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Camping

Established Camping

Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park

Rio Grande Village Group Campground, near Big Bend National Park, is a fantastic place for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some essential comforts. With spacious sites surrounded by large cottonwood trees, it’s a great spot to unwind and soak in the stunning desert landscape.

This campground offers drinking water and clean restrooms, making it convenient for campers. Many visitors rave about the nearby nature trails, perfect for sunrise and sunset hikes, and the chance to see local wildlife like javelinas and a variety of birds. One camper noted, “The wildlife in camp was great! So many different birds!”

For those who enjoy stargazing, the night sky here is nothing short of spectacular. Campers have shared that the stars are incredibly bright, making it a perfect backdrop for evening relaxation. Plus, the proximity to the Rio Grande allows for easy access to scenic views and photo opportunities.

While the campground doesn’t have showers, you can find them at the nearby camp store, which also offers other essentials. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Rio Grande Village provides a unique blend of comfort and adventure, making it a memorable destination for your next outdoor escape.

Description

National Park Service

Big Bend National Park

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.

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.

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Location

Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park is located in Texas

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

16 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 1, 2024

Too developed for me

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.

Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Classic National Park camping

We had an amazing time camping at the Rio Grand Campground. Posting my review of the Primative campground here as it is not to be confused with the privately owned parking lot RV campground next to the store and laundry house. . I love the fact that we could access the Nature Trail from camp. Sunrise and sunset hikes to the top of the lookout were incredible! . The wildlife in camp was great! So many different birds! It was also fun to see the javelinas and the grazing cows. . The bathroom was relatively clean and there is a separate sink for washing dishes. No showers, flush toilets only. Showers can be purchased at the camp store. . We will definitely stay here again!

Site43
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2023

The stars at night are big and bright

Six stars if we could. Not to be confused with the nearby private campground, which has full hookups and is much less interesting IMO.

We stayed on the southern edge of the campground and used Starlink with a pole for the internet we needed to keep our jobs. This would be possible at most sites, but some others in this outside ring had tall enough mesquite that you might have a bad time. Site was a little bit tight for our 27' trailer and full-size truck—we were definitely pushing the limits of what that part of the campground could accommodate.

It's the largest campground in the park, with a wonderful nature trail nearby. In a few minutes, you can walk from your campsite, through reeds, into the desert, and out to the Rio Grande. Birds abound. You'll see coyote and, if you're up late, javelina. 

We'll be coming back for sure, but also want to check out Cottonwood next time.

Site30
Month of VisitDecember
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Reviewed Feb. 21, 2023

Great Spot

Great campground to unplug and relax. Immaculately kept grounds, bathrooms by our spot (93) was very clean.

Site93
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed May. 4, 2022

Amazing Getaway

Wow! This campground was great and SPACIOUS. We went camping here just around the time winter was starting and had a very nice experience with highs of 60 and lows of 40. There is plenty of wildlife that is heard at night (ie. Coyotes, donkeys, and raccoons). While we were there a coyote visited our campsite during the day. However it was great to have the security of a bear box to keep our food and other belongings safe. Would definitely come back here.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Erika P., May 4, 2022
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Reviewed Apr. 25, 2022

Too Windy

We reserved two nights in the NPS no hookup campground. Large sites. Ours #1 turned out to be in the sun-little shade. Great nature trail for sunset/sunrise. No host or visible staffing. The night was so windy we couldn’t sleep. Also, folks drove in all night long. We cut our stay after that night. WiFi is only available at the store which is a walk when it’s over 100 degrees! Store has showers and laundry. It’s well stocked and prices are good!

SiteLoop 1 Site 1 near river.
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 3, 2022

Huge National Park

We had a wonderful stay at the RV Village. It is a paved RV parking area with full hookups including water and sewer. We felt very safe. We stayed for 5 days and still couldn't see it all. Great back country hikes and lots of off road trails that require a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle (We saw regular cars on the trails as well) and the roads are well graded at this time of year. There are so many places to bike as well. Kids will enjoy the fossil exhibit. The night sky was incredible.

