Chisos Basin Campground

We were here a the beginning of October, so kind of a shoulder season. The nights were cool but the days warm, almost hot (mid 80s), which was pleasant enough. However, a number of the sites in this campground were closed due to the presence of fire ants. Our site wasn't affected, and we were in a pickup camper and thus didn't have to deal with them, but I wondered if any of the tent campers got bit.

The setting itself is amazing! Big Bend has such an amazing variety of landscapes to view, but the Chisos campground is maybe the prettiest location in the park. There is lots to see and do using this as a basecamp. We would stay here again.

I forgot to add one more comment. I can't remember the site number we stayed in, but it definitely was not anywhere close to level. We took the camper off the truck to that we could level the camper with the jacks. I suspect many RVs may have issues with getting level on many of the sites here.

If you want easy access for trailers, good cell service or showers don't camp here. If you want to unplug, have a tent or small rig and are happy to have flush toilets then drive up the mountains! Beautiful views and access to many trailheads. If you are in the mood you can walk the mile over to the lodge for a reasonable, good meal.
Lots of young hikers, but the camp hosts keep an eye on things. The upper loop allows generators, lower loop, no. Water available at faucets throughout campground. Nearest Good showers are 45min away in study butte- check at the hotel.
If you need cell access drive down the mountain to the bear sign. If you need WiFi go to the lodge and enjoy a drink on the deck.
Big Bend is not for the faint of heart. Expect to spend hours driving in the park. Plan accordingly. Bring your passport and enjoy the boat, and burro ride across to Mexico. Enjoy lunch and a beer.

Note: We camped here in a tent. This campground has spectacular views (much better than the 2 other campground options) but the sites are really on top of each other so if you're camping in a tent, you'll hear everything from the other campsites around you. If you're bringing a camper, they don't suggest longer than 20ft-24ft, which we thought was generous, and there are very few spots available even for that. Most are definitely set up for tent camping.

I was hesitant about camping in Big Bend during the summer, but Chisos had refreshing cool weather and incredible 360 degree views! The campground has 62 sites, many of which have a shelter with concrete patio, picnic table, and charcoal grill. Ground fires aren't allowed, as in many of the other western parks. There were well kept bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, electricity, and a dishwashing station but no showers.

The campground was fairly quiet while we were there. Noise seems to carry in the basin, so this could depend on your camping neighbors. Bears are commonly spotted in the area, but food boxes are provided at each campsite.

The campground provides access to the popular Window Trail and the Lost Mine trailhead is just a mile or so down the road. The Chisos lodge has a small store with necessities (there are no towns around the park).

In our opinion, Chisos Basin is the premiere campground in Big Bend NP. The campground is nestled right in the middle of the Chisos Mountains and is at a higher elevation than much of the park itself. The views from our site rivaled that of Zion NP and Glacier NP. While the campsite is about ten miles from the main road, Chisos has its own visitors center, shop, and lodge/restaurant next door to it. So while Big Bend is in the middle of no where you have amenities close by. Yet of course no cell service.

All that to stay, our stay at Chisos was brought down a star by two things. The first was the amount of wind we experienced for two days/nights straight. The wind gusts were constant and probably up to around 45 mph. I believe the basin contributes to the strength of the wind. We slept very poorly for the last two nights, but were told it was not that usual by some locals. Secondly since you are in a basin, the campground does not have any extra space so the sites are pretty close together. This is fine if you have quite neighbors, but we had some rowdy college kids that played drinking games throughout the day.

Another factor to consider is that the road to Chisos is not for bigger rigs. The sign says no trailer over 24' are allowed on it. Its a steep road that will test your enginge's cooling system.

All this to say our main downsides could happen anywhere, so I would still definately recommend Chisos campground if you are in Big Bend.