Big Bend National Park spans 801,163 acres across the Chihuahuan Desert and Chisos Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet at Emory Peak. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in lower elevations while winter nights can drop below freezing. Campgrounds throughout the park offer varying levels of shade protection and amenities, with backcountry sites requiring permits obtained at visitor centers.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Multiple trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing easy day hikes without driving. "The Window View trail has a trail head in the campground. Just cuts off some milage. Easier hike to a SUPER cool view through a 'window'-like chasm where a waterfall flows when it's rainier," notes a Chisos Basin Campground visitor.
Hot springs visit: A natural thermal pool located near the eastern campgrounds provides a relaxing soak. "There's a nature trail that goes from the campground to the Rio Grande. Very pretty. The hot springs, which were closed due to COVID restrictions, are about half-way and would make a lovely stop," explains a camper at Gravel Pit.
Night sky observation: The park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes stargazing exceptional. "Late summer this is one of the penultimate places on the planet to photograph the Milky Way. Since you are near to Santa Elena canyon you can drive up and get the iconic picture of the Milky Way stretched across it," shares a Cottonwood Campground visitor.
What campers like
Mountain views: The basin area provides panoramic vistas of surrounding peaks. "The site was PERFECT! It was on the edge of the camp ground and tucked around a corner. The lodge and campground are right in the basin of the mountains so you have 360° mountain views! The sunrise and sunset on the mountains was especially pretty!"
Wildlife sightings: Various animals visit campgrounds regularly, particularly in early morning and evening hours. "We loved our stay here! We saw lots of animals in our campsite! Bob cat was a real treat! We saw a bunch of Mexican Jays, bunnies and hares, a coyote and a fox was about it!" reports a Rio Grande Village Group Campground camper.
Temperature variations: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler conditions during hot months. "It was chilly in the mornings and at night without the sun to warm you up—long pants and a light jacket were perfect. It warmed up to shorts and T-shirt/tank top weather in the afternoons with the sun."
What you should know
Water limitations: Pack extra drinking water, especially for backcountry and hike-in sites. "I was unable to actually locate the spring. When I arrived at the campsite I realized that I had consumed all but about 1.5 liters of my water that I packed in," cautions a Big Bend Backcountry Camping visitor at Boot Canyon.
Road conditions: Many primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles and careful driving. "According to a park ranger, Old Ore Rd is the 2nd roughest road in the park. It requires a high clearance 4x4. We aired down our tires and averaged about 9 miles per hour."
Wind exposure: Some sites lack natural wind breaks, requiring secure tent setup. "Even with rocks in tent wind is so strong it started to move. Pretty site but not worth it. Can NOT stake tents- ground is loose gravel for an inch then all rock."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly campground selection: While most Big Bend National Park campgrounds allow pets, site location affects comfort. "The outer rings of the campground provide private spots that are generator free. The facilities are clean and well maintained. The night sky is dark and breathtakingly beautiful," notes a visitor discussing dog-friendly campgrounds at Big Bend National Park.
Shade priority: For camping with children or pets, seek sites with natural or built shade structures. "Definitely recommend trying to get a campsite with a canopy top for shade, ours did not have one and we were very jealous of everyone else that did."
Wildlife precautions: Store food properly in provided bear boxes to avoid unwanted visitors. "If you leave food out you will be visited by skunks, javelinas, raccoons and bears," warns a camper, highlighting the importance of using the provided food storage options at dog-friendly campgrounds in Big Bend National Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should carefully review site descriptions before booking. "Make sure to read the descriptions and take a look at the parking to make sure you will fit. The location is beautiful and much cooler than the campgrounds down lower. Site 18 was pretty level and was bigger than most of the other spots," advises a visitor at Rio Grande Village RV Campground.
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer limited or no hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. "Small sites in a large parking lot. The sewer hookup is built up with a high curb around it so unless your rig is very, very high or your waste flows uphill you won't get your tanks empty."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant challenges at several campgrounds. "The park service recommends that you not try to navigate the road to the campground with a travel trailer longer than 20 feet, but I didn't have any issues getting in and out with my camper."
