Big Bend Campgrounds

Depending on your sense of adventure and willingness to get off the beaten path, there are dozens of boondocking spots all through the park. If you can manage independent living for a few days, it's a great way to see what few others will. Probably not so suitable for large rigs, however.

TomG2 wrote:
Our group of Seniors will avoid the most strenuous hikes but want to look around.

The Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village campground is a very nice hike, with the option of a bit of elevation change.

Do make a trip to the Hot Springs.

The hike into Santa Elena Canyon is incredible. Not to be missed. Just make sure Terlingua Creek isn't running - the crossing can be iffy if you have to wade across.

One of my favorites isn't even listed as a hike in many sources - Tuff Canyon. You can walk up the smooth floor of the small canyon carved in the debris and ash of some of the volcanic eruptions.

Another favorite is the Grapevine Hills Trail. To see the balanced rocks.

In the mountains - one should first do the Window View Trail - the paved trail that starts from the Visitor Center/ Store/ Lodge parking lot. It provides the second best view of the window at sunset (the best view is from the terrace at the lodge - with a cold beverage in hand.)

Many people want to see the Window Trail. Unlike most mountain hikes - it descends on the out leg, and when you are most tired on the way back - you hit the steepest part. If you want to take that hike - start at the bottom of the Chisos Basin Campground. Hiking from the Chisos Basin Vistor Center adds a lot of distance and elevation change, especially on the way back.

We like the Lost Mine Trail - and highly recommended it for people wanting an easier, but scenic hike in the mountains. The first mile is very easy, offers splendid views, and then you can decide to go higher or return to the vehicles.

One strong warning - take plenty of water. Not one little bottle - each person needs one 16 oz bottle of water per mile minimum. Even when the weather is 'cool'.

Especially in the mountains - the elevation helps dehydrate people quickly.

We went down the Window Trail several times during our hosting stay to take water to people dehydrated on the trail. Too tired to climb back up the last 500 ft of elevation change in the last mile.

Never push anyone you are hiking with finish the hike if they are tired. Let them rest. You have plenty of time to finish. The one time we had to call in the paramedics was because a 30 years old son had pushed his mother to finish the climb up from the Window.

The amazing South Rim and Emery Peak Trails are probably beyond your groups desires. We never climbed either trail.

Two other things - as one BIBE ranger said - all the plants in the park are Red Cross plants - they make you give blood. Almost every plant has thorns, sharp points, etc. Be careful.

People worry about coming across bears or mountain lions at Big Bend. Make a little noise as you walk, and you won't surprise either. We did have some mother and cubs issues restrict some of the trails while we were there. But no one has ever been hurt by a bear at Big Bend. The only mountain lion injuries were from very sick, old lions. A bigger concern should be snakes. There are less than 70 bears in the entire park, less than 30 mountain lions. I'm sure snakes are almost everywhere. Very, very seldom is there a problem - but basic hiking safety - never put your hand somewhere you cannot see.

(And yes - my sig pic was taking at the host site in the Chisos Basin campground - and there is a way to climb Casa Grande - the mountain plateau behind the rig - but it takes finding a special map and some real rough mountain terrain skills. The other host did make the climb. We didn't even consider it.)

TomG2 wrote:
Thanks for the replies. It sounds like a fascinating place. Our group of Seniors will avoid the most strenuous hikes but want to look around. Most people say that it is worth the visit. Huge place and nice to know a little about it before we get there.

Other than the small commercial campground at the Rio Grande Village, Big Bend NP is a fairly primitive place and the primary activities are bird watching, hiking and off-roading. It's also a long drive to get to places for food and drinks beyond the meager supplies at the campground stores. You can cross into Mexico at the Village and get a nice lunch but you'll need a passport or passcard. Just be prepared and enjoy. It's a great park for some, and a total waste of time (and a long way to drive) for others. I recall one couple who drove all the way down from Ohio then complained that there was nothing for them to do there.

Don't forget the porch at Terlingua at sunset. Local flavor
including live music!

If you can do without hookups, I'd suggest spending a few days at Rio Grande Village (the NPS CG and not the concession operated one), exploring that area and then moving to Cottonwood on the western side to check out things on that end.

First, get a decent map of the Park. The National Geographic version sold there will work unless you're planning on off trail bushwhacking.

Second, plan your visit. The Park newspaper usually has great suggestions for things to do and see. The Paisano

Third, check with the rangers for current road conditions. The back roads in Big Bend lead to many really nice points of interest but aren't heavily travelled and getting stranded isn't good.


We've driven all the roads, done most of the hikes and enjoyed them all. Not a single one that we wouldn't recommend.

Outside the Park on the west end, La Kiva is a unique watering hole and the Starlight Theater has unexpectedly good food and entertainment.

Enjoy your visit and post back with your experiences.

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like a fascinating place. Our group of Seniors will avoid the most strenuous hikes but want to look around. Most people say that it is worth the visit. Huge place and nice to know a little about it before we get there.

I typically use the Chisos Basin campground because it's centrally located and is where the restaurant is. You have flush toilets and water points there. However, it's restricted to 20' or less trailers due to the road going into the basin and the small size of the camping spots. Only one loop allows generators and you may have trouble finding 5 sites open on that one loop.
My next choice is the Rio Grande Village campground. There are plenty of spaces in the generator zone. You have flush toilets and water points there. You have a convenience store nearby with gas and showers.
Even though there's about 150 miles of paved roads in the park I don't find it an issue to stay in one campground for my entire visit. Roaming the roads is pleasant (and I do it on a scooter). There are evening programs that alternate between the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande campground areas. I try to make all I can. You may also find daily Ranger-led walks that appeal to you as well.

Keep in mind that at Cottonwood generators are not allowed. If you can do without them, that would make a very nice 'second place'. It's a beautiful campground.

Rio Grande Village campground (not the RV park) is also very pleasant.

We've been to the park quite a few times and sometimes we stay in one campground; other times we've moved between the two. We had solar panels so didn't need the generator.

From San Antonio you'd be coming in on Hwy 90. You'll take 385 to Panther Junction and then make your choice of campgrounds.

Study the park map and see if one or two campgrounds would work for you. They are both about equal distance to Panther Junction. There's lots of hiking around the Panther Junction area and I'd say less at Rio Grande Village.

You might want to go to Cottonwood first and stay until you think your battery power would be low and see the sites and some hiking around there, including a trip to Terlingua and hikes in Chisos Basin. Then move to Rio Grande Village and recharge your batteries during the move. You can also use generators at Rio Grande to charge back up. Here's the park map:

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/maps.htm