Chisos Basin Campground
Open — Open year-round with advance reservations required. No first-come, first-served sites available. Some sites are reservable six months in advance, while select sites can be booked two weeks ahead. The entire Chisos Basin area, including this campground, will close beginning May 2026 for lodge reconstruction and water system improvements.
Temporary Trail Closure to Protect Nesting Falcons
From February 1st through April 18, a portion of the East Rim Trail in the Chisos Mountains will be closed to protect nesting falcons. The closure includes East Rim backpacking campsites ER-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. For details and a map, click "more."
Pardon Our Dust: Chisos Basin Improvement Projects to Begin May 1, 2026
Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in May 2026 and continue for approximately two years. Major disruptions in visitor access to the Chisos Basin are expected during this time. Big Bend National Park will remain OPEN.
Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone
The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
Bringing a Pet to Big Bend?
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended
Road Closures
The road between Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon, Hot Springs Road, Old Ore Road, River Road West to Glenn Springs Road, and Black Gap Road remain closed due to the flood damage. Old Maverick Road is open to high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles only.
Panther Junction Gas Station Store Closed
Panther Junction Gas Station Store is closed for a remodel, but gas is still available.
From Recreation.gov
During the lodge construction the High Chisos area trails (South Rim, East Rim, Colima, Boot Canyon) and their designated campsites will be accessible from trails that originate from outside the Chisos Basin (Blue Creek Trail or Juniper Canyon Trail). Beginning May 2026 and until normal trail access resumes from the Chisos Basin, Chisos Backpacking campsites will not be reservable online. A backpacking permit will be required and can be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
From Recreation.gov
During the lodge construction the High Chisos area trails (South Rim, East Rim, Colima, Boot Canyon) and their designated campsites will be accessible from trails that originate from outside the Chisos Basin (Blue Creek Trail or Juniper Canyon Trail). Beginning May 1, 2026 and until normal trail access resumes from the Chisos Basin, Chisos Backpacking campsites will not be reservable online. A backpacking permit will be required and can be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance at the Panther Junction Visitor Center. During this Consruction the Chisos Basin campground will be closed, please consider a stay at the Rio Grande Village campground.
About
Chisos Basin Campground is perched high in the rugged Chisos Mountains at an elevation of 5,400 feet, making it the most sought-after campground in Big Bend National Park. Surrounded on all sides by tall, rocky cliffs, the campground offers spectacular views and serves as the primary base camp for hikers exploring some of the park's most iconic trails. The basin's montane shrubland environment features Arizona cypress and mesquite at lower elevations, with maple, aspen, pinyon, and ponderosa pines growing on the slopes above. The campground has 60 individual sites, each equipped with a picnic table, raised charcoal grill, and bear-proof food storage container. Some sites include picnic shelters for shade. Sites are generally small, rocky, and not level, requiring leveling blocks for RVs. The steep, winding Basin Road has sharp hairpin turns and restricts access to RVs under 24 feet and trailers under 20 feet. Most sites fall within a no-generator zone. The campground provides drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station, though no hookups are available at individual sites. From the campground, visitors can access trailheads for the Lost Mine Trail, Window Trail, South Rim Trail, and Pinnacles Trail leading to Emory Peak at 7,825 feet, the park's highest point. The Chisos Basin area also houses a visitor center, general store, and lodge with the park's only restaurant. The basin's unique microclimate and isolated mountain environment make it the only nesting site in the United States for the Colima warbler, which arrives in mid-April and departs by mid-September. Bears are active in the area, requiring strict food storage protocols.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take Highway 385 south through Fort Stockton to Marathon. From Marathon, continue 40 miles south on Highway 385 to Big Bend National Park's north entrance. Drive 26 miles to Panther Junction, turn right for 3 miles, then turn left at the Basin sign and continue 7 miles before turning right into the campground road. The road is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 24ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 20ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (432) 477-1121 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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