Camping in Big Bend National Park
If you're planning a trip to Big Bend, here's our firsthand experience camping here.
Road trips are just the best, right? The highway, the changing scenery, and the ever-expanding horizons just make it feel like anything could happen. We decided to do a road trip to Big Bend National Park which was a short 5 hour drive for us here in Texas.
First thing you have to do is make reservations they get full fast depending on the season. We made our reservations Here! One thing about Big Bend is that there is limited lodging and it gets full fast, so plan ahead to get your place. There are three campgrounds to choose from: Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and Cottonwood. Each of these campgrounds offers its own paved, albeit limited, parking. Additionally, each campground offers amenities such as potable or non-potable water, and either vault or flush toilets (depending on the campground), along with trash and recycling services. Be sure to prioritize these campground features and familiarize yourself with what to expect during your stay. On the bright side each campground is equipped with picnic tables and ample shade provided by beautiful trees.
We chose to camp at Cottonwood Campground, the farthest from the entrance, to enjoy greater opportunities for sightseeing and a quieter atmosphere, which perfectly suited our preferences. The campground is located near the Rio Grande, west of the park.
NOTE: Before your arrival, it's crucial to check the park's website for any road closures or important alerts. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the campground's rules and regulations before booking. Notably, some parks prohibit wood fires or ground fires, so thoroughly review the park's guidelines on their website and ensure respectful adherence to these rules.
Our experience here was unforgettable. We started our days early, relishing the morning breeze and setting out on exhilarating hikes. After returning for a satisfying lunch, we eagerly ventured back into the mountains, our main focus during our stay. Evenings were reserved for scenic hikes, followed by a delicious meal prepared at our campground, accompanied by a refreshing cold beer. We did several hikes—definitely worth checking out. Here!
These three days in the mountains were absolutely wonderful—just relaxing, enjoying great company, and reconnecting with nature. We're definitely planning to return to this campground. Its distance from more crowded areas and the breathtaking journey there make it a perfect escape. Plus its here in Texas which is a win for us!
We were a bit concerned about encountering wildlife, being in such a remote location. However, one great aspect of this campground was its proximity to neighbors—close enough for comfort but not so close as to feel crowded, if you know what I mean. You'll be sure to hear about any trouble, and it's wise to keep an eye out for others and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.. Thankfully, our adventure was all about encountering beautiful birds and owls at night (plus a lot of playful squirrels)!
Each campground provides a bear-proof storage compartment, which was a great feature. Remember to pack away all food and keep your campsite free of any smells that might attract animals, especially when you're away or during the night. This precaution helps ensure everyone's safety.
Little backstory: I believe this was the first ever camping experience we have had so we came prepared, our friends and us went fully loaded with camping essentials.
