OutReserve

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

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 5,400 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.

Number of accommodations: 7

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
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
20 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
M, Loop: Group Sites L-R
10 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
N, Loop: Group Sites L-R
14 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
O, Loop: Group Sites L-R
14 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
P, Loop: Group Sites L-R
20 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Q, Loop: Group Sites L-R
20 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
R, Loop: Group Sites L-R
20 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (69)

What Guests Are Saying

Chisos Basin Group Campground offers spacious, clean sites with stunning views and convenient restroom access, making it an ideal spot for group camping. Many visitors highlighted the helpful camp host and the excellent trailheads nearby, enhancing the overall experience. While some found the proximity to other campsites a bit noisy and noted issues with rude staff, the majority praised the beautiful scenery and friendly park rangers, contributing to a memorable stay.

Review Summary

4.4
69 reviews
5
69.6%
48
4
13.0%
9
3
8.7%
6
2
2.9%
2
1
5.8%
4

Becca G

Verified

March 26, 2024 Stayed at: N, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Such a great location! And great facilities.

Katrina G

Verified

March 23, 2024 Stayed at: N, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The group campsites are in a beautiful spot in the basin with an excellent sunrise/sunset beyond the mountains around. Each site has several picnic tables and a pavilion roof above them. Water spigots are spaced through the group area and shared among a couple of sites. Bathroom was clean. Cleaning sink was provided for washing dishes but it was pretty stinky and dank - would benefit from airing out but sign on the door says to keep closed. 2 large bear food lockers at each site - plenty of room to put coolers and food bins into.
Its nice to be in the center of BBNP at this site. Site is really close to Lost Mine Trail, one of the more popular trails - limited parking at this one starts filling up by 7:30 am on spring break week. We had a great week and are grateful to have booked the site!

Denis F

Verified

March 3, 2024 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

4

Great fellowship for our Texas Master Naturalists group.

Matthew D

Verified

January 16, 2024 Stayed at: R, Loop: Group Sites L-R

3

Good campground. Plenty of space. Water access.

Chelsea C

Verified

January 8, 2024 Stayed at: L, Loop: Group Sites L-R

2

We stayed in Chisos Group Campground for 2 nights. The restrooms were closed, but a few port-a-potties were set up. Unfortunately, those were filled and quickly closed as well. Signs were posted to use the single campground that was a little ways down the road. I was extremely disappointed in the bathroom situation. But the campsite itself was nice and clean. All 3 bear boxes were in working order.

Daniel M

Verified

January 3, 2024 Stayed at: M, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Great site, however be warned, there is no roof/shelter like it is shown on the photo. Didn't bother us, but may have been a problem if we got rain.

One of the tables fits nicely under a tree nook, which could provide decent cover during light rain.

Other than that, site is clean, level, next to a water spicket and close to trash bins. Very convenient and very picturesque.

Jonathan C

Verified

December 20, 2023 Stayed at: M, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The campsite was incredible! Our site particularly had a really great view of the lower basin toward window, but you can probably see all of it from each site. There was no trash anywhere, and the tables and bear boxes made it really easy to cook and store all of our food!

Natalia T

Verified

November 16, 2023 Stayed at: N, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The Chisos Basin Campground is by far my favorite in the park. I love waking up to being surrounded by mountains. I’ve been coming to Big Bend for nearly a decade and the Chisos Basin Campground has always been an incredible and scenic camp. Everyone is always so welcoming and nice, the sites are well maintained, bathrooms are clean and functional and the scenery is just unreal. The Basin store and visitor center are also very conveniently a close drive away. My friends and my husband that I have brought to Big Bend for the very first time have all agreed the Chisos Basin is a game changer in the camping scene. 10/10 would recommend. I loved it here the very first time I went, I still love it just as much, if not more, like I did the first time. This will forever be my favorite place in the world.

Adam K

Verified

November 10, 2023 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The location is awesome, and many of the mountain trails are easily accessible from the campsite. Star gazing was great here too.

Jon F

Verified

May 5, 2023 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Beautiful park. This is the second time I've brought a group of 15-18 college students for a 3-night camping trip. They have loved it each time. I look forward to returning and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Chisos mountains!

Location Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

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

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 29.275 / -103.304

Elevation: 1575 feet

Nearby National Park

Big Bend National Park

In Big Bend National Park

Approximate driving time: 15 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


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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