Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

Warning

General

The planned construction of the Big Bend National Park Chisos Mountains Lodge and other Chisos Basin facility improvements, originally scheduled to begin in May 2026, will not proceed as planned. Importantly, Big Bend National Park remains fully open to visitors. Due to the construction delay, previously planned closures of the Chisos Basin will not take place, ensuring continued access to the park’s facilities and breathtaking landscapes. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing updates as we work toward bringing these important improvements to fruition. 

A view of Chisos Basin from the Lost Mine trail. Green vegetation with red mountains
Chisos Basic Campground Area from a distance surrounded by mountain peaks
Chisos Basin Campground Map showing Group Campground
Sign on roadway leading to the Group Campground
Group campground, situated among the mountains

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

About Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

Chisos Basin Group Campground, situated high in the rugged Chisos Mountains, is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. It has seven group camping sites available for groups of nine to 20 people (size is site-dependent). At an altitude of 5.4 ft. (1646 m),, the campground is surrounded on all sides by tall, rocky cliffs and conveniently located near some of the park's most spectacular and popular trails. The Rio Grande is only a short drive away. Also found in the 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.

Available sites

7 total sites

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jan 1 to Dec 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

7 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ L, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly
⛺ M, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly
⛺ N, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly
⛺ O, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly
⛺ P, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
⛺ Q, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
⛺ R, Loop: Group Sites L-R Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade

Reviews

70 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Chisos Basin Group Campground offers spacious, clean sites with breathtaking views and easy access to trailheads, making it ideal for group camping. Reviewers praised the friendly camp host and well-maintained facilities, including clean bathrooms and a nearby store. While some noted noise from neighboring sites and tight parking, the overall experience was highly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.

Based on guest feedback

4.4

Overall rating

Based on 70 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 70.0% (49)
4 stars 12.9% (9)
3 stars 8.6% (6)
2 stars 2.9% (2)
1 star 5.7% (4)

Showing 70 reviews

Susie S

Verified

April 16, 2025 Stayed at: O, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Seemed over crouded, site was smaller than expected for a big group.

Helpful

Beau D

Verified

March 8, 2025 Stayed at: Q, Loop: Group Sites L-R

The site was large enough for our group, site and bathrooms were clean.

Helpful

Benjamin W

Verified

February 19, 2025 Stayed at: O, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Absolutely beautiful views. Large campsite, near a bathroom, just next to a major trailhead. Loved it.

Helpful

BRADLEY N

Verified

February 19, 2025 Stayed at: L, Loop: Group Sites L-R

We enjoyed the location and no light pollution to view the night sky.

Helpful

Carlos G

Verified

January 27, 2025 Stayed at: Q, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Our Boy Scout unit had a great camping experience. The site had a magnificent view of the park.

Helpful

Miquela S

Verified

November 12, 2024 Stayed at: L, Loop: Group Sites L-R

We had an incredible experience at this campsite. The sites were spacious, clean, and quiet during our visit. The camp host was helpful when we had questions and the bathrooms were accessible and clean. The trailheads located at the site were fantastic and we couldn’t beat the sunset views. We can’t wait to visit this campground again in the future.

Helpful

Courtney L

Verified

November 4, 2024 Stayed at: R, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Amazing experience and campgrounds. All restrooms are kept in pristine condition and the views are unimaginable. Highly highly recommend chisos basin especially with family.

Helpful

Rachel R

Verified

April 14, 2024 Stayed at: N, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Bring your hats and coats! Views, stars, and trail access are spectacular!

Helpful

Angela B

Verified

April 12, 2024 Stayed at: M, Loop: Group Sites L-R

Location was DEFINITELY 5-stars. Couldn't beat the prime viewing location for the sunsets through Window View. Camp host and neighbors were great. We appreciated being in the middle of the park, with easy access to all major roads and cooler temperatures during the day. We also appreciated knocking off almost a half-mile on the Window Trail Hike, which had an alternate trailhead in the group campground! We were conveniently close to the Lost Mine Trailhead for our sunrise hike.
Flatness of the tent sites = 3-stars. There were two sites flat enough for two 10x10 tents, our smaller tents were stuck on hillier locations. We put the smallest tent under the shade tree, which is apparently an animal habitat all on its own. Considering the whole campsite is built on a hillside, this was a minor inconvenience once the tents were up (we were able to move a few tables to improve tent locations).
My ONLY complaint: friendly skunk who liked to visit the group campground in the evening and night time... even before everyone went to bed! (Once night, they even joined our neighbors for dinner... Fortunately, no one was sprayed) The last night, the skunks were joined by two foxes who visited a neighboring campsite.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

Park Headquarters, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 United States

Elevation: 1,575 ft

Getting There

From Interstate 10, take highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and then on to Marathon. From Marathon, go 40 mi south on Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight 26 mi (26.1 mi) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junct...

Nearest town

Big Bend National Park, TX - 22 mi

About 52 min to downtown

Highway access

Chisos Basin Group Campground is accessed via Highway 385, which connects to Interstate 10 to the north. The campground is approximately 40 miles south of Marathon on Highway 385.

Near Big Bend National Park

The closest entrance is: Maverick Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 14.2 mi · 24 min

Policies & Rules

General

  • A camper arriving the day AFTER the reservation begins is considered a No Show. A No Show may result in a cancellation of your reservation. Contact the park at 432-477-2251 if you are late or will not be arriving until the day after your reservation starts.
  • Vehicle Restrictions. The road to the campground is steep and winding with sharp hairpin turns. The vehicle restriction for the road and campground is 24 feet (7 m) for motor homes and 20 feet (5.8 m) for travel trailers. No RV parking is available at the group campground, with the exception of site O.
  • Tents Only. The group campground is tent-only; no RVs or trailers allowed. That includes rooftop tents and camper vans. One exception is Group Site "O" which allows for ONE small (up to 20 feet/6 m) recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV) to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively tent camping only.
  • Tent Size. Tents larger than 8 ft. by 8 ft. (2.4 x2.4 m) are not recommended because of site layout. Sites P, Q, and R can accommodate larger tents if necessary
  • No Hookups. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups. 
  • Organized Groups. All organized groups in Big Bend require a Special Use Permit. Visit the park website for additional information. Group maximums are 50 people in the park at one time per group. 
  • Generators Prohibited. Generator use is prohibited in the group campground area. 
  • Group Picnic Shelters. Sites P, Q and R have picnic shelters
  • Food Lockers/Bears. Bears frequent the area. All food must be kept in the food storage locker at each campsite or in a hard-sided vehicle. Trash must be disposed of in the animal-proof dumpsters provided. Do not leave coolers or food boxes unattended at any time.
  • Are you still here? Please collapse your tent during the day if you are not in the campsite. Bears have been known to investigate and damage standing tents.
  • Campfires. No wood or ground fires allowed at any time. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site.
  • Pets. Pets are allowed in each campsite, although they must be leashed and restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings.
  • Group campsites require a MINIMUM of nine people. The park will not honor reservations with fewer people. Maximum group size varies by campsite from 10 to 20 people.
  • Hammocks. Hammocks are only allowed when not affixed to natural features. Do not hang hammocks on trees. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

The planned construction of the Big Bend National Park Chisos Mountains Lodge and other Chisos Basin facility improvements, originally scheduled to begin in May 2026, will not proceed as planned. Importantly, Big Bend National Park remains fully open to visitors. Due to the construction delay, previously planned closures of the Chisos Basin will not take place, ensuring continued access to the park’s facilities and breathtaking landscapes. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing updates as we work toward bringing these important improvements to fruition. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Big Bend National Park, TX

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Elevation: 5,308 ft

Best Season: Fall, Spring

National Park Service Logo
Managed by the National Park Service