Cabin camping near Terlingua is a great way to escape into nature, yet still have all the comforts of home. The Dyrt is the ultimate place to find cabins for your next outdoor adventure near Terlingua. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your Terlingua camping adventure.
Chisos Basin Campground, perched high in the rugged Chisos Mountains, is the most sought-after campground in Big Bend National Park. At an altitude of 5,400 ft. (1646 m), the campground is surrounded on all sides by tall, rocky cliffs and is conveniently located near some of the park's most spectacular and popular trails. This campground offers excellent views and mild temperatures. Also found in the Chisos Basin area is the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the General Store and the Chisos Mountains Lodge, which houses the only restaurant in Big Bend National Park. Important: The road to the campground is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns. Trailers over 19 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended, and will not be accommodated. No RV parking is available at the group campground, nor is generator use allowed. All sites where you may have a generator are now reservable. If you need to use a generator and you do not have a reservation in a site that will allow generator use, you will need to camp elsewhere.__ Note: Campsites are small, rocky, and not level, so there are very few sites truly suitable for RVs. Many sites will allow an RV/Trailer/Van/Camper, but you will not be able to get level. The campground is almost always full, and if the site you booked doesn___t work, in all likelihood you will NOT be able to switch sites, and will either have to make your site work, or find accommodations at another campground. It is necessary that you carry some form of leveling blocks/devices with you. Please carefully review the site details before making a reservation.
This campground is a hub for hikers. Some of the park's most spectacular and popular Day Hike trails are nearby, including the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, the South Rim Trail and the Pinnacles Trail, with its access to the park's highest point, Emory Peak (elevation 7,825 ft./2385 m). Campers can find the trailheads for most of these trails in the main Chisos Basin area a mile or so further down the basin road from the campground. Access to the river is approximately 30 miles (48 km) away, where visitors can canoe, kayak and fish.
This campground is a hub for hikers. Some of the park's most spectacular and popular Day Hike trails are nearby, including the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, the South Rim Trail and the Pinnacles Trail, with its access to the park's highest point, Emory Peak (elevation 7,825 ft./2385 m). Campers can find the trailheads for most of these trails in the main Chisos Basin area a mile or so further down the basin road from the campground. Access to the river is approximately 30 miles (48 km) away, where visitors can canoe, kayak and fish.
The national park is named for a curve in the Rio Grande called the "big bend." For 1,250 miles (2012 km), the river is an International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. The campground lies at the base of several sloping cliffs amidst montane shrubland; desert plants such as Arizona cyprus and mesquite trees fill the landscape. Maple, aspen, pinyon and ponderosa pines grow at higher elevations just above the campground. Though it is lower than the surrounding cliffs, the Chisos Basin is at a higher elevation than other campgrounds within the park. Summer temperatures here are cool, yet warmer than other areas in fall and winter due to the cold air sinking into lower regions. The Chisos Mountains are a popular nesting site for migratory birds. The mountains provide the only nesting ground in the United States for the Colima warbler, which arrives in mid-April and departs for its wintering grounds in southwestern Mexico by mid-September.
Big Bend National Park encompasses 801,000 acres (324,153 ha) and the Chisos Basin area is centrally located. This allows visitors an excellent opportunity to explore all areas of the park in a relatively short drive. Big Bend offers excellent hiking trails, miles of rugged dirt roads, and endless possibilities for sightseeing.
$16 / 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..
$39 - $179 / night
$10 - $35 / night
Located in the Historic Ghost Town of Terlingua, Terlingua Camp Hostel is a ten acre campground/ music venue thats within walking distance of all the Ghost Town has to offer from restaurants and bars to art galleries and "The Porch", where locals and tourists alike mix and play music and watch the sunsets. Located 1/3 mile off the paved road, it's easy access for any vehicle and in the shadows of Big Bend National Park. Every campsite has epic views of the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend. We also offer a couple nicely appointed bedrooms outfitted from 20' shipping containers and a few rv spot are coming soon (35' max).We occasionally host house concerts and brunches and are always looking for new events to keep this place active.
We have a nice open kitchen with everything you need to prepare and create your own meals and we encourage communal gatherings and shared experiences with others that are camping. The place is set up like a bar, made for entertaining and we strongly encourage bringing your musical instruments and sharing your talents with others. In true hostel fashion, we hope to create a community within this amazing community of like minded travelers, misfits, musicians and dreamers and share this one of a kind location in this Magical Desert.
