## Overview

 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 acts 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. 
## Recreation

 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. Hiking trails are also found nearby and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.
## Facilities

 This fairly large campground has 100 campsites that range in size from small tent sites to large pull-through sites that can fit a 40-ft. motor home. Please look carefully at the site descriptions, as low hanging branches persist in the campground and not all sites are suitable for tall or long RVs and trailers.\_\_\_\_\_\_ All campsites are reservable, some six months in advance, some two weeks in advance.\_\_ Site #s 14 (ADA), 20-25, 34, 61-65, 67-70, 72, 74-75, 87-100 are reservable only 2 weeks in advance. There is no first-come, first served camping. There are a few sites set aside for administrative use.\_\_\_\_ There are no hookups available in the facility but each site is provided with a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage locker. Some are also furnished with picnic shelters for shade. Generators are permitted in some sites during designated generator hours (8AM until 11AM and 5PM - 8PM). All campsites are within easy walking distance to water spigots, flush toilets, and utility sinks, and for those camping in motor homes and travel trailers, a fill/dump station is provided at the campground\'s entrance. Showers and laundry facilities can be found at the Rio Grande Village Store just outside the entrance to the campground. 
## Natural Features

 The mountain views, proximity to the river and shade from the surrounding cottonwood trees make Rio Grande Village Campground irresistible to visitors. This facility is at an elevation of 1,850 ft. Because cold air tends to sink into lower valleys during the peak seasons of fall and winter, temperatures are cooler here than in other parts of the park during these times. However, temperatures from April to September can easily exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rio Grande Village RV Campground — Big Bend National Park

We arrived after traveling the long journey into Big Bend National Park and were excited to camp in the Chisos Basin but the campground was full. We were informed that there were spots open at Rio Grande Village, and we quickly found out why. We were there in early March and the temperature was already into the low 90's during the day with wet and muggy nights in the low 80's. 

The campsites are open with little to no privacy or sound barriers to block out the noise from generators. The one plus side to an open campground is that you can see the Javelinas before you can smell them. The temperature made most day hikes nearly uncomfortable so we resigned to swimming most of the day away. 



Little privacy PLENTY of bugs

Great site, camped near the river. Great views and beautiful weather.

Good experience

It was an amazing couple of days with views and hikes well worth the visit. It gets crowded during season so you need to get there early cause it's 1st come. The entire park is one of the most amazing I've visited. The hike and climb to Emory peak is amazing but not for beginners.

Amazing views!!

Boh bend is so pretty with so much to do here. Ever been? Well you need to.

This is the most beautiful place.

This is probably the coolest place I've ever camped at. We stayed at the group camp site, which I highly reccomend because it's off to the site instead of piled on top of one another, like the individual sites. Just down the road, about 5 minutes, are the hot springs and the Rio Grande which are INCREDIBLE. Highly reccomend taking a dip at night before bed - super refreshing and the stars are spectacular. Santa Elena Canyon is across the park a ways but it's absolutely 150% worth going. This whole place is stunning.

AWESOME

The Rio Grande Village is closest to Boquillas and Hot Springs but it’s a nice point for ALL your Big Bend adventures! Sites are big enough and have a little shade but it’s the view of the stars at night you’ll want to stay for! The Hot Springs are also great but sometimes crowded! Tru going early or staying late for the least crowded times. Don’t miss Boquillas canyon! You can also go across to the village here. While you’re in the park it’s only 45 minutes across to see Santa Elena and do plenty of hiking in between. PACK WATER. I repeat : PACK WATER. This is the desert and water isn’t on every corner. 



Camp here- it was great and you’ll never see so many stars!

The Rio Grande Village Campground is located in the far eastern part of Big Bend National Park. Prior to entering the park fill up with gas in the town of Marathon, because you will be driving far distances within the park and there is limited gas available.

In the Rio Grande Village there is a visitor center and convenience store. There are 25 campsites that fit small to mid-size RVs with hookups and 100 campsites for car campers. There are tables, fire pits and bear boxes at each campsite.There are communal restrooms and potable water nearby. The only available showers are located at the Rio Grande Village Store which is a short drive from the campground. The showers do cost a few dollars and are available 24/7\. Some of the sites have covers, but most do not. There are some shade trees spread out sporadically amongst the campsites, but do not count on having much shade.

The main attraction of this campground is that you have the ability to walk right up to the Rio Grande River and the border between the US and Mexico. It is physically possible to cross the river into Mexico, but technically one must have a passport to travel between the two borders. Another feature of the area is the Hot Spring pool. You have to drive a little distance from the campgrounds and walk about 1 mile to reach the Hot Spring pool. Around the Hot Spring pool there are a few old structures that once housed stores and a school. There are some petroglyphs on the cliff walls along the trail to the hot springs. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to camp at the hot springs area due to safety concerns.

The Rio Grande Village + The Rio Grande River + Hot Springs

Big Bend is a magical place. 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. 

Beautiful desert scene 

Great bird watching opportunities. Beautiful night skies! old facilities are maintained but full of bugs especially spiders.  Showers are available for a charge at the store as well as wifi at the store. The wifi only works on the store porch, so it is always crowded.

Quiet open campground

We did some back country camping at Big Bend National Park. You will need an SUV or 4x4 for some spots, I did see some cars but they were struggling. We have a Jeep and had to help several people out. Pro tip: show up to get your permit early as it’s in a first come first serve basis. Scout out some sites so you have back up spots if the one you want is taken. We camped at Solis as it was the only one available. It was nicely laid out and super peaceful! After doing some driving around there are some other camps I would have rather had and will try to get them next time. Ours had a beautiful view of the mountains but would have like to been higher up. No complaints.

