Chisos Basin Campground
Big Bend National Park
Write a Review Chisos Basin Rd. Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 432-477-2251 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 29.2753, -103.3011
Overview of Chisos Basin Campground
Reservations required. Open year-round. Trailers over 20 feet and RVs over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites at this campground.
Wood and ground fires are prohibited. All food items must be stored inside a vehicle or animal-proof food storage locker.
Last Price Paid: $10
Reported by Bill on 6/3/2023
Longest RV Reported: 34 feet (Travel Trailer)
Reported by Gman on 7/13/2021
Number of Sites 56
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Elevation 5,118 ft / 1,559 m
Max Stay 14
Max Length 20 ft
Tent Camping Yes







Unlock pro campendium features

Q&A - Ask the Community about Chisos Basin Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 432-477-2251
TSchenk asked on 1/30/2022
Does anyone have an opinion on the best sites to choose at Chisos Basin Campground? Thanks!
Lolita asked on 8/16/2020
Could we maneuver a 22’ trailer pulled by a truck into sites at Chisos Basin Campground?
Reviews of Chisos Basin Campground 21 people have reviewed this location.
“Way Overrated”
Reviewed 6/3/2023
Nightly rate: | $10 |
---|
Last NP on our list and glad we camped there for a couple of nights. Nothing special and didn’t find the scenery that dramatic. 24 foot van and worse leveling than north rim Grand Canyon. Staff a bit on the militant side due to immigration concerns. Was always curious and glad it’s out of the way. Check. done.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Extremely scenic, tight, and no USEABLE service”
Reviewed 3/24/2023
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 53 |
Like other comments mention, the campsite is in a beautiful location and there is no shortage of great views. I'm only leaving a review to say that while many other reviews rave about the level of service, I found the service to be unusable. We had plenty of bars, especially with the WeBoost, but actually accessing anything on the i... more
Like other comments mention, the campsite is in a beautiful location and there is no shortage of great views.
I'm only leaving a review to say that while many other reviews rave about the level of service, I found the service to be unusable. We had plenty of bars, especially with the WeBoost, but actually accessing anything on the internet was extremely unreliable. Plus, my Verizon said I was roaming and on the extended network, which never works that well for me.
I showed up on a Thursday afternoon and planned to stay until Tuesday, working from the campground. However, while I was able to join a meeting Thursday and hear everyone, later in the afternoon as people returned from hikes and started all getting on the network, I couldn't even manage to load a single simple webpage. I joined another internet call-in later in the evening and nobody could hear me although I could hear them clearly (in-between getting kicked out by the network). Early Friday morning I was once again able to join and listen in on a meeting, but I didn't trust that the network would be usable on Monday/Tuesday during the day when I desperately needed it so we cancelled our last two nights. Unfortunate, but it would have saved me some trouble if I had known this ahead of time.
Beautiful location and I know service shouldn't be expected in a national park, but seeing these reviews made me confident I could sneak in some more time here so others with me who don't have to work could enjoy it longer. Just know what to expect.
magdin_roamer would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful place”
Reviewed 1/21/2023
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 26 |
This is a beautiful place to spend a few days. Views are terrific, some hiking right there, potable water all over, pretty quiet and some great campsites. I wouldn't stay in the inner ring if possible. Some great sites on the outer loop with unobstructed views especially 30-60. Pic is of one of the sites I'd look for next time ... more
This is a beautiful place to spend a few days. Views are terrific, some hiking right there, potable water all over, pretty quiet and some great campsites.
I wouldn't stay in the inner ring if possible. Some great sites on the outer loop with unobstructed views especially 30-60.
Pic is of one of the sites I'd look for next time through.
Burton would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Views are fantastic!”
Reviewed 12/30/2022
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 20 |
RV Length: | 22' (Truck Camper) |
We stayed in site 20 for two nights in our truck camper. Site 20 has no designated “parking pad”. You parallel park along the main road. It was one of the few level sites we saw as we walked around. The hosts were directly across the road from us and were very welcoming. Pay close to site lengths and driveway grade before you book. We ... more
We stayed in site 20 for two nights in our truck camper. Site 20 has no designated “parking pad”. You parallel park along the main road. It was one of the few level sites we saw as we walked around. The hosts were directly across the road from us and were very welcoming. Pay close to site lengths and driveway grade before you book. We saw a small RV parked in a site with a severe grade and there was no way to level it. The road to the campground is tight with hairpin curves. We were okay in our truck camper but met another large vehicle in a curve and we had to stop. If you have the right setup for this campground, it’s amazing.
Teach2Hike would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great experience and fantastic view”
Reviewed 4/12/2022
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 042 |
I camped out of my Rav 4 Prime for 4 nights in January, 2022. A quiet campground in the Chisos Basin with a fantastic view of surrounding mountains. Site was clean as was the bear box. Restrooms were clean (no showers) and heated, which for the time of year I was there was nice. Small sink area in the bath house for washing cook ge... more
I camped out of my Rav 4 Prime for 4 nights in January, 2022. A quiet campground in the Chisos Basin with a fantastic view of surrounding mountains. Site was clean as was the bear box. Restrooms were clean (no showers) and heated, which for the time of year I was there was nice. Small sink area in the bath house for washing cook gear. Beware of windy nights, at least in the winter - was glad I was sleeping in my car!