Off grid glamping cabin for 2 adults. 325 square feet. Romantic, cozy, rustic and clean. Renovated 2021.
Fantastic location. Close to everything! Gorgeous mountain views just 5 miles from Big Bend national park and 15 miles from Big Bend Ranch State park. Only 7 miles to the lively ghostown of Terlingua and home of the original world class chili cookoff.
Mel's Place is private, quiet, feels remote yet only a mile or so to all the amenities you may need.
With some of the darkest skies in the country, the stargazing here is top notch. Maybe you will see the Milky Way for the first time.
Come to the desert and renew your spirit at Mel's Place!
$20 - $158 / night
Guide
Spent (3) nights at this wonderful campground. Panoramic views of Casa Grande and the Chisos Mountains. $16/night. Reservations MUST be made online.
GuideNot all spots are created equal. Some don’t have space for even a medium tent. This is high desert camping. High winds, so staking a tent is difficult. But this IS the place to stay.
GuideWe loved our night at Chisos Basin. Was there in late August and the weather was perfect. Beautiful location. Bathrooms were clean. A lot of availability. There isn’t any first come first serve so you must reserve it through recreation.gov but there was good Verizon Service there at the Campground.
RangerSpectacular views from the campground , excellent hiking . Decent store and restaurant up at the lodge . Water available , sites are a little uneven in places but worth it . Emory peak at daylight is amazing if you have it in you .
TravelerSmall sites and many of the spots would be very hard to get level (either with a tent or a van/camper). Make sure to read the descriptions and take a look at the parking to make sure you will fit. The location is beautiful and much cooler than the campgrounds down lower.
Site 18 was pretty level and was bigger than most of the other spots. You could fit 2 cars and at least 2-3 tents.
Ranger
A small, quaint campground close to Big Bend NP. Sites are level with cement sitting area, picnic table, and firepit. Bathroom and shower area are new and nice. Will definitely stay here again.
LegendMy husband and I loved this place and would come back in a second BUT….it’s not for everyone. 16$ a night and needs to be booked on Recreation.gov The campground is tucked in a basin of the mountains. The road to get here is steep and windy but paved and beautiful! The sites are small, often unique and not level. So…if you are camping with a bigger rig. This is not for you. You will likely not fit in the sites and/or will be VERY unlevel. The sites are ideal for small vans/tents/campers. Some sites are honestly even unmanageable for any camper situation other than a tent. Most sites had a sun shade/gazebo with a table and a bear/javelina box. Some of the sites have a parking area on one side of the campground road and the actual site on the other side. Look closely on the website before booking to be sure the site will work for you! We had site 15, 17 and 41 for the days we were there and all worked for our Chevy van with the use of blocks for leveling. 43 and 47 also looked particularly nice to us. Site 16 is one where your actual site is across the street from your parking area. Also no generator use so beware of that. They don’t even like you to have your car idling for long so plan accordingly if you need power from a generator or your car. Otherwise this campground has all the things you’ll need other than electrical hookups and showers. Potable water, trash and flush toilets. Visitor center is close by and most trails are easily accessible from the campground. Don’t miss the sunsets from the window view trail! Amazing.
RangerWe stayed in Chisos Basin for two nights in our Airstream Basecamp 20x and had a great time (for anyone worried about the drive, you'll need to be careful but we found it doable). We knew before we booked that the spots would be tight and we'd be close to our neighbors, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. The bathrooms were clean and the campground hosts were friendly, and we loved that the trailhead for the Window Trail was right in the campground. Probably not our favorite Texas campground (that would probably be in Caprock Canyons State Park) but definitely plan on visiting again in the future.