Backcountry Camping

Basic national park camground. Located close the boquillas canyon, the legendary hot springs and so much more. The park itself is beautiful, and the campground is not exception. Located right on the bank of the river, the campground is an oasis from the desert you spend all day driving through to get there.

Solid campsite on the Rio Grande

This is a large campground with multiple types of spots, with access for even some of the largest rvs and tow behinds. 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. There is a nice nature path that leads to a cliff overlooking the Rio Grande, but it would not be good for very small children our people with unsure footing. There were many different birds in the area tho, due to water access.

Easy access, not primitive, easy hiking

OK the campground is a parking lot and I mean a parking lot. Each spot is 2 parking spots. It is all asphalt. No Cell Phone, No Internet, no TV nothing. But was the best place we have been to. If you want full hook ups for camping it is the only one in Big Bend National Park. they only have 25 sites all back in. Pay for showers if you don't have your own. But catch the sunrise and sunsets. Hike to Boquillas Canyon, the hot springs down the river or all over Rio Grande Village. Drive to all of Big Bend and spend days hiking Mountains, Deserts, River, Canyons. The most beautiful area in the World at least to me.

It is not the campground it is the Park

Plenty of campsites here in the Rio Grande Village. Easiest way to pay is with cash, and you just reserve your campsite at the self-pay station. We payed with a card at the Rio Grande visitor's center (closed in the summers). If you don't mind other people being close to you, this is the campsite for you. My boyfriend and I camped here for one of the nights we stayed in Big Bend. We wanted a more secluded spot which you can find further back in areas of campsites available, but it's first come, first serve style here. Bear boxes are provided at each campsite. The campsites further back have better shade, but we were able to find some trees to set up under. The only thing we didn't like about the campsite was the proximity to people using generators. They have a separate area for RVs, but some people brought their campers. The generators were somewhat loud, but we were able to sleep through the noise. We definitely prefer more natural campsites, but this one was fine for what we needed that night. Not too far of a drive from the Hot Springs trail either.

somewhat crowded developed campground

Rio Grande Village Campground is located within Big Bend National Park.  This park is HUGE and we were thankful to have a spot to camp for a few days. 

  

We saw unique wildlife while we were here - Javelina, donkey, otter, etc.  The otter lived in the pond, which was in walking distance.  We walked down to the Rio Grande and sat with a foot in the hot spring and a foot in the river, which was awesome! (Hot Springs Trail)

  

We also walked down to a canyon - Boquillas Canyon - we ran into people who cross the river to sell items they make daily.  

  

Nothing could prepare us for the stars here though!  Being so far from civilization, the stars were phenomenal - which left us wishing we had packed a telescope.  We did however pack a spot light to see animals at night - but we learned rather quickly from a ranger that they were not allowed!!  Apparently people use spot lights to capture wildlife - so after a brief car search - we were allowed to leave - and that was the end of the spot light!

Remote, starry, wilderness abundant!  

We camped here for 3 nights and only 1 or 2 others were there. Probably  due to the 105° heat of the day. Lol We knew it would be this way going in. 
Flush toilets were clean and water, although warm, was abundant in the bathrooms and outdoor facets. Lots of birds, including vultures were singing in the trees and Javelinas made daily visits. 
Most sites had sufficient shade, a level spot for tents, and tables. The nearby store has basic necessities and gasoline at reasonable prices. Laundry and showers available for $2.00 or less, each. 

Hot In June But Solitude  

Rio Grande Village is a nice quiet spot in the Big Bend National Park. 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. There is a short trail connected to the campground that provides amazing overviews of the Rio Grande. The location gives you relatively easy access to all of the other attractions in the park. 

Quiet spot on the Rio Grande

Spent two nights here part of recent road trip to National and State Parks in Texas. I was only able to get a site for two nights as it was the week of Thanksgiving. Being as tent camper, I was lucky to be able to a few days before arrival cancel my original campsite in the main area for more secluded campsite in the no generator zone. This is the area you want to camp in, especially if you have a tent or a smaller trailer as you generally have trees around your campsite giving you some privacy. The campsite was equipped with a picnic table, bear food locker and a charcoal grill. Some of the sites also feature a pavilion for the picnic table.

I would say that this is a remote part of the park, but then every part of the park is like that. There's easy access to a short nature trail that starts in the campground and goes along the bend in the Rio Grande River and also includes a short rocky hill one can go up for views of Boquillas, Mexico. Personally, I went up for sunrise one morning with s cup of coffee (took no more than 10 minutes to walk) and enjoyed the sun rise over Mexico.

There's a store at the RV park that has essential items, including beer both packs and singles. There's also free wifi to use there, but there is no cellular service with at least Verizon within the campground. 

Nice Riverside Campground

We spent 3 nights in Site #29 and loved it. It was in the no generator zone which meant neighbors were either in self contained rigs or tent campers. Our site was tucked in under some Mesquite trees that offered lots of privacy.
The NPS had closed many of the open sites due to COVID-19, which makes no sense since the FHU sites near the store were jam packed side-by-side. 
Big Bend NP &amp; this campground is definitely a destination trip since it’s 90 miles from Marathon, TX. But, once in and setup we were able to get to all the sights, hikes and things we wanted to accomplish. 
NO cell service and the WiFi at the store was off more than on. 

5 Star Rating Depends on Site

We really enjoyed our visit to BBNP in Nov 2020 and loved our RV site at the Rio Grande Village. The facilities were clean and well maintained. The noise/light curfew was respected which made the stars at night incredibly bright. There were many hiking trails near this area as well.

Boondocking at its finest

Covered picnic table and grill. Ample room for tents. 


Nice developed campsite

This 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.

Awesome!

We 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. 

Nice time to visit

We 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. 

Really close to the Rio Grande

This 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. 

Beautiful, quiet, wildlife

Stayed 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. 

Cramped sites

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. 