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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
We're a destination RV Park located on 40 acres in West Texas. You'll have rugged desert landscapes with mountain views from every site. We're walking distance from restaurants and excursions. There is a never ending list of places all around us to explore; Big Bend National park entrance 4 miles away, Big Bend Ranch State Park entrance 15 miles away, and Terlingua ghost town 5 miles away. We can’t wait for you to come visit and to fall in love with the Big Bend region of Texas! Visit our site for more information!
$30 - $60 / night
Maverick Ranch RV Park, near Big Bend National Park, features full hook-ups, wireless Internet access, clean bathrooms with private showers, laundry facilities, general store and a swimming pool. Additionally a community center is available for group gatherings and pool parties.
Maverick Ranch RV Park offers 101 sites, including 60 pull-through sites. In addition, 18 "Primitive Wilderness Campsites" are available for those interested in a true tent camping experience. There are no hook-ups available in the eighteen tent sites, but a world of adventure awaits you and your party.
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet desert oasis in the southwestern corner of Big Bend National Park. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 30-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 30 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted. There is not a fill or dump station, please come prepared. Cottonwood gets its name from the cottonwood trees that surround and provide shade for the facility nearby the Rio Grande. A general store and visitor center -- a converted former military outpost -- are also nearby. The campground is at an elevation of 1,900 ft. (580 m). It is relatively cool in the peak seasons of fall and winter due to cold air sinking into the lower elevations. In the spring and summer, this campground is very hot, with temperatures normally exceeding 100 F (38 C) from mid-March through August.
Particularly popular with bird watchers, Cottonwood Campground is a haven for those wishing to study the abundant bird life in Big Bend while also escaping the more crowded areas in the park. Because of its diverse ecosystems and plant life, the park provides habitats for many rare and unique birds , including the Mexican mallard, Lucifer hummingbird, Mexican jay, black-capped and gray vireos, and Varied Bunting. Hiking trails are located around the campground.
The national park is named for a curve in the Rio Grande called the "big bend." For 1,250 miles (2011 km), the river is an International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. Due to its proximity to water, many species of birds are in the Cottonwood area, including nesting migratory birds. Santa Elena Canyon is a beautiful river canyon that can be seen from the campground area.
Santa Elena Canyon, Castolon Historic District, and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive are near the campground.
$16 - $60 / 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
$15 - $25 / night
Scout
we stay at Stillwell Store RV park often. if we are needing wi-fi to work we stay up by the store. if not, we like to stay across the road. lots of space, clean air and area to walk the pup.. we have never had a bad experience here.
Scout
Basic parking lot with hard to reach pedestals near the raised curbs. Flat sites, full water and electric hookups, although the electric went out for 3 hours from 5AM to 8AM. Very unfriendly check in. We were charged twice because due to computer error when we booked online (we had no trouble with any of our other online bookings) that resulted in a non-refundable charge for an extra site that we didn't need. Showers were $2.00 on top of the $40+site ($80+ for us). The laundry to serve 100 sites in the national park campground and 40 in the private one had 2 washers, 2 dryers, so long lines. Worst of all, the bathroom cleaning schedule had them closed from 8AM-9AM, rush hour. That is, the schedule is set for the convenience of the staff, not the campers. Hardly a hospitality industry standard, but par for the course for a monopoly location. On the other hand, great wildlife and decent store.
Scout
Clean! Well maintained, quiet, great neighbors, room between spaces, great management! We will be back
Traveler
Stayed here at a valley tent site (car camping), privately positioned on the other side of a ridge from the owners’ house with miles and miles of hilly desert land around. Bathhouse is hand-built by the owners next to sites, and they offer ice and laundry as well. It is cash only, although phone reservations are highly recommended during cooler months. I felt comfortable here as a solo woman camper, with stars as my roof most nights.
Scout
A friend and I spent one brief night at Jomomma's in July of'24 before we climbed Emory peak in the morning. We were just plugging in a camper van because the nights were too warm to get good rest. July is"off-season" in Terlingua, and of the 5 or so RV places I called, Elena is the only one that called me back in a reasonable amount of time. The park was great, a limited number of spaces marked out by rocks and cactus. It wasn't one of those places that's just a big asphalt parking lot, or one of those places that just a dirt-scape either. Has true Terlingua character; which makes sense as Elena is 3rd generation Terlingua. The park is named after her grandmother"Jo", the original owner of the property. Clearly marked out spots, good desert landscaping, more than dark enough to see the stars, more than quiet enough to feel the presence of the desert and get a good nights sleep. All of this despite being very accessible from the main drag and not needing a 4x4 to arrive in one piece. Elena was warm, friendly, helpful, funny, and I quickly felt like I had a friend in town and knew that she was on the phone for whatever reason.
The rest of this is going to feel like a legend, but I promise it's true...
Two months later, my family(wife and 2 kids) and I had been in Big Bend STATE Park and were headed back through Terlingua on our way back home to the Permian basin. We came through town and then turned North to Alpine for about 3-5 miles when we had a blow out.... after business hours, on a Saturday, in Terlingua. My spare had even stopped holding air... do you see how screwed I was? I had been under the vehicle cursing myself for having neglected my"spare" situation, I'd already sweated through my clothes, and I was in denial about how much trouble I was really in when I started hearing another female voice beside my wife's. I climbed out, slumped in the shade of my van, then decided to try and at least remain a decent human being and introduced myself to the lady who'd stopped to help. I was flustered by the situation and was slow to catch on, so I asked"what do you do here in Terlingua?" she said"I run Jomomma's RV park" and I replied"Oh! i stayed there a couple months ago" she smiled a friendly grin and said emphatically"$*!*, I already know!"
She got out no less that 6 different tools from her truck trying to help us jerry-rig ourselves mobile again, she called her friends for help and ideas, she insisted that we keep a jack-part that she had but didn't need, she kept us laughing, and keeping optimistic about a way forward, and consorted with the other Terlingua residents who stopped to try and find a way for us to get out of this mess. She tried to call the only tire-guy in town and didn't get an answer. In the end, we loaded both my spare and my blown out rim into her truck and she and I headed to the home of the guy who ran the only tire business in town.
By this time, it was every bit of 8pm. Elena knocked on his door, entered his home, persuaded him to fix us up, spent probably 20 minutes helping him get ready to go, and even looked through his used tire inventory for what we needed. We talked about life, Terlingua in the past, Terlingua in the present, the state of the world, and what we believed in. We talked about the RV park, it's future and it's challenges. When the work was through, the tire man(so many props to Diego's Tire Repair Terlingua TX!) didn't take anything but cash and I didn't have enough on me; Elena offered to pay him and let me pay her back via Venmo. wow.
After she returned me to our family carriage, she hung around until we got the tire on and saw that it was holding enough air for the journey. All told, Elena spent 2.5 hours with my little family that Saturday night...no exaggeration, I just confirmed it with my google maps timeline. We were completely"up a creek" with two anxious young children, and I HAD to be at work the next morning. Elena saved our bacon at a time when I still don't know what"plan b" would have been. And she did it all with a smile and seemingly enjoying herself as she helped us. I had no idea I had a friend in Terlingua, but now I have no doubt...my family and I have a good friend in Terlingua, and I recommend that you make her acquaintance.
Guide
Spent (3) nights at this wonderful campground. Panoramic views of Casa Grande and the Chisos Mountains. $16/night. Reservations MUST be made online.
Scout
Have not been yet but here is their website:
Traveler
Overall it was a good site. The views were great and had a bear box included. The road is kind of rough and not the most comfortable but not terrible.
Scout
"Tag 2" is a multiplayer online game where players compete in a tag-style chase. With various maps and power-ups, it offers fast-paced action and strategic gameplay. Players can customize characters and enjoy thrilling matches against friends or random opponents.
Ranger
We loved the experience of driving some backcountry roads to this campsite without having to go too far. We felt the road was in pretty good condition for a dirt road, took us about 20 minutes to get from the highway to Gravel Pit 1 in our truck. Probably need 4 wheel drive, which is what the park recommends anyways. The night we stayed here was extremely windy without any cover, so check the forecast if you’re going to be in a tent or anything compromised by wind.
