Big Bend National Park spans over 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness with elevations ranging from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet at Emory Peak. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, creating distinct camping seasons. The remote nature of this region requires thorough preparation as services are extremely limited and water sources scarce.
What to do
Stargazing at night: Rio Grande Village RV Campground offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "It's one of the darkest places in US to see the Milky Way at night. During the summer it can get insanely hot, but the nights cool off immensely and the sunsets are amazing," notes Chelsea O.
Hiking Emory Peak: This challenging trail provides panoramic desert vistas. "The hike and climb to Emory peak is amazing but not for beginners," advises Dee M. from Rio Grande Village RV Campground.
Bird watching: Multiple species can be spotted near water sources. "Great bird watching opportunities. Beautiful night skies! Old facilities are maintained but full of bugs especially spiders," reports Stephanie J., highlighting both the wildlife opportunities and facility conditions.
Desert exploring: For more solitude, venture to less-visited areas. "We did a few hikes, which were quiet enjoyable. Over all, a nice park that is more primitive than most," shares Brian V. from Interior Primitive Sites at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
What campers like
Remote backcountry sites: La Noria offers isolation from crowds. "La Noria #1 should get a campsite medal! It was seriously everything I could have ever wanted in a backcountry site! Awesome fauna, awesome views and no people!" exclaims Tori M. from La Noria.
Access to natural areas: Some sites provide easy access to trails. "This is a large campground with multiple types of spots, with access for even some of the largest rvs and tow behinds. There is a nice nature path that leads to a cliff overlooking the Rio Grande," describes Danielle R.
Dark night skies: The absence of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing. "Excluded campground on Terlingua ranch with beautiful night skies and view of red bluff," notes Hunter from Red Bluff at Terlingua Ranch.
Desert vistas: Scenic views of surrounding terrain are highly valued. "Nice sized space with picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of room for multiple tents and additional vehicles. Old windmill and tank make for nice scenery," shares Neal L.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many backcountry sites require appropriate vehicles. "With a trailer? We decided to take our off-road pull along trailer down to Las Burras 3. Let me tell you. I have never underestimated a challenge so thoroughly," warns Katherine R.
Water limitations: Potable water is scarce throughout the region. "There was no water on site, we had to bring it from the ranger station. There also wasn't a lot of shade, despite the shade structure that was on site," explains Brian V.
Extreme temperatures: Desert conditions mean dramatic temperature swings. "We visited in April and it was very hot in the day. So, you will need to time the visit carefully has the summer temps can exceed 100 most days," advises Steve & Ashley G.
Limited services: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. "Small pull off and a paved path to an area you could pitch a tent. Very remote. No water," reports Kera P. from Hannold Draw.
Tips for camping with families
Choose developed campgrounds: For easier family camping with amenities. "This is a popular place for families, so if you are looking for something quieter or more secluded with less human activity, this is not for you," explains Danielle R.
Consider accessibility needs: Some sites have challenging terrain. "One washout in road could prove challenging unless have short tongue and higher clearance. Old windmill and tank make for nice scenery," notes Neal L.
Plan for extreme temperatures: Desert camping requires preparation. "The variety of desert cactuses was amazing. We visited in April and it was very hot in the day," reports Steve & Ashley G. from Tres Papalotes.
Bring entertainment: Limited connectivity means offline activities are essential. "No Cell Phone, No Internet, no TV nothing. But was the best place we have been to," shares Mary T.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Many RV sites have tight spacing. "The full hookup sites are very narrow. Each post has connections for two sites, so you and your neighbor pull in from opposite directions. If I had to guess, I say there's only about 32' between posts to fit two rigs," explains Dana K.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. "Our site, at least where we stopped in the long space, was significantly unlevel, both side-to-side and front-to-back, although we tried a few stopping points," warns Dana K. from Stillwell Store & RV Park.
Dump station limitations: Sewer connections may have design issues. "The sewer connections are raised high above the surface, resulting in limited actual draining of your tanks even when using the common tapered hose guides we all use. Plan some extra time and care to dump and rinse your line," advises Dana K.
Electric and water options: Consider partial hookup areas for better spacing. "I prefer the electric only sites as they are spread out for the most part," recommends Jennifer A.
