Rio Grande Village
Open — Open year-round with advance reservations required. Some sites are reservable six months in advance, others two weeks in advance. No first-come, first-served camping available.
From Recreation.gov
Big Bend National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. In the interest of protecting night skies, outdoor lighting will be limited between 10 PM and 6AM to handheld lighting designed for wayfinding and lighting needed for immediate camp chores or cooking.
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.
About
Rio Grande Village Campground is one of Big Bend National Park's most popular campgrounds, situated near the banks of the Rio Grande at the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. At an elevation of 1,850 feet, the campground provides shade from surrounding cottonwood trees and exceptional views of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains to the east, which illuminate with vibrant reds and oranges at sunset. The campground offers 100 campsites that vary considerably in size and suitability. Sites range from small tent sites to large pull-through sites that can accommodate 40-foot motorhomes, though low-hanging branches persist throughout the campground requiring careful attention to individual site descriptions. Each site includes a picnic table, charcoal grill, and bear-proof food storage locker, with some sites featuring picnic shelters for additional shade. All campsites are within easy walking distance of water spigots, flush toilets, and utility sinks. Rio Grande Village serves as an excellent launch point for river activities, with easy access to canoeing and kayaking on the Rio Grande. The area is renowned among birders for rare species found only in Big Bend. Nearby attractions include Boquillas Canyon, the Boquillas Port of Entry, Hot Springs and its historic district, and the challenging Marufo Vega Loop trail. The campground is located 20 miles from Panther Junction Visitor Center. Winter temperatures (November through March) are pleasant with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s, while summer (April through September) brings extreme heat with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn left and proceed for 20 miles to the Rio Grande Village area. Turn left at the stop sign and follow signs 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 | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| 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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