Big Bend National Park

Details

Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 17:00

Written by Mike Davidson

Big Bend National Park has only one lodge/hotel within its boundaries, Chisos Mountains lodge. There are three developed campgrounds and many backroad campsites available as well.

The Chisos Mountains Lodge & Cabins,  Nestled in the high Chisos Mountains, the lodge features a restaurant, conveniences store and gift shop. Convenient to many hiking trails from easy to strenuous. The classic National Park experience. 432-477-2291
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Big Bend National Park, Has 3 developed campgrounds with paved access, all suitable for tent camping, trailers, and RVs: Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and Cottonwood Campground. A campsite reservation system is available at www.ReserveUSA.com or 1-877-444-6777. Not all of the campground sites are on the system. Campsites are $10 per night, and a small fee is charged for using the reservations system.

Each of the 3 improved campgrounds has a dedicated group campsite that is available for reservation 360 days in advance, at a cost of $3 per camper.

Rio Grande Village, on the east side of the park, has the only available hook ups for RVs. No reservations taken for RVs, register at Rio Grande Village Store. The adjacent campground has 100 sites, flush toilets, running water and a dump station. Up to 43 sites may be reserved up to 240 days in advance for dates falling between Nov 15 and April 15.
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The Basin Campground, Is rugged and hilly, most sites are unsuitable for RVs. The main road to the basin has lots of curves, and a 15% grade. Trailers over 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet are discouraged. Of 60 sites, 23 are on the reservation system.
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Cottonwood Campground, on the west side of the park, is along the banks of the Rio Grande, near Castolon and convenient to Santa Elena Canyon. There is potable water pit toilets, but no dumping station. All 31 sites first come first serve, year round.
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Primitive Camping Sites, exist at 30 locations scattered along 8 back roads through out the park. Some sites are close to pavement, and accessible to most vehicles, but many sites require at least high clearance if not 4-wheel drive to get there. Sites have no amenities beyond a great view and a flat gravel pad. Camping at back road sites is free, but a backcountry permit from Park Headquarters is required.