What are the hours and season for Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP is open Year-round (Nov–Apr optimal). Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM.

What are the fire rules at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

Fire rules at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Often under restrictions due to drought. Check nps.gov/bibe.

What is the 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.

What are the best things to do near Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

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.

Is there wildlife at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

Wildlife alert for Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP: 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.

What are the common problems at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

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

What are the insider tips for Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

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.

What makes Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP unique?

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.

How do I book a campsite at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/chisos-basin-big-bend to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP

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

Big Bend National Park, TX4.8 (1122)5,401 ft

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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.

Things to do nearby

Lost Mine TrailSouth Rim TrailWindow TrailLost Mine Trail

Best For

Dark sky enthusiastsBirdersHikersRemote wilderness seekersWinter desert escapes

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Flush toilets

Water

Picnic tables

Fire grates

Chisos Mountains Lodge nearby

Restaurant nearby

Store nearby

Stargazing (certified dark sky park)

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

Year-round (Nov–Apr optimal)

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

RVs over 24ft cannot navigate the road to the basin. Extreme summer heat (though basin is cooler). Very remote — 3+ hours from any city. Limited cell service.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard policy.

Why campers love Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP

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.

What's new in 2026

Maverick Junction to Santa Elena Canyon road repaired 2023.

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

Not the right fit 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

Frequently asked questions

How much does Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP cost per night?+

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP costs $16 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None.

What season is Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP open?+

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP is open Year-round (Nov–Apr optimal). Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP have hookups?+

None.

What is the maximum RV length at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?+

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?+

Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP?+

Essentially no service anywhere in Big Bend. Marathon (70 miles north) has spotty Verizon. Download all maps before you leave Alpine.

How far is Chisos Basin — Big Bend NP from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Panther Junction — 8 miles

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