Black Dike in Big Bend National Park is surrounded by rugged terrain with rocky formations and desert landscapes. Temperatures can range from highs of 100°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Rio Grande River and the Chisos Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Black Dike — Big Bend National Park

The crown jewel of the Lone Star State is Big Bend National Park. This spot of southwest Texas is the pinnacle of all things outdoors in the state of Texas. Whether you want to explore the history of the state, spot wildlife, or just enjoy a hike, Big Bend is the place to be.

There are a number of campgrounds associated with Big Bend. Some are run by the park, and one is an RV park operated by a resort. The busy season here is actually November to April, where campsites will be harder to come by. Make sure to reserve your campground ahead of time, especially during peak season. The best camping near Big Bend is in the park itself, as Texas has little BLM land to make use of. Study Butte, TX, and the surrounding areas offer some accommodations if you can't get a spot in the park.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Big Bend National Park is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Big Bend National Park. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping Near Big Bend National Park, Texas

Hi clearance roads. Primitive site, no facilities. Drive up to site. Incredibly quiet and amazing stars. Saw a few snakes (none dangerous), deer, lots of birds. Pretty shady, near water. Great views nearby. Convenient to other areas in Big Bend but not so much to do right on the campgrounds. 


Shady flat primitive site in Big Bend 

Just like the other backcountry primitive sites in big bend, bear box only - no other amenities. It was not clear where the tentsites actually are... the whole area looked like a washed out dust bowl/drive way. Nice views from on top of the hill. 

No river access - dust pit

Along with the very literal size requirements of the Chisos Basin Campground, there are other recommendations of the park that one should take very literally. Among these are bring (and consume) enough water, and the 4-wheel drive, high clearance recommendations of certain back-country camping sites. They are not kidding around, when they say you need it...you need it. We were advised against bringing our small trailer the 10 miles back into this backcountry site along the western River Rd. and we were relieved that we listened. 

  

Instead, we parked our rig in the turn around area just off the paved road, and bikepacked with mountain bikes into our campsite for the night of my husband's 50th birthday! It was an epic ride, over a very challenging, rough and rutted out road, with steep inclines and declines. This is not for the pavement driver. Lots of folks do take their 4-wheel, high-clearance vehicles back into this area for days at a time, but for the first-timer, it’s a wake-up call. But the scenery along the way is simply stunning. Besides the very occasional vehicle, you share the road with a few stray cows who might have wandered across the border for Mexico, and a lone road runner. 

  

This area is a backcountry camper’s dream, beautiful, quiet, comfortable and lovely. Hiking in the area can be in just about every direction and mountain biking along the River Rd. is stunning and challenging. The backcountry campsites only offer a bear box, so don’t expect a picnic table or sun shade – come prepared, these are backcountry sites. This campground has poor access to the river, but with the condition of the road, managing a boat shuttle could take a long, long time.

Photos of Black Dike — Big Bend National Park

Real photos from real campers