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The Rio Grande Village Campground sits near the banks of the Rio Grande, the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, especially for those traveling in large recreational vehicles. It is located close to Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs, and serves as a launch point for visitors accessing the river or the endless miles of backcountry roads. Rio Grande Village has an outstanding view of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains, located in Mexico to the east, which light up with hues of red and orange during sunset.
The river offers ample opportunities to explore its shores and water. The river put-in allows easy access to canoeing and kayaking on the river. Birders flock to the river banks to spot such rare and unique species often found only in Big Bend. Day Hike trails are also found nearby and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.
The mountain views, proximity to Mexico, the Rio, and shade from the surrounding cottonwood trees make Rio Grande Village Campground irresistible to visitors.The campground is at an elevation of 1,850 ft. During the winter season (November through March) temperatures are warm and pleasant with daily highs in the mid-70s to low 80s. From April through September, this campground is extremely HOT with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees. Be prepared for the weather: Current Weather Readings
Rio Grande Village is located near the Boquillas Canyon trail, the Boquillas Port of Entry, the Marufo Vega Loop trail, the Hot Springs and Hot Springs Historic District and Daniels Ranch. It is 20 miles (32 km) from the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
$16 / night
Stillwell's Store and RV Park is located just north of Big Bend National Park, about 8 miles from the Persimmon Gap entrance. NOT LOCATED IN ANY TOWN, WE ARE 45 MILES SOUTH OF MARATHON The old-fashioned general store carries soft drinks, beer, ice, canned goods and regular gasoline. Our RV park features sites with full 30/50 amp hook-ups (electric, water and sewer), water and electric only sites, dry sites and tent sites. Stillwell is a practical campground with a lot of history, not a resort. Come enjoy the peace and quiet at Stillwell while exploring the nearby Big Bend National Park and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. Given our ideal location, this is the perfect spot for stargazers, bird watchers and those just wanting to unplug for a bit. Whether it's for a short and or long-term stay, we hope to see you soon!
We do have limited WiFi at the store. The nearest cell phone service is about 15 miles away in BBNP. If technology is your top concern, this likely isn't the place for you.
$10 / night
Big Bend State Park interior sites are and along the River Rd., and allow a max. of 8 people per site. These sites are, Casa Ramon, Chorro Vista, Fresno Canyon, Fresno Vista, Guale 1 and 2, Javelin, La Monilla, La Mota 2, La Posta, Las Burras 1 and 3, Los Alamos, Los Cuates, Los Hermanos, Los Ojitos, Lower Alamito, McGuirks Tanks, Mexicano 1 and 2, Ojo Escondido, Papalote de la Sierra, Papalote Encino, Papalote Llano, Papalote Llano Nuevo, Papalote Nuevo, Papalote Rancho Viejo, Papalotito Colorado, Paso al Solitario, Pila Montoya 2 and 3, Pila de los Muchachos, Rancherias, Rincon 1 and 2, South Leyva, Tascate 1 and 2, Vista del Bofecillos, Vista del Chisos, and Yedra 1 and 2.
Picnic table Fire ring You must have a permit to camp at primitive road and front country campsites, and in the backcountry zone. Day-use visitors must obtain a permit before entering the park. If you plan to use the 4X4 unmaintained road, pick up and sign an Acknowledgement of Use of Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Motorcycles.
Get park information and permits for day use and camping daily, in person, at three locations:
Sauceda Ranger Station - (432) 358-4444 - in the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park Barton Warnock Visitor Center - (432) 424-3327 - in Lajitas, TX Fort Leaton State Historic Site - (432) 229-3613 - in Presidio, TX
Place tents in designated areas only. Desert resources are fragile. You must haul out both your human waste and trash. You can buy a portable privy at all permit-issuing stations. Downed wood is critical to desert ecology. Gathering firewood is prohibited; you must bring your own. Charcoal cooking fires and containerized fuel stoves are allowed. Pack out your ashes or deposit them in the fire ring. The maximum stay per permit is 14 nights. Individual campsites have an eight-person and three-vehicle limit. Group campsites have a 12-person and five-vehicle limit. Equestrian staging campsites have a 24-person and 12-vehicle limit.
Highway-access camping areas are along River Road (FM 170) at Arenosa, Lower and Upper Madera (Monilla) Canyon, and at Grassy Banks River Access. One campground is on the north side of FM 170 at the Contrabando West Trailhead; it does not have river access or a toilet facility. Self-composting toilets are at Colorado Canyon, Madera Canyon, Grassy Banks and the Contrabando Movie Set site.
No other facilities, water/electrical hookups, or dump stations are available. Due to road conditions, motor homes and large recreational vehicles may not be able to enter backcountry park areas. The Visitor’s Center at Sauceda Headquarters has shower and restrooms..
Unique beautiful scenery, secluded but also close to major attractions, mile from the Ghost Town less and 10 minutes from both Statd and Natioal parks. The biggest campground, 50 sites spead over 60 acres, situated in the middle of a 600 acre ranch.
$40 / night
5 acres of flat land in Terlingua Ranch. Beautiful views of Red Bluff, Nine Point Mesa, and of course the night sky
$20 - $30 / night
This site is Rincon 1. Located in the Southeast Zone. Must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access this site. Our 4WD roads are not suitable for most All-Wheel drive vehicles; clearance needs to be above 8''.
There is a walk in of about 75 yards. It has a picnic table, 2 tent pads and a grill. The site is in an open area with a view of Solatario Peak. This site is good for families. There is no water on this side of the canyon, so campers must bring plenty of water. This site also gets very hot in the summer.
This site requires a toilet system to occupy. No composting toilet is available. No ''cat-holing'' is allowed. Toilet systems can be purchased at a visitor center. Capacity 8.
$12 - $35 / night
Tres Papalotes (meaning “three windmills”) campsite is located in the eastern portion of the Solitario among many artifacts of the ranching industry. The campsite is positioned on the location of an old mining camp; it can accommodate up to 12 people. Amenities include two picnic tables with shade shelters, one fire ring, primitive toilets and permanent water. Road conditions vary depending on recent rains. Check with rangers before driving here. Surrounding the campsite is evidence of several types of mining/prospecting operations. In the 1930s miners searched for gold, silver, and mercury. You can visit several old mining sites just off the road that takes you to the Lower Shutup trailhead, and to the Inner and Outer Loop trails. Needle Peak, one of four summits rising from the floor of the Solitario, stands 4608 feet high; you can enjoy excellent views of this peak from the Outer Loop Trail. Nearby trails include Burnt Camp, Lower Shutup, Right Hand Shutup and Solitario Loop. The famous “Road to Nowhere” is close by. The sign at the top is the only one in the park system with red lettering. You need to get your picture taken by this sign.
You must have a permit to camp in the park. If you plan to use the 4X4 unmaintained road, pick up and sign an Acknowledgement of Use of Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Motorcycles.
Place tents in designated areas only. Desert resources are fragile.
You must haul out both your human waste and trash. You can buy a portable privy at all permit-issuing stations.
Downed wood is critical to desert ecology. Gathering firewood is prohibited; you must bring your own. Charcoal cooking fires and containerized fuel stoves are allowed. Pack out your ashes or deposit them in the fire ring.
The maximum stay per permit is 14 nights. Campsites have an eight-person and two-vehicle limit.
No other facilities, water/electrical hookups, or dump stations are available. Due to road conditions, motor homes and large recreational vehicles may not be able to enter backcountry park areas. The Visitor’s Center at Sauceda Headquarters has shower and restrooms.
Scout
This is the only RV campground I could find on the north side of Big Bend NP and I would stay here again. And as I'm used to staying in many campgrounds located near highways and significant city traffic, Stillwell is completely opposite -- totally quiet & dark & pleasant! On our drive to the park one day, we saw a sizable family of javelinas crossing the road!
The website is very clear that there is no cellular and very limited wifi (basically just at the store, although my wife's phone seemed a lot for successful at finding and holding the network from our place at the far end of the full-hookups lot. There are zero trees and I saw a couple Starlink receivers so I presume they've got full connectivity!
