Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP

The most remote national park in the lower 48 — Chihuahuan Desert and sky island mountains

Location: Big Bend National Park, TX, TX

Price: From $16 per night

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (1122 reviews)

Elevation: 5401 feet

Season: Year-round (Nov–Apr optimal)

Big Bend National Park sits on the US–Mexico border in the remote Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. Chisos Basin Campground is nestled inside the Chisos Mountains at 5,400 feet — a sky island of cool pines and oaks rising from the hot Chihuahuan Desert. 60 sites, some with incredible mountain views. The Lost Mine Trail and South Rim Trail (best overnight backpack in Texas) begin nearby. Colima warblers — found nowhere else in the US — nest here.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Flush toilets, Water, Picnic tables, Fire grates, Chisos Mountains Lodge nearby, Restaurant nearby, Store nearby, Stargazing (certified dark sky park)

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/chisos-basin-big-bend to be notified when sites open up.

Big Bend is the most remote national park in the lower 48 — 5 hours from any major city. The Chisos Basin campground sits inside a sky island at 5,400 feet, 30F cooler than the surrounding desert. Colima warblers nest here and are found nowhere else in the US.

The Window View Trail at sunset — a 0.3-mile walk from camp to an overlook where you watch the sun set through The Window, a V-shaped rock notch that frames the desert below. Almost nobody does this simple walk and it’s one of the most striking sunset views in any US national park.

What is new at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: Maverick Junction to Santa Elena Canyon road repaired 2023.

Wildlife alert: Javelinas roam the basin campground and are not afraid of humans. Mountain lions present. Coatimundis and gray foxes visit campsites. Black bears present. Use bear lockers.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Often under restrictions due to drought. Check nps.gov/bibe.

Things to do near Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: Lost Mine Trail (4.8 mi RT) — consistently rated one of the best day hikes in Texas. Hot Springs (32 mi) — natural 105F spring on the Rio Grande, soak while looking into Mexico. Santa Elena Canyon (35 mi) — 1,500-ft canyon walls of the Rio Grande. Stargazing — Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park.

Insider tips for Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: Stock up on groceries in Alpine (100 miles) before entering — the park store is small and expensive Book 6 months in advance for spring. Fall sites easier to get last-minute.

Skip Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP if: You’re coming June–August — desert floor temperatures exceed 110F. You have an RV over 24ft — the road into the basin has a 24ft length limit enforced at the entrance.

Best time to visit Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: Mar–Apr — Peak wildflowers. Mild temperatures. Best birding for Colima warblers.. Oct–Nov — Summer heat breaks. Excellent hiking temperatures. Fewer visitors..

Common issues at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: 24-foot vehicle length limit on the Chisos Basin road. RVs over 24ft must camp at Rio Grande Village or Cottonwood instead.

What campers say about Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: "Darkest skies I’ve ever seen. Woke up at 3am just to stare at the Milky Way." — Recreation.gov reviewer "Saw a coatimundi walking through camp in the morning. Completely unexpected." — Recreation.gov reviewer "It is a very long drive from anywhere. Plan for 4+ hours from El Paso or San Antonio." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, Tx) (BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX), Big Bend Backcountry Camping (BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX), Cottonwood (Big Bend, Tx) (BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX), Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, Tx) (BIG BEND NAT. PARK, TX).