Best Cabin Camping near Big Bend National Park

The crown jewel of the Lone Star State is Big Bend National Park. This spot of southwest Texas is the pinnacle of all things outdoors in the state of Texas. Whether you want to explore the history of the state, spot wildlife, or just enjoy a hike, Big Bend is the place to be.

There are a number of campgrounds associated with Big Bend. Some are run by the park, and one is an RV park operated by a resort. The busy season here is actually November to April, where campsites will be harder to come by. Make sure to reserve your campground ahead of time, especially during peak season. The best camping near Big Bend is in the park itself, as Texas has little BLM land to make use of. Study Butte, TX, and the surrounding areas offer some accommodations if you can't get a spot in the park.

Best Cabin Sites Near Big Bend National Park (10)

    1. Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park

    69 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    7 miles
    +1 (432) 477-1121

    $16 / night

    "We were able to find free camping in the park but this place was worth the money.

    Theres picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms, running water, maybe 40 or 50 sites."

    "Getting to Big Bend National Park is part of the adventure, it is nowhere near anything other than itself, but for those who go, it’s so worth the effort."

    2. Paisano Village RV Park & Inn

    6 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 371-2057

    $39 - $179 / night

    "A small, quaint campground close to Big Bend NP. Sites are level with cement sitting area, picnic table, and firepit. Bathroom and shower area are new and nice. Will definitely stay here again."

    "Right down the road from Big Bend entrance. We backed into our spot and left the shades open not wanting to miss the beautiful view all around."

    3. Tin Valley Retro Rentals

    5 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 466-1011

    $10 - $35 / night

    "There are also some stationary RVs available to rent that have running water, electricity, and a bath house. These latter RV rentals are more expensive than the more primitive sites."

    "At Tin Valley you’ll share your stay with a donkey, some pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. It’s a pet friendly atmosphere."

    4. Rancho Topanga

    11 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 371-2131

    "We stayed at Rancho Topenga for 2 nights during our week long trip at Big Bend National Park(we also stayed in the park for 2 nights)."

    "This is a great location to mountain bike in Big Bend Ranch State Park and on the Lajitas trail system, but also you’re only an hour away from sitting in the Big Bend National Park Chiso basin parking"

    6. Retro Rents

    3 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    24 miles
    Website

    "They do indeed still have full hook-up rental spaces for travel trailers! We have a 27’ and we were fine (maybe call if you are one of those big fifth wheels to be sure)."

    "The owners are really nice and the location is super convenient to check out the bars and restaurants of Terlingua.  We used this as our jumping off point for Big Bend explorations. "

    7. The Permaculture Oasis

    1 Review
    Terlingua, TX
    27 miles
    +1 (626) 344-0728

    $45 - $65 / night

    "The Permaculture Oasis has a few sites set in a relaxing and tranquil spot with some great views of the surrounding mountains.  Check them out and post some pictures to the Dyrt!"

    8. Interior Primitive Sites — Big Bend Ranch State Park

    20 Reviews
    Redford, TX
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 229-3416

    "I came here for an overnight bike-pack trip and the base camp I stayed at had a picnic table, fire pit, and a nice cliff with the river running just behind it. There are also restrooms close by."

    "Big bend state park is the same terrain as the National except it is less landscaped. The campsites are rough ones that you have to hike to. No pets on those."

    9. Mel's Place Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Terlingua, TX
    20 miles
    +1 (512) 557-6814

    $20 - $158 / night

    10. Terlingua Camp Hostel

    Be the first to review!
    Terlingua, TX
    25 miles
    +1 (713) 530-9052
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Recent Cabin Photos near Big Bend National Park

4 Photos of 10 Big Bend National Park Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Big Bend National Park

117 Reviews of 10 Big Bend National Park Campgrounds


  • Chelsey D.
    Nov. 27, 2018

    Tin Valley Retro Rentals

    Serene Desert Retreat

    Tin Valley is a beautiful and serene desert retreat situated in a valley, surrounded by small mountain ranges such as the Western Corrazones and Sombrero Peak. The night skies are bright and breathtaking when the weather is clear; we were lucky enough to see the Milky Way and the Leonid meteor shower during our stay. There are several sites at Tin Valley - some A frame platforms, some stationary trailers, some cars and buses that have been converted to camping trailers. There are also some stationary RVs available to rent that have running water, electricity, and a bath house. These latter RV rentals are more expensive than the more primitive sites. We booked our stay through Airbnb.