The FHU sites are very narrow. Each post has connections for two sites, so you and your neighbor pull in from opposite directions (assuming you both need driver-side hookups.) This is shown clearly on the site map, so no surprise there. But, we have a 42" deep slide and, even with just 6-8" clearance from the post, the adjacent site (on the curb side) with a similar slide would likely result in a single narrow shared path between the two rigs. Said another way, if I had to guess, I say there's only about 32' between posts to fit two rigs.
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. 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 (i.e. significant waste will remain in the line.) Plan some extra time and care to dump and rinse your line.
As I said, I would definitely come here again, but just be prepared for this campground's less-than-ideal quirks. And enjoy the peace & quiet!
Scout
Incredible location deep within BBRSP. The majority of the route is straightforward until you deviate from regular roads near the La Posta site.
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ScoutDiscover the extraordinary at this hidden gem in BBRSP! The journey is a breeze until you diverge from the regular roads at La Posta site. Navigating rocky ledges and overcoming obstacles leads to a rewarding destination. Enjoy the fantastic site featuring a shaded table and more. the impossible quiz
Legend
This is not my style of “camping” but in a pinch or if electric hook ups are a must, then this place will work. This is a parking lot with services that you won’t get in the standard campgrounds. I would stay here however, just to be in the park and especially if it was during the hotter months. . The general store, gas station, laundry and shower facilities are in walking distance.
GuideWhile we were here there were a few other campers. We had one end to ourselves. We tried to camp inside of Big Bend but it was full. After checking out the camp grounds inside the park we were so happy that we stayed at Stilwell. The showers here are nice, the toilets are nice. The store is well stocked. They have gas,ice, lots of things one expects. Inside the park not much.
GuideAwesome site deep in BBRSP. Most of the path is easy until you leave normal roads at the La Posta site. After the first descent on a very rocky ledge, its mostly managing to keep on the path and navigate a few obstacles. Once you get there, a great site with a shade-covered table etc. Shared toilets short walk away.
ScoutWe travel full time and I have never had such a negative experience. The bathrooms are disgusting. There are only two washers for the entire area. The staff is beyond rude. We were exactly 13 minutes late checking out with nobody checking into our #5, because the water hookup was broken. One of the works sarcastically told my husband she hoped the the coyotes didn’t eat our cat as he was sitting next yo the water with my husband. Worst experience we have ever had!
Scout
Excluded campground on Terlingua ranch with beautiful night skies and view of red bluff
LegendStayed here at the end of May 2022. I knew it would be hot, but I can’t describe the intensity of the heat. The campsite itself was very cramped, luckily there were only a half dozen other campers while I was there… I could see this place being very crowded during peak months. I came here to see the dark skies but had to drive a few miles from the campground to avoid the bright lights of other RV’s. There was gas available at the nearby store as well most things you’d need at the store. You have to pay for showers with quarters so be prepared for that… $2.00 for 5 minutes. I crossed into Mexico via the Boquillas Crossing, rode a Burro into the village and had lunch. Bring small bills to pay for things there… cost to ride Burro, horse or truck. Plus $3 per person once you get to Mexico. Then plan on having cash for lunch and to tip your “tour guide.” Overall the campsite needs more space and shade would help too.
TravelerI love visiting Big Bend for the remoteness and the beauty of the desert. Stillwell is the only place I will stay while in the area. It's located on the Northern end of the park and is isolated from the touristy Terlingua. Full hookup sites are very close together (almost touching) however I prefer the electric only sites as they are spread out for the most part.
Traveler
You definitely need 4x4 to get there but the site itself is clear and pretty level. Very rocky, but no problem if you have a decent sleep mat. Great for kids because it is fairly clear, no sharp drop offs, has fire pit, and a picnic table. No shade cover. Watch for cactus.
GuideFair number of sites for every kind of travel - RV, trailers, vans, tents.
Wifi was very poor. Best you could do were some texts and email while sitting at the store. No cell access at the RV site.
Bathrooms were very limited (3 toilets, 2 showers for men and women). Desperately need to updated and they got a lot of use while we were there.
Very cool museum about Hallie Stillwell.
