advance, as availability is limited. Bring a sleeping pad or hammock to mitigate rocky terrain. Avoid larger tents due to uneven ground. Use bear boxes for food storage to prevent...

Based on 491 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer temperatures are cooler in the basin compared to lower elevations, though nights can be windy. Winter camping is possible with proper gear, as temperatures can drop significantly. Stargazing...

Based on 491 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground might have the most beautiful surroundings I've ever stayed at." - Kimberly Robinson; "Lots of evening sun paints the rock faces to the north that you have a full view of." - Charles...

Based on 491 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms include handicap-friendly stalls, and designated accessible sites are available. The proximity of campsites and uneven terrain are noted as potential challenges for visitors with...

Based on 491 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed but must remain leashed at all times. Trails and buildings do not permit pets, limiting options for pet-friendly activities.

Based on 491 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a group basecamp for hiking the Chisos Mountains with cooler temperatures and proximity to trailheads.

Skip if

You need privacy or quiet after hours, as sites are close together and party noise has been reported.

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Campgrounds

Big Bend National Park

Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx)

About Big Bend National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...

Directions

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). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.