    Our camper was an old trailer that had been gutted/renovated and was outfitted with sleeping bags, extra blankets, two cots, and a propane heater (no gas provided). It was a good windbreak on the colder, chillier nights. There were some solar-powered outlets in the trailer (for charging a phone), but we didn't use them since our phones would charge in the car. I don't think they would power anything like a hair dryer, etc. The rest of the site included a trash can, a padded bench, two chairs, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and a fire ring (wood available for purchase - I think it was $5 per bundle). There is no water at the site, but there is a sink and outdoor shower a short walk away. There is no hot water available, but it is potable. The rental included the free use of the (hot) showers at nearby (5 minute drive) Terlingua Ranch Lodge, where there is also a restaurant. There is also a portapotty a short walk away from the trailer, which was kept very clean and well-stocked with toilet paper. There is no cell service or wifi at the campsite, but free wifi is available if you walk down toward the stationary RVs.

    Getting to the site in the dark can be a little intimidating - it's West Texas, so everything is pretty spread out. The owner of the site was excellent when communicating how to find it. Google Maps will not take you to the correct place - you must print out directions before you go (cell service is very spotty out there) and watch your car's odometer. Drive slowly and carefully - lots of wild animals and winding, unpaved roads. You can safely make it to the camp site with any kind of car, though a vehicle with high clearance and/or 4-wheel drive wouldn't hurt.

    The site is about a 20-25 minute drive from Terlingua/Study Butte, and about a 30-35 minute drive to the entrance of Big Bend National Park. If you plan to stay here while visiting Big Bend, remember to factor drive time to the park and then within the park - it's a big place. The drives are beautiful, though, so it's not a chore.

    Please be aware:

    1. If you bring your own car, please check all systems before you take it out there. Our car's battery died halfway through the trip and the owner of the only auto parts store in Terlingua was out of town, so the store was closed. We had to get a jump in the park and then drive two hours north to Alpine to get a new battery.

    2. West Texas is a desert - Big Bend NP only allows 5 gallons of water per person per day at potable spigots. Please be sparing and conserve where you can. That said, it is Texas, which means it can get very hot. Bring water with you everywhere.

    3. West Texas is home to Mexican black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, javelinas (wild hogs), every variety of venomous snake that lives in the United States, and more. It may not look like a typical "predator country," but it can be. Store food in hard-shell enclosed spaces, like your trailer or car. Bear boxes are not available at sites, but they are available in the national park. Watch carefully for snakes on dry ground at the site (rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes) and in water (cottonmouths, water moccasins).

  • D
    Mar. 13, 2021

    Tin Valley Retro Rentals

    Tin Valley Retro Rentals is a diamond in the rough!

    Tin Valley Retro Rentals is a diamond in the rough! Owner Ronda has transformed Airstreams, buses, retro RV’s, and even a VW Beetle (the Cuddlebug) and Land Yacht into amazing places to stay. At Tin Valley you’ll share your stay with a donkey, some pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. It’s a pet friendly atmosphere. Along with the retro rentals and tent sites there’s amazing RV parking and new to Tin Valley, Van Lifer parking spaces. This is not your standard RV park, the RV parking spaces are spread out not packed in tightly. The sites are spread out so you’re not looking directly into your neighbor’s window but instead at the immaculate unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains. Two of the tent sites have their own artistic touch complete with A-Frame style lodging so you can leave the tent home if you’d like. The Land Yacht site is the only clothing optional site here as well, where you can feel free to feel free. Each site has it’s own fire pit and charcoal grill. There’s an outdoor shower here, or nearby showers, laundry, pool and cafe at the neighboring Terlingua Ranch. Artist Jules Muck has put her own touch on Tin Valley transforming what would normally be just a renovated RV into a work of art. Stars will shine brighter here than you’ve ever seen before without the city light pollution nearby and it’s an amazing sight. You can hike up the two mountains closest or take a walk around Tin Valley. Take time to head to Big Bend national or state parks in the Terlingua area. The center of Terlingua also has a ghost town complete with walking tour. In that area you’ll find bars and restaurants, Cottonwood, the nearest grocery store, or the closest place to fill up on gas. A visit to Terlingua and Tin Valley Retro Rentals won’t disappoint. You won’t’ find another place this original, or with this much space to rent to call your own as an RV’er, camper, or retro renter. Check out tinvalleyretrorentals.com or Tin Valley Retro Rentals on Facebook.

