Best Cabin Camping near Big Bend National Park

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).

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.