Chisos Basin Group Campground
Open — Currently open and accepting reservations. Beginning May 1, 2026, the Chisos Basin Campground will close for approximately two years due to major construction projects to replace the lodge and water distribution system. During closure, the Basin Road will be closed to all visitor access.
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 Group Campground sits at 5,400 feet elevation in the heart of Big Bend National Park's Chisos Mountains, one of the most scenic and sought-after camping areas in West Texas. The campground offers seven group sites accommodating 9-20 people depending on the site, each nestled in an open woodland setting with iconic views of Casa Grande and surrounding cliffs. The higher elevation provides relief from the intense desert heat during summer months, though the basin retains warmth in fall and winter as cold air sinks to lower elevations. The campground serves as a hub for hikers seeking to explore Big Bend's premier mountain trails. Lost Mine Trail, Window Trail, South Rim Trail, and the Pinnacles Trail with access to Emory Peak (7,825 feet) all have trailheads within a mile or so in the main Chisos Basin area. The mountains provide critical habitat for migratory birds, including the Colima Warbler, which nests here from mid-April through mid-September and is found nowhere else in the United States. The surrounding landscape features montane shrubland with Arizona cypress, mesquite, maple, aspen, pinyon, and ponderosa pine. Nearby amenities include the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, a general store, and the Chisos Mountains Lodge with the park's only restaurant. The Rio Grande lies approximately 30 miles away for those seeking river access. Trailers over 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding Basin Road and compact campsites.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take Highway 385 south through Fort Stockton to Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles south on Highway 385 to Big Bend National Park's north entrance. Continue 26 miles to Panther Junction headquarters, turn right for 3 miles, then turn left at the Basin sign. Drive 7 miles up the winding mountain road and turn right into the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| 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 | $40 |
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!