Wildlife viewing starts the moment you pull into Rio Grande Village Group Campground, the designated group site within Big Bend National Park. Javelinas move through camp after dark, coyotes are a regular presence, and the surrounding mesquite and reed habitat draws a wide range of bird species. The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail connects directly from the campground, threading through reeds and desert scrub out to the river, with a short climb to a viewpoint that faces across the water into Mexico and the village of Boquillas. Fishing is available along the river corridor as well.
The campground sits in forested, low-elevation terrain near the Rio Grande, which means heat is a real factor from late spring through early fall. Temperatures can climb above 100 degrees by midday, and several reviewers note that bugs compound the difficulty in summer months. The season runs April 16 through November 14, and visiting at the shoulder ends of that window gives campers considerably more manageable conditions. Cell service is limited throughout this part of the park, though the nearby camp store has Wi-Fi.
Worth noting is that this location can generate confusion. Three distinct camping areas share the Rio Grande Village name: the NPS group site described here, the adjacent Rio Grande Village Campground — Big Bend National Park with over 100 primitive sites, and the Rio Grande Village RV Campground — Big Bend National Park, a privately operated area with full hookups. Reviews across platforms frequently get mixed between them.
The group site has water hookups and a dump station, with a maximum RV length of 19 feet. Reservations are available and recommended. The access road carries warnings for rough conditions, so drivers with low-clearance vehicles should plan accordingly. "The campground was well maintained and it can get a bit crowded," notes Rare E., a pattern that holds especially during peak visitation periods. Campers traveling with dogs will find this site accommodates pets. Those wanting a more remote feel within the park may want to consider Cottonwood Campground as an alternative.
Description
Overview
The Rio Grande Village Group Campground sits on the banks of the Rio Grande, the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. The four group campsites are great options for groups of nine people or more and is one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. 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. Trails for Day Hikes and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.
Facilities
The group campsites are tent-only (RVs and trailers are not allowed*). There are no hook-ups available in the group sites and generators are prohibited. Each site is provided with a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage locker. All four group sites are within easy walking distance to water spigots and restrooms. Showers and laundry facilities can also be found close by at the Rio Grande Village Store. *Group Site C allows for ONE smaller recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV up to 20') to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively tent camping only.
Natural Features
The mountain views, proximity to Mexico, the Rio, and shade from the surrounding cottonwood trees make Rio Grande Village Campground irresistible to visitors. The campground is at an elevation of 1,850 ft. During the winter season (November through March) temperatures are warm and pleasant with daily highs in the mid-70s to low 80s. From April through September, this campground is extremely HOT with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees. Be prepared for the weather: Current Weather Readings
Nearby Attractions
Rio Grande Village is located near the Boquillas Canyon trail, the Boquillas Port of Entry, the Marufo Vega Loop trail, the Hot Springs and Hot Springs Historic area and Daniels Ranch. It is 20 miles from the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
Fee Info
Entrance Fee. Big Bend charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival or purchase in advance . The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, military, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRio Grande Village Group Campground is located in Texas near Terlingua
Directions
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles (62 km) (south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 miles (42 km) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn left and proceed for 20 miles (32 km) to the Rio Grande Village area. At the stop sign, turn right, then veer right for the group campground.
Address
P.O. Box 129
Big bend nat. park, TX 79834
Coordinates
29.180793 N
102.957194 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 54 min from Odessa, TX
- 4 hrs 5 min from Midland, TX
- 4 hrs 58 min from San Angelo, TX
- 5 hrs 3 min from Eagle Pass, TX

























