Chisos Basin Campground, Texas

Chisos Basin Campground Description

One of the most sought-after campgrounds in Big Bend National Park is the Chisos Basin Campground, situated high in the rugged Chisos Mountains. At an altitude of 5,400' and surrounded on all sides by high, rocky cliffs, this campground is conveniently located near some of the park's most spectacular and popular trails - the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, the South Rim Trail, and the Pinnacles Trail, with its access to the park's highest point, Emory Peak (elev. 7,825'). Campers can find the trailheads for most of these trails in the main Chisos Basin area a mile or so further down the Basin road from the campground. Also to be found in the Basin area is the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the Camper Store, and the Chisos Basin Lodge, which houses the only restaurant in Big Bend National Park. The Chisos Basin Campground boasts 60 individual campsites of a size more suitable to tent camping than to recreational vehicles or trailers, although they are by no means excluded. The road leading up into the Basin, however, does keep the size of such vehicles to a minimum, as it is steep and winding with two fairly sharp and blind hairpin turns to negotiate. Due to these adverse conditions, the park has set a restriction of 24 feet for motor homes and 20 feet for travel trailers, to avoid drivers having to cross over into oncoming traffic to make the turns. Each of the 60 campsites come with a picnic table, a charcoal grill (wood fires are NOT permitted in the park at any time), and a bear-proof food storage container, and some sites even come with shade structures called ramadas, which make these sites very popular. All campsites are within easy walking distance to water spigots and restrooms, and a dump station is provided for RVs and t railers. Campsites are $14 per night. While the 60 individual sites at the Chisos Basin Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis for most of the year, 26 of these sites may be reserved for dates between November 15 and April 15 by contacting recreation.gov online, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Chisos Basin Campground Services

Within Facility, Accessible Restroom, Bike Riding, Biking, Bird Watching, Boating, Cabin Rental, Campground Host, Comfort Station, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Dumpster, Fishing, Grills, Group Camping Facility, Hiking, Hiking Trail, Interpretive Trails, Mountain Biking, Paved Roads, Pay Telephone, Photography, Recycling Center, Scenery, Sightseeing, Trailhead, Trails, Water Drinking, Water Faucets, Water Fountains, Wildlife Viewing Within 10 Miles, Accessible Hiking Trails, Convenience Store, Flush Toilet, Gift/Souvenir Shop, Lodge, Parking, Picnic Area, Restaurants, Restroom, Visitor Center Greater Than 10 Miles, Boardwalk, Boat Ramp, Canoeing, Electric Hook Ups, Fishing Supplies, Golf, Horse Corrals, Horseback Riding, Hospital, Hot Showers, Laundry, Lodge, Medical Facility, Nature Trails, Overlook, Post Office, Rent Bicycles, Restaurants, River Access, Sewer Hookups

Chisos Basin Campground Alerts

Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. Open year round and has campsites available on a first come-first served basis. From November 15th through Apr. 15th, a number of these sites are available for advanced reservations. There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Generator users must observe "Quiet Time". No generator use between 8pm and 8am. No wood or ground fires. Bear proof storage containers at each campsite. Motorboats are permitted on the river with some restrictions. Store all food properly. All food items should be stored in your vehicle or animal-proof food locker. Dispose of trash in animal-proof dumpsters provided. Do not place coolers or food boxes on the ground at any time. Do not feed wildlife, INCLUDING BIRDS. PREVENT INJURY TO YOUR PETS by keeping them on a leash at all times. Do not leave pets unattended. Pets are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry. Do not destroy, injure, deface, dig, or disturb any park resources, including plants, animals, fossils, rocks, or artifacts. Possession of park resources is theft. Please report any illegal activities to a park ranger or campground host. Protect our staff and other campers. Remove any clotheslines at night and when not in use. Washing of vehicles is prohibited. Do not connect hoses to spigots. Wash your dishes at your site or designated sinks, not at spigots or in restrooms. DO NOT BATHE AT WATER SPIGOTS OR IN RESTROOMS. Protection Rangers on duty in park.

Chisos Basin Campground Directions

Chisos Basin (Big Bend) (TX) PO BOX 129 Big Bend Nat. Park TX 79834 From I-10, take highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and then on to Marathon. From Marathon it is 40 miles south on Highway 385 to the north entrance to Big Bend National Park. Drive straight ahead 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. To Rio Grande Village turn left, proceed 20 miles. To Chisos Basin Campground turn right for 3 miles then turn left at the Basin sign and go 7 miles.