Great cell coverage! The proximity to the Chisos Lodge made for excellent Verizon service. Some of the best in the park.
NC Traveler would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Base Camp for Big Bend”
Reviewed 12/4/2021
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 30 |
RV Length: | 24' (Class C) |
Site 30 in Chisos Basin is the deluxe premier penthouse suite of the entire campground. This spot opened up due to cancellation and I managed to grab 3 nights in December 2020. Not knowing what to expect, I was just feeling lucky to land a spot in Chisos Basin, as these spots are really hard to get during that season. Most of the spots... more
Site 30 in Chisos Basin is the deluxe premier penthouse suite of the entire campground. This spot opened up due to cancellation and I managed to grab 3 nights in December 2020. Not knowing what to expect, I was just feeling lucky to land a spot in Chisos Basin, as these spots are really hard to get during that season. Most of the spots in this campground are right on top of each other and have very little to no privacy at all. That being said, all of the spots have great views, as you are right down in the middle of the scenic basin. Site 30 is completely different from most of the other sites. It is set off the road, down a set of steps and inside a tree canopied clearing. Because of how it is offset from the road and surrounded by trees, it is very private and isolated from the other camps. Also, our winnebago served as a privacy wall at the entrance, which made the camp feel even more separated. There were some other good private sites that I saw in the group camping section, but that entire section was closed due to 2020.
If you're into hiking, Chisos Basin is an ideal place for your base camp. There are some amazing trail heads right from the campground and staying here gives you an early start to beat the crowds. There was absolutely no cell service, but you can get internet if you stop off outside the lodge up the hill. There's no electricity but plenty of sun and our solar panels easily got us through 3 days here.
Also, if you are into remote boon-docking, you absolutely must try and find a spot in the back country area of Big Bend. It is amazing and we enjoyed that even more than Chisos Basin. All in all, Big Bend has been one of our most memorable and favorite trips we have ever done.
jaysee would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“An All-Timer 🧡”
Reviewed 11/22/2021
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 6, 47, 54 |
We absolutely loved this place. It’s magical. The restrooms are pretty dark, even during the day. And the cell service isn’t great. But it doesn’t matter because you’re surrounded by beauty. The camp hosts were friendly. Recreation.gov makes it easy to select a site based on your needs, whether it’s a longer parking pad or a space for ... more
We absolutely loved this place. It’s magical. The restrooms are pretty dark, even during the day. And the cell service isn’t great. But it doesn’t matter because you’re surrounded by beauty. The camp hosts were friendly. Recreation.gov makes it easy to select a site based on your needs, whether it’s a longer parking pad or a space for a tent. We will definitely be coming back here!
Taubs would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Sardines in a can ”
Reviewed 10/3/2021
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 1 |
We stayed here one night and wouldn’t stay here again or recommend it to anyone. The sites are literally on top of one another, with no privacy. Some sites have a roof over the picnic bench, most don’t. Parking spots aren’t level, if your site even has a parking spot (problematic for van lifers). Half of the sites also don’t have a sui... more
We stayed here one night and wouldn’t stay here again or recommend it to anyone. The sites are literally on top of one another, with no privacy. Some sites have a roof over the picnic bench, most don’t. Parking spots aren’t level, if your site even has a parking spot (problematic for van lifers). Half of the sites also don’t have a suitable spot for a tent. Hosts weren’t helpful.
Not worth the $16.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Small but worth it”
Reviewed 7/13/2021
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 0 |
Site Number: | 0 |
RV Length: | 34' (Travel Trailer) |
I am reviewing even thought i did not spend the night, i did drive into the campground with my 2500 pickup truck and found it difficult to make some of the tight turns within the campground. Location is perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding area. The road to the campground and visitors center has some very tight U-shape tur... more
I am reviewing even thought i did not spend the night, i did drive into the campground with my 2500 pickup truck and found it difficult to make some of the tight turns within the campground. Location is perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding area. The road to the campground and visitors center has some very tight U-shape turns at the edge of the mountain. I would not dare take any RV longer then 22ft up & down that road. A tent or Casita style trailer is ideal. It's $30 (7 day pass) to enter the park even if your visiting just for the day. Some of the dirt road to other primitive campgrounds in the area are washboard and tuff to drive up and down them. I decided to stay just outside the park at Paisano RV Park with full hookups and drove to the areas i wanted to visit.
Gman would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice camp”
Reviewed 6/3/2021
Nightly rate: | $16 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 021 |
Campground is very clean. Walking distance to the store. Great hiking trail starts right from the camp. Host is so helpful. The only thing was the road construction and we had to plan our day around that (May 2021).
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Be the first to add a note for Chisos Basin Campground!
Be the first to add a video for Chisos Basin Campground!
Have you written a blog post about Chisos Basin Campground?
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- group sites
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Please select a reason for flagging this item: