Chisos Basin Campground
Open year-round. Reservations required through Recreation.gov with no first-come-first-served camping. The planned construction closure originally scheduled for May 2026 has been cancelled, and the campground remains fully accessible. Stay limit is 14 consecutive nights, reduced during the busy January 1 through April 15 period.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 3:31AM MDT until October 30 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of southeast New Mexico, including the following areas, Central Lea, Eddy County Plains, Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County, Northern Lea and Southern Lea and Texas, including the following areas, Andrews, Borden, Central Brewster, Chinati Mountains, Chisos Basin, Crane, Davis Mountains, Davis Mountains Foothills, Dawson, Eastern Culberson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet, Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains, Howard, Loving, Lower Brewster County, Marfa Plateau, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Pecos, Presidio Valley, Reagan, Reeves County Plains, Scurry, Terrell, Upton, Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor, Ward and Winkler. * WHEN...Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep moisture has spread over the entire area ahead of an approaching upper level storm system. Numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall over these areas. 1 to 3 inches of rainfall with locally higher totals will be possible, which could result in areas of flash flooding, especially urban areas where drainage is poor. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
The planned construction of the Big Bend National Park Chisos Mountains Lodge and other Chisos Basin facility improvements, originally scheduled to begin in May 2026, will not proceed as planned. Importantly, Big Bend National Park remains fully open to visitors. Due to the construction delay, previously planned closures of the Chisos Basin will not take place, ensuring continued access to the park’s facilities and breathtaking landscapes. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing updates as we work toward bringing these important improvements to fruition.
From Recreation.gov
A maximum of two motor vehicles, one vehicle with a trailer, one motorhome with tow vehicle or four motorcycles allowed per campsite. A maximum of four tents OR one wheeled camping unit and one tent allowed per campsite. Only 1 conversion van or other type of recreational vehicle allowed per site. Two (2) conversion vans or RVs require 2 campsites.
About
Perched high in the rugged Chisos Mountains at 5,400 feet elevation, Chisos Basin Campground is Big Bend National Park's premier camping destination. The campground occupies a natural bowl surrounded on all sides by dramatic rocky cliffs, including views of Casa Grande, Emory Peak (the park's highest point at 7,825 feet), and the famous Window formation that frames spectacular desert sunsets. The higher elevation brings notably milder temperatures than the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, making this a comfortable retreat even during the hot Texas summer months. The 60 campsites are small, rocky, and generally not level, making this location more suitable for tent camping than RVs. The steep, winding access road with sharp hairpin turns prohibits trailers over 19 feet and RVs over 24 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, bear-proof food storage container, and charcoal grill. Wood and ground fires are strictly prohibited throughout the park. The campground provides drinking water spigots, restrooms, and a dump station, though showers are not available (the nearest coin-operated showers are an hour away at Rio Grande Village). The Chisos Basin area serves as a hub for hikers exploring the park's most spectacular trails. Trailheads for the Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, Pinnacles Trail, and South Rim Trail are all within easy reach. The Basin also houses a visitor center, general store, and Chisos Mountains Lodge with the park's only restaurant, providing convenient amenities for campers.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take Highway 385 south through Fort Stockton to Marathon. From Marathon, continue 40 miles south on Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right and drive 3 miles, then turn left at the Basin sign and continue 7 miles before turning right into the campground road. Note: The road is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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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