ScoutThis is a great low key camping spot without the “big rig” RVs. There is access to 2 trailheads without driving (one trailhead leads to many others). The drive into the campground reminds of that feeling and awe you get when you drive into Zion
ScoutRight 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. Their Bathroom/Shower room super nice, the rain shower is amazing!!! We use T-Mobile and service was good. Great wifi. If I ever needed anything from the office I would just text Erica, she’s the best. Zero complaints 👍👍
GuideArrived late in the afternoon - hiked the Lost Mine Trail. Returned to our campsite and neighbors had set up their tent in our space right by our covered picnic table. As we have a rooftop tent it was not a problem but I echo that the campsites are very close to eachother and everyone should go into this campground knowing that their own campsite may not be level and your neighbors may be goofs :) - but it is so beautiful that it is totally worth it. Site 18 was fairly level and while near the entrance, has gorgeous views (and we barely noticed that we were close to the front). Camp hosts were so knowledgeable and friendly.
Beware if you are visiting this month - we could not hike the Santa Elena Canyon bc of rains - the river was waaay to high. Also the Old Maverick Road was great w a 4WD but tricky at times.
TravelerThe Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The sunset through the nearby"Window" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. Elevation: 5,400 feet. Open year-round. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites at this campground. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
Cell Phone Reception, Yes
Internet Connectivity, No
Trash/Recycling Collection. Yes, Year-Round
Food Storage Lockers, Yes, Year-Round
Laundry, No Dump Station, Yes
Potable Water, Yes on site
At Chisos Basin Campground 5,400 feet the temperature is lower 15 to 20 degrees than any campground near the Rio Grande, take this in consideration for summer
TravelerSmall rocky sites, but the views are amazing!
ScoutVery nice 50amp, full hook ups. Very nice bathhouse, fully stocked with sample sized accessories. Easy in, easy out. Great homebase for visiting Terlingua & Big Beand.
LegendThe location is absolutely beautiful. However, it is not well suited for a truck camper. The sites are not level, and I was not able to make adjustments on both axes to make it right. The campground is much better suited to tent and Class B RVs - which were plentiful throughout the campground. This is high density camping without a lot of privacy. The campground is super crowded, busy, and noisy. I constantly had people walking through my site to get to the bathroom and water. Having to use Recreation.gov is less than joyful. I also stayed at Cottonwood, which I loved. The hike to The Window was great.
Ranger
This is a great place for dispersed camping. The road in is dirt single track with a few wash out and little steep hills. Low profile vehicles, I would not recommend. Check campsite for proper directions for those pulling travel trailers. On site, there is a bathroom and shower…, but need to check with camp host because water is a premium “ it the desert”. We loved it. It is about 30mins out from Study Butte/Terlingua -got to love the name. We highly recommended Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company… Check these guys out.
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.
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.
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.
LegendThe location at the center of the basin beats everything and make you forget the little details that could be downgrade this campground. Such a great experience to spend the night in Chisos Basin.
GuideGreat place for tent camping. Make sure you check Recrwation.gov for description of sites some not ok for trailers or RV. If you want shade check the site as in summer only about half have shade. Great place to start your hike in the backcountry. No electricity, sewer or water hook ups.
TravelerWe spent the weekend before Thanksgiving 2021 in Big Bend National Park and had a great time. We had never been to this NP before but we went with friends who are now veterans to Big Bend.
One thing to know is that all campsites are not created equal. Our initial site in the campground was very small - too small to put a tent on honestly. Fortunately the camp host was able to swap us with a site with more room.
The campground is in this beautiful basin in the mountains - pictures don’t truly do it justice. We were also fortunate to be near the bathroom, which was convenient.
One tip I’d give is to invest in heavy duty tent stakes. The ground is so rocky, it ate up the stakes that came with the tent. Which was not a big deal until our third night when the wind tried to blow us off the mountain. I ended up tying off to anything solid - the picnic table, near boxes, charcoal grill, etc.
ScoutThe hikes are fabulous and several are walking distance from your camp.
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.
TravelerBrand new site just built on the other side of the road. Full hook ups and nice shower house/bathroom. The Little Dipper food truck has amazing food. Had a phone fall down one of the pillar supports for the water line and had the host work with us late at night to fish it out!
ScoutKen & Rosa made sure we had good hookups & the restroom with shower on the East side were great. The Little Dipper food truck was great, good breakfast & street tacos.
TravelerWe had a reservation, but cancelled, after checking out the site. It would have been too unlevel for us to camp, we wouldn't have been able to put out the slide, and it would have been bad for our refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Terlingua, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Terlingua, TX 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 Terlingua, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 cabin camping locations near Terlingua, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
