# Big Bend National Park

> Big Bend lies in Texas on the Rio Grande border. Peak season is October to April, and RV access to roadside camping is limited to a few designated sites.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/big-bend/

Big Bend lies in Texas on the Rio Grande border. Peak season is October to April, and RV access to roadside camping is limited to a few designated sites.

- **State:** Texas
- **Established:** 1944
- **Best season:** Oct–Apr
- **Deserts:** Chihuahuan Desert

## Before you go

- Peak visitation runs October to April, busiest from mid-January to mid-April. Advance reservations are essential in that period.
- Rio Grande Village RV Park has 25 sites with full hookups and a maximum vehicle length of 38 feet (about 12 m).
- Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed anywhere in the park. Charcoal grills are permitted.
- Cell service is very spotty across the area. Passports are required to enter Mexico.

## Camping

The park has three campgrounds run by the National Park Service: Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village and Cottonwood. Check current opening and reservation rules with the park. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive nights. Rio Grande Village RV Park is run by a concessionaire and has full hookups. Primitive roadside camping and backpacking need a permit from the park.

## Getting around

Primitive roadside camping takes small RVs under 30 feet (about 9 m) and trailers under 25 feet (about 7.5 m), depending on availability and road conditions. Most roadside sites are not accessible to RVs and trailers. Only a few sites allow them, including Croton Springs, Grapevine Hills, Hannold Draw, K-Bar, Nine Point Draw and Paint Gap. Generators are not allowed at roadside sites.

## FAQs

**When is the best time to visit Big Bend?**
Peak visitation is from October to April. The park describes winters as mild and summers as hot. The busiest weeks are from mid-January to mid-April, so book ahead for that period.

**Can I make a campfire?**
No. Wood fires and ground fires are not allowed anywhere in the park. Charcoal grills are permitted.

**Can I rely on my phone for navigation?**
Not fully. Cell service is very spotty throughout the area. Reliable Verizon coverage exists near Chisos Basin and Panther Junction. Download maps before you arrive.

## Places to see

- [Big Bend National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/big-bend/)
- [Big Bend Hot Springs](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-boquillas-hot-springs/)
- [Santa Elena Canyon](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-santa-elena-canyon/)
- [Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center)](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-big-bend-ranch/)
- [Fort Leaton State Historic