Ranger
Good price considering they have running water in the bathrooms as well as dishwashing areas, though those weren’t pristinely clean. We liked our site back in the trees for all the shade, but looked like the sites in the big field all had manmade shade structures as well. Fun to see the javelinas!
Ranger
Really enjoyed our two nights here! Plenty of trees provide much needed shade, pit toilets, potable drinking water plus different spigots for dishwashing water.
Scout
Lovely outdoor space, great 360 views, and very private. There is only one bathroom stall but it’s cute and nice. We liked this space a lot and the hosts were very kind.
ScoutThis 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!
Guide
This was a good campsite with excellent cell and wifi. Each campsite has water/sink, electric (2-110v and 2-220v), table and fire ring but no shade anywhere, none, and it gets hot until 7pm or so. Some campsites like 5, 8 and 10 are very level but others less so. The showers and toilets are centrally located and well maintained. Firewood was at the site and also available for purchase at $1 per stick on the honor system ie Venmo, Paypal etc. Sites 8,9,10 while closer together than I prefer (but not like at a National Park eg Rio Grande in Big Bend) have an excellent unobstructed dawn view
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.
RangerVery pretty location, no cell service but okay wifi. Only wish would be more guidance on where we could or couldn’t walk from the campground. Also it’s hot, sunny, and windy so be prepared!
Guide
This was a very nice campsites with distance between campsites. Each campsite had a covered table, lantern hanger, fire ring and convenient bathrooms. No water so bring your own and no cell service but the amazing night sky and spectacular drive from Presidio made up for it. We had site 16 in the back but the site had a lot of rocks so be aware
LegendThis is a beautiful campground deep inside Big Bend NP. Only 25 sites. Typical NP camping with few amenities. Picnic tables and bathrooms. All sites are by reservation only and fill up quickly. Convenient to exploring Big Bend
Legend
This is a nice campground if you are in a class A or C and want all the conveniences. Paved sites, full hookups, showers, gift shop. On the east side of the park do it is a drive to get to many places. But Big Bend is very big. Everything is a drive. Reservations are required made through US.gov website.
LegendMade reservations with Debra by phone and she texted confirmation. No web site or email. Check or cash, no credit cards. Small campground, maybe 20 sites.Sites are close together, but not as bad as some others. Everyone is very friendly and laid back. There is a food truck in the campground several days each week.
ScoutBest campground ever !! It is located right outside Big Bend State Park. Very scenic route with beautiful mountains.. Stores are located a short drive away..
Campground is well laid out. Comfortable distance between each site.
Each site offers electric hook up, water (with its own sink) BBQ pit, picnic table and burn fire pit. Free wifi included !!!
Flushable toilets and hot showers !! Casey kept these spotless !!
David has one thing in mind and that is to keep you very comfortable !! To enjoy your time and relax !! We arrived one day early and David made room for us for that night ! (Free) We greatly appreciated that !!
I can not express how great this place is !! I would give them a 10 star ! I highly recommend this campground..
We will definitely be back !!
Thank you David and Casey for making our stay a memorable one :)
ScoutGreat campground! It’s almost at the end of a dirt road so it’s super quiet and there’s no cell service but great WiFi! Campsites are set decently far apart. You have really cool trails to check out. Clean bathrooms. Indoor and outdoor hot showers. And even your very own pterodactyl on the hill the flaps every hour! Dave is such a great host too if you catch him there… he’s full of all the history of the area! 10 out of 10 I’d recommend! And it was only $10 a night!
Scout
Stayed here for chili cookoff 2023. It was an amazing time.
GuideEasy in and out of this area. Plenty of space to park your vehicle tow vehicle. Full hookups plenty of space in between sites good hard gravel for a pad and soft gravel for lounging. Aesthetics are well thought out with landscaping. The only thing lacking is a shower house bathroom.
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.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! The Permaculture Oasis has a few sites set in a relaxing and tranquil spot with some great views of the surrounding mountains. Check them out and post some pictures to the Dyrt!
Experience the beauty of the Texas desert while enjoying a camping trip with your furry friends near Terlingua. There are several pet-friendly campgrounds that offer a range of amenities and activities for both you and your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Terlingua, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Terlingua, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Terlingua, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
