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

Sarah B

Verified

February 27, 2022 Stayed at: N, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Amazing campground! Right in the middle of the mountains completely surrounded. The no camp fires was kind of a bummer but still great stay.

Daniel G

Verified

February 13, 2022 Stayed at: R, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The views are amazing, the location is amazing, the camp sites are well maintained.

Rory G

Verified

February 11, 2022 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

There are plenty of different hikes for everybody. The nights were cold & often windy, but the days were beautiful. The staff were wonderful & bathrooms clean.

Linda L

Verified

January 31, 2022 Stayed at: R, Loop: Group Sites L-R

3

It was so cold - 17 degrees! If only the lodge restaurant had been open for breakfast, but alas, there were staffing issues and we understand. But with no fire allowed, breakfast was no fun and very cold. Thank you for heating the bathroom!

Nicholas B

Verified

January 10, 2022 Stayed at: M, Loop: Group Sites L-R

4

The campground is awesome!! It's beautiful and well-maintained. It's a bummer that we can't have campfires, but perfectly understandable. We made s'mores around the charcoal grill and they tasted all the same. The campground is also very close to many trailheads, as well as a visitor's center and convenience store.

Samantha S

Verified

January 8, 2022 Stayed at: O, Loop: Group Sites L-R

1

Got searched for playing music at 8am even though music is allowed at 6am???? And park ranger came by and said the volume was fine. Feds pulled up and targeted us. We all left with tickets. Never stay in this area of the park unless you want to be harassed while minding your own business. 10/10 do not recommend

Michael M

Verified

December 30, 2021 Stayed at: M, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Relaxing and quiet stay

Axel T

Verified

December 5, 2021 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

Campsite close to trails, good views, water, bathrooms close by

Todd B

Verified

November 22, 2021 Stayed at: P, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

good weather; good company. the only issues were groups having much less than the 9 minimum occupying the adjoining shelter. not fair

Adil A

Verified

November 15, 2021 Stayed at: R, Loop: Group Sites L-R

5

The campground was well maintained and the facilities were clean. Our site R has a great view of the window that looked great at sunrise and sunset. Easy to access. And of course the night sky was fantastic. We used the metal containers on site to store food. The tent site was a bit uneven at places but not much of an issue if you have a comfy sleeping pad or better yet a mattress. The site gives good access to the window trail.

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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