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 14, 2017

    Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park

    Love Big Bend!

    Camping here was decent. We absolutely love Big Bend. We were able to find free camping in the park but this place was worth the money.

    Theres picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms, running water, maybe 40 or 50 sites. We were able to find some hot springs in the Rio Grande river, in the park which was fantastic. We also walked in to mexico and spent the day over there. Its hot during the day and cold at night. Amazing hiking, biking, swimming, and site seeing. Big Bend NP is least visited NP and most re-visited. That says a lot about the place.

    Also terlingua texas and the ghost town are a hoot. All kinds of cool off grid homes, artists, and musicians. These places are a drive from the campground and outside the NP.

    Cheers!

  • Melissa W.
    Mar. 25, 2020

    Rancho Topanga

    Worth it to camp outside of the park

    We stayed at Rancho Topenga for 2 nights during our week long trip at Big Bend National Park(we also stayed in the park for 2 nights). We wish we would have stayed at Rancho Topenga for more nights than we did. It's only about 20 minutes to the park entrance from the campground. Guy, the owner, takes such good care of his campground. The showers and bathrooms are amazing and meticulously clean (sorry I didn't take any pictures, you'll have to trust me). Some of the campsites are a little close together but have more space than the established campgrounds within the park would have. In addition to having showers and flushing toilets, you can have a fire which is a huge bonus for us. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. You can hear a little road traffic(depending on what site you get, some might have more noise). The sunsets were amazing here and we liked walking around the property to say hi to his dogs and horse. We would definitely recommend Rancho Topenga for camping while in BBNP.

  • Russ H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2025

    Rancho Topanga

    Great location and super friendly owners.

    This is a great location to mountain bike in Big Bend Ranch State Park and on the Lajitas trail system, but also you’re only an hour away from sitting in the Big Bend National Park Chiso basin parking lot to do great hiking. Terilinga Texas is a fun town nearby and there’s a place to buy groceries called the Cottonwood general store in Study Butte. I am a single camper and Rancho Topango is only $15 a night and you get hot showers and flush toilets and some of the sites have a roof built over the picnic tables to help keep the searing Texas Sun at bay

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park

    Gorgeous Setting!

    Getting to Big Bend National Park is part of the adventure, it is nowhere near anything other than itself, but for those who go, it’s so worth the effort. If you are going to camp in Big Bend National Park, make sure you spend a couple of nights in Chisos Basin. It is the quintessential National Park Campground – full stop. Neither the approach, climbing 2,000ft of winding switch back nor the campsites themselves are optimal(nor recommended) for any trailer longer than 20 feet. Our site (#22) just barely accommodated our tiny 15-foot trailer. So, take the size limitations on the website at their word. 

    Fortunately, the camp host was completely on the ball, and moved us to a larger site that became available for 2 nights of our stay. When we first arrived in Big Bend back in 2013, we were able to get a campsite without a reservation, but those days are gone. Most of these campsites are reserved 6 months out, so plan ahead.  We snagged what had to have been a cancellation, just a few days ahead of time.  The campsites all have burly shade structures over the picnic tables, which are perfect for hammocking, as well as bear food containers. There’s not a lot of privacy between the sites, so you just have to go with the flow and get in to the communal vibe of the place. If you do, you’ll enjoy yourself all the more. 

    Curmudgeons can go and rent one of the beautiful stone cottages available at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. The campground lies in the basin of the Chisos Mountains. Everywhere you look is worthy of a picture, and it’s difficult to know where to stop taking them, but they won’t do it justice. 

    The hiking, right from the campground, is among the finest in the park. We highly recommend the strenuous, all-day, South Rim loop – an epic day well spent and views worth all the trouble it takes to get there. 

    There is a visitor’s center a short walk away from the campground where you can get all the park information and necessary permits. In addition, there’s a small grocery store with ice, beer and wine as well as a few other necessary essentials. Gas can be found near Panther Junction, the main Visitor’s Center in the park. Otherwise, the town of Study Butte, some 25 miles away offers more opportunities for groceries, gas and supplies.

    If you haven’t made any reservations yet because everything is full up, check out the nearby Texas State Park, of Big Bend Ranch. There are many campsites which lies along the Rio Grande river, just off of a well-maintained paved road that goes between Terlingua and Presidio, TX. The visitor’s center, where you get your camping permits, is located on the Terlingua side of the park, you can’t get permits in Presidio, so plan ahead!

  • Kristin  K.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Rancho Topanga

    Not Many Measure Up

    We stayed at Rancho Topanga for 4 nights during our unforgettable trip to Big Bend National Park in December 2019. The campground was thoughtfully designed and is lovingly maintained. The sites are very spaced out with gorgeous views. Each site has potable water and a fire pit. The individual showers have hot water and the dishwashing stations at the bathhouse were something I wish more campgrounds had! We saw wildlife and amazing sunsets during our visit. No electricity and primarily tents only. We can’t wait to visit again!

  • T
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park

    Awesome views, cool air and just a little cramped

    The Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park is cool whether you’re in a tent or a camper. It has a ton of pros: bathrooms close by, being the coolest place in the park (serious bonus in the summertime), close proximity to hiking trails (don’t miss the Window trail!!!) and it close enough to the Chisos Basin restaurant and store you could walk if you’re feeling ambitious (it IS uphill haha!). My only complaint for this campground is how cramped it feels! If you’re trying to get away from it all and feel open space around you Chisos may not be your best bet. Sites are small and very close together.

  • Robert
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living Educational Center

    Totally Sustainable with room for stretching out and star gazing

    My experience was everything I expected; solitude, stargazing, sustainability, and gorgeous views.  I believe November is the perfect time to camp here.  Lots of space to enjoy some peace and solitude.  Camp hosts' were terrific. They were always willing to share their knowledge of solar power and organic sustainability.  This ranch is miles off the main road with the approach road a bit bumpy.  There are lots of dips and loose soil.  A four-wheeled vehicle would fit nicely.  The cost is very reasonable and you must be prepared to dry camp. Bring a full supply of essentials though, the nearest store is miles away.  Big Bend National Park is only 35 minutes to the south.  Older children will love this camp site too.


Guide to Big Bend National Park

Experience the beauty of cabin camping near Big Bend National Park, Texas, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await.

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities at Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx), where the panoramic scenery of the Chisos Mountains will leave you in awe.
  • At Tin Valley Retro Rentals, you can explore unique retro accommodations while soaking in the serene desert environment and starry nights.
  • Experience the charm of Paisano Village RV Park & Inn, conveniently located near Big Bend, perfect for a cozy retreat after a day of adventure.

Discover the local attractions

  • Visit the nearby ghost town of Terlingua, where you can immerse yourself in the area's rich history and vibrant local culture while staying at Retro Rents.
  • Explore the stunning landscapes of Big Bend Ranch State Park, just a short drive from Mel's Place Cabin, offering a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor activities.
  • Take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Basecamp Terlingua, where you can relax in a cabin after a day of exploration.

Unique features of these campgrounds

  • Tin Valley Retro Rentals offers a quirky atmosphere with retro trailers and unique accommodations, perfect for those looking for something different.
  • Experience the comfort of modern amenities at Paisano Village RV Park & Inn, featuring clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the artistic touches and spacious sites at Retro Rents, where you can appreciate the local art scene while having access to essential amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Big Bend National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Big Bend National Park is Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 69 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Big Bend National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 cabin camping locations near Big Bend National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.