Site18
Month of VisitFebruary
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  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Norrie W., March 3, 2022
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Norrie W., March 3, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2021

Rio Grande Village campground

We stayed in the campground that has no hookups. It’s really quiet after dark. The stars are amazing!!! They do have 2 sections…1 with generators allowed and 1 not. We are spaced far enough that you don’t seem to be sitting on top of each other. We were supposed to stay 10 days and would have to move 2 times but we cut our visit short and only moved once.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2018

Rio Grande Village Star Gazing

Rio Grande Village Campground was awesome. They have bathrooms with showers, running water, flushable toilets. They also have potable water all around the campsite. Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is close by and its a short but sweet hike. Sunsets on that trial over the Rio Grande is amazing. Wildlife is abundant. All kinds of animals and birds. Beavers, cranes, horses in the horizon was very welcomed. You can see Mexico and Boquillas village from the top of a cliff off the Nature trail. So bring your camera! I really had a good time. The campground was well maintained and it can get a bit crowded but it’s all good. A Hot springs is near by and the Rio Grande Village store is very convenient and cheap. They even have wi-fi if for some reason you need to check your email or facebook. Overall great experience!

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2017

Last resort

We drove 8 hrs from Dallas to Big Bend hoping to stay at Chisos Basin but heard it was full so the park ranger suggested Rio Grande for the night. We got to the campground which has tons of sites but many of the sites that were covered and more private were taken. We actually had a rough experience to start with when we started to set up our tent only to find out someone paid for the site and left without leaving anything to show it was already taken. The majority of sites were wide open and felt like a state park rather than a comfortable campground. There were lots of trees and it got really dark but couldn't see the stars clearly through the trees. The campground felt like it was geared towards RVs rather than tent campers. The campground itself had a convenience store, laundry facility and the only showers in the whole Big Bend park. It's also nearby the Mexican border which we did visit. It was super convenient. $5/pp to get across the river and then you had options to get a ride in to town but it was only a quarter of a mile walk. BEST. TACOS. AND MARGS EVER!!!. You stop at a trailer to get a visa from border patrol once in Mexico and then stop at a self service terminal when you get back in to Texas. Anyway, back to the campground, I didn't like this campground but it was nice to know that there were plenty of sites available if needed.

Site33
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Big Bend Camping

This is a group site so you can only stay if you have a lot of people. We did a family mini-reunion and it was just ok, the heat just really got to all of us and the grounds were on the crowded side but the sites had ok shade. We could take showers there and it was nice. We had planned to use the hot springs but were already too hot. I bet visiting in spring or fall (or winter if it’s open) then it’d be nicer.

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2016

A pleasant place in a great park

Camping at the Rio Grande Village Campground is fairly nice. It has washrooms, water, and fire rings.

Some of the sites you can reserve in advance (they go quick though) and some are first come first serve. There is also a section where generators are not allowed, so people can better enjoy the nature.

There is a trail from the sites to the hot springs, which is nice.

The campground is rather far from most other trails in the park, but that gives you time to enjoy the views as you drive around.

  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Brian V., August 23, 2016
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Brian V., August 23, 2016
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Brian V., August 23, 2016
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2016

Not what I expected

This area was hot and the bugs were pretty terrible. The Rio Grande itself was pretty underwhelming too. There are some cool trails around the area but it was hard to enjoy in the heat. The nights and mornings were pretty nice but around 11 AM it got pretty bad. There are some hot springs close by too if you feel like a hot soak on a hot day.

  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Darrin L., June 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Darrin L., June 21, 2016
  • Review photo of Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park by Darrin L., June 21, 2016
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2016

Rio grande

`The hookup campground is right next to the store where you will find objects like that of a 7-11. It is really hot because it is mostly asphalt. The second time I went was at cottonwood campground which was perfect. There was shade and a restroom. the view is unbelievable especially at night.

Reviewed May. 4, 2016

Not bad...crowded but has showers!

Biggest campground in Big Bend NP with like 100 sites. Pros - store with gas, ice, beer & showers! Closest campground to Boquillas crossing. Great birding. Cons - campsites very close together; not much privacy, can get noisy. Hotter in the PM than higher elevation sites.

Not all of these sites are reservable in advance, & we did not have a problem getting a first-come, first-served site in early PM on a busy Saturday, but it does fill up. YMMV. Extra credit: Take the 3-mile hike along the river to Langford Hot Springs. Great moonlight walk/soak!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park?

    Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park allows vehicles up to 19 feet.

  • Does Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park?

    There are 4 campsites at Rio Grande Village Group Campground — Big Bend National Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts