Chisos Basin
Nestled in the heart of Big Bend's mountains, Chisos Basin campground offers stunning vistas and a gateway to incredible hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer gnats
Chisos Basin
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer gnats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nestled in the heart of Big Bend's mountains, Chisos Basin campground offers stunning vistas and a gateway to incredible hikes.
"The scenery is spectacular, surrounded by mountains, offering the best experience."
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
Secure your tent and belongings well, as nightly winds can be intense. Extra stakes are a must!
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Store food in bear-certified lockers. Be aware of spiders, bears, wild cats, and snakes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mountain Vistas
Chisos Basin
Towering peaks like Casa Blanca surround the campground, offering unparalleled mountain views.
South Rim Trail
Trailhead from Basin
Hike to the park's highest point for panoramic desert and mountain vistas.
Emory Peak
Trailhead from Basin
Challenge yourself with a climb to the highest summit in Big Bend National Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Book Ahead & Disconnect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
Secure your tent and belongings well, as nightly winds can be intense. Extra stakes are a must!
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Store food in bear-certified lockers. Be aware of spiders, bears, wild cats, and snakes.
📵 Unplug and Enjoy
Expect minimal to no cell service. Embrace the disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
💧 Water Access
Potable water is available at the campground, but always carry extra for hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌬️ Wind Preparedness
Secure your tent and belongings well, as nightly winds can be intense. Extra stakes are a must!
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Store food in bear-certified lockers. Be aware of spiders, bears, wild cats, and snakes.
📵 Unplug and Enjoy
Expect minimal to no cell service. Embrace the disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
💧 Water Access
Potable water is available at the campground, but always carry extra for hikes.
🛏️ Uneven Sites
Many campsites are on hills, so be prepared for uneven terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking mountain scenery and the feeling of being immersed in nature at Chisos Basin campground. The friendly and knowledgeable rangers, along with the clean facilities, are frequently praised. However, some campers note the strong nightly winds and uneven terrain at some sites, and the lack of cell service can be a drawback for some.
"These are the best campgrounds in the park! You are literally in the middle of breathtaking mountains like the Casa Blanca, and the highest point of the park as well (South Rim and Emory Peak). The rangers greet you once you come in and introduce themselves. They are very nice and knowledgeable of the area and can give you major tips and precautions such as don’t forget to clean up your mess as all sorts of animals smell it especially if left unattended (like bears). Each campground has a bear certified lock and it works good. The rangers also gave tips on which activities can fit into the number of days of your itinerary! It was the best experience. Finally, I recommend coming during the Fall as camping in a rainy season are not for beginners and is tedious."
Harris Nguyen
"I loved our campsite! It was placed in a way that there was a nice amount of privacy, yet close enough to get to a bathroom and water. The scenery, of course, was spectacular. Do not count on cell service in the campground (which isn’t altogether a negative). I’m so glad we were able to camp there before the basin closes for some construction work. It was also nice to have this place to return to to cool off after some fairly hot and long days of hiking. Grateful for time away in this beautiful place!"
Lindsay Blackmon
"Camp grounds are great, clean, actual toilets! Hosts were friendly and very helpful. Beware of wild life, there are spiders, bears and wild cats as well as snakes, it is the desert."
Google User
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chisos Basin is located within Big Bend National Park. Access is via the park's main entrance. The campground is a central hub for many popular trails. Be prepared for a scenic but winding drive into the basin.
The Chisos Basin campground can accommodate small RVs up to 24 feet. However, some sites may be on hills and uneven. The RV dump station can sometimes be winterized.
The drive to Chisos Basin from the park's Panther Junction entrance is approximately 30 miles, taking about 45 minutes to an hour due to winding roads.
Big Bend National Park does not currently offer a shuttle service to Chisos Basin. You will need your own vehicle to access the campground and trailheads.
The roads leading to Chisos Basin are paved but can be narrow and winding, with significant elevation changes. Drive cautiously, especially at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a park entrance pass is required for Big Bend National Park. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Campsites at Chisos Basin are reservable through Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, as they are very popular and can fill up quickly.
Chisos Basin campground is open year-round. Check-in times are typically in the afternoon, and check-out is in the morning. Specific hours can be found on Recreation.gov.
The entrance fee is for Big Bend National Park. Once inside the park, there is no additional fee to access Chisos Basin campground or its trailheads, provided you have a valid park pass.
While it's possible to get a last-minute campsite if someone cancels, it's not reliable. Reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The campground offers basic amenities including toilets, grills, and potable water. Bear-certified food lockers are also provided at each site.
Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent in Chisos Basin. It's best to download offline maps and inform others of your travel plans before you arrive.
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, javelinas, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Be aware of snakes and spiders as well.
Popular trails include the South Rim Trail, Emory Peak, Lost Mine Trail, and Window Trail. These offer varying levels of difficulty and spectacular scenery.
Campfires are generally not permitted in Chisos Basin due to fire risk. Always check current park regulations for any temporary restrictions or allowances.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the mountain peaks and desert landscapes. The golden hours cast a beautiful glow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light photography.
The pull-offs along the drive into the basin offer stunning views. The South Rim and viewpoints along the Window Trail are also prime photography spots.
Chisos Basin is an International Dark Sky Park. Use a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture, a sturdy tripod, and long exposure settings for incredible astrophotography.
Expect to photograph dramatic mountain formations, vast desert vistas, unique desert flora, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking night skies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack for variable weather, as desert days can be hot and nights surprisingly cool. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The lack of cell service can be a blessing for family bonding, encouraging interaction and exploration. Consider bringing games or books for downtime at the campsite.
🚗 RV Campers
Wind is a significant factor for RVs; ensure your vehicle is well-secured. The winding mountain roads leading to the basin require careful driving. While the views are spectacular, the limited space and potential for uneven terrain mean this campground is best suited for experienced RVers comfortable with more rustic conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Chisos Basin Campground
Planning your stay requires booking well in advance through Recreation.gov, as this is one of the most popular camping areas in the park. Cell service is notoriously unreliable, so downloading offline maps and informing others of your itinerary is essential. The campground serves as a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding trails, offering easy access to some of the park's most iconic hikes. Remember to pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, and be prepared for potentially strong winds, especially after dark.
Wildlife encounters are common and part of the Chisos Basin experience. Keep a safe distance from all animals, and never feed them. Proper food storage in the bear lockers is paramount to prevent attracting bears and other critters to your campsite. Rangers are a great resource for information on wildlife safety and local conditions, so don't hesitate to ask them for tips.
Hiking Adventures from Chisos Basin
Shorter, yet equally stunning, options include the Lost Mine Trail, known for its scenic overlooks and relatively moderate incline, and the Window Trail, which leads to a unique rock formation offering a framed view of the desert floor. These trails showcase the diverse geology and rugged beauty of the region. Always carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of the desert heat, especially during warmer months.
Trail conditions can vary, and it's wise to check with park rangers for the latest updates on closures or hazards. The elevation gain on many of these hikes can be significant, so assess your fitness level before embarking. The reward for your effort is an unparalleled connection with the wild, untamed landscape of Big Bend.
Social
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