GuideThis place was amazing! A little tight to get into with our 42’ toy hauler, but not too difficult by any means. We LOVED our pull through spot. The night hosts were so great and hospitable and we had trees for shade! This was our fav dry camping in an rv park so far.
Ranger
My brother and I camped at the remote Tres Papalotes site in Big Bend Ranch State Park in March 2022. It was awesome.
RangerWe stayed here one night while we explored the east side of the park. It’s clean and has the necessities. It has water fill and dump station. Our site had a pavilion. The campground has toilets but not showers. No power. There’s a nature trail that goes from the campground to the Rio Grande. Very pretty. If you need internet, the village store nearby has great wifi. There is no cell signal at the campground (T-Mobile and Verizon). The village store also has paid showers that are open 23 hours a day. They close at 9am for cleaning.
ScoutWe 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. Once we got down to the campsite, the views were like a postcard, and we were the only ones there. It was awesome. Unless you have a vehicle that is 4x4 and high clearance, absolutely don’t try this. We manage many 4x4 roads in 2 wheel drive…not this one. If you choose to accept the challenge, don’t get too attached to your paint, drive slow, and most importantly, have fun.
ScoutCampground has all the basics. We are here in off season so not much activity. Our goal was to visit big bend national park and this is the nearest park we could find. It is about 9 miles to the park entrance.
All sites are dirt, but connections are good. Wifi is good. No cell service. We don't use park showers, so no idea what they are like.
Over all it fills the bill.
GuideWe have recovered from our shake out trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Chorro Vista Camp Site. Yes we did a shake out in the most remote camp site, in the most remote State park in Texas. Texas Parks& Wildlife Dept calls this"the other side of No Where" and says bring TWO spare tires and they mean both. The 4x4 trail to get to the camp site was exhilarating, both the scenery and driving what they call maintained road. Want some real fun try the unmaintained 4X4 roads....we had a mountain goat tell us we were crazy for drive up there. If you care about your paint don't drive these roads, but if West Texas Pin Striping is a badge of honor this is for you. The Falcon Pro was awesome, if we would have had the old truck bed tent, it would have been in Mexico after the winds Friday night, as it was I was trying to figure out self rescue when the winds blew the truck over....but we made it. Then Saturday night the temps dropped to 15 degrees and us without a heater again did OK. We got some sleep Sunday night. The days were great some of the most rugged hiking ever...and the views, AMAZING. What a great experience, cant wait to get back out there.
GuideThe countryside in this part of Texas is not lush. The dark skies are astounding and the Stilwell folks seem serious about protecting them. We were there New Years Eve and it was pretty quiet. Everything worked, price was fair- it was an interesting place and the owners’ handouts show a wry sense of humor. I liked the place!
RangerWe started the new year with 5 nights in the park. The sites are good sized and there are sites for larger rigs.
As typical of the national parks, you have to reserve and you need to know how the system works to get a good spot. There are no hookups but a generator is allowed in some areas of the campground.
GuideProximity to Big Bend National Park keeps this place in business. It does have electric and water hookups, but overall the place is dirty and dumpy. Poor wifi near the store only, not at the campsites. If they had any competition, they'd fold. The gal working the sad little store was friendly, at least.
LegendNice, clean and convenient Campground. Shower (prepare quarters..), little store and fuel. The two other campground in Big Bend NP are nicer.
TravelerGreat campsite! Site is located 1.3 miles off the main road. High clearance needed. Site has a table and near box. No cover for shade. Great views - definitely recommend this site.
GuideNice folks and all services available but not much to do here.
Guide
Ground is just gravel so you can not stake a tent. It’s… not a camping site it’s like a parking lot. Not kidding. Watch my video. Easy to get in. Had to block the entrance with my truck as people just pull in all night and it was just me and my daughter. Wind never stops. Bear box filled with garbage- unusable. 5 miles away from anything.
GuideThis is a great site (but not as cool as Chisos). It near the River and the hot springs. It’s very hot here and a lot of mosquitos. There’s a small general store with food, ice, and fuel - but they close at 5pm.
RangerCovered picnic table and grill. Ample room for tents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Big Bend National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Big Bend National Park is Rio Grande Village RV Campground — Big Bend National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Big Bend National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Big Bend National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
