Rio Grande Village Group Campground
Open — Open year-round. Reservations required through Recreation.gov. All organized groups require a Special Use Permit in addition to campsite reservations. Minimum of nine people required per site. Limited to 14 consecutive nights with a maximum of 28 nights per calendar year; during January 1 through April 15, limited to 14 total nights in the park.
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
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 needed for immediate camp chores or cooking.
About
Rio Grande Village Group Campground sits on the banks of the Rio Grande at the international boundary between the United States and Mexico. The four group campsites are designed for organized groups of nine or more people and serve as one of the most popular group camping options in Big Bend National Park. Located at 1,850 feet elevation, the campground is set in a grove of cottonwood and acacia trees offering shade and outstanding views of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains in Mexico, which light up with hues of red and orange during sunset. The campground is tent-only with no RV or trailer access, except for Group Site C which allows one small recreational vehicle up to 20 feet. Generators are prohibited. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, charcoal grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers. Flush toilets and potable water spigots are within easy walking distance, and coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are available at the nearby Rio Grande Village Store. The location serves as an ideal launch point for exploring Boquillas Canyon, the Boquillas Port of Entry, Hot Springs Historic Area, and the Marufo Vega Loop trail. River access allows for canoeing and kayaking, while the area is renowned for birdwatching with rare species found only in Big Bend. Winter temperatures are pleasant with daily highs in the mid-70s to low 80s, while summer months from April through September are extremely hot with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Continue 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn left and proceed 20 miles to the Rio Grande Village area. At the stop sign, turn right, then veer right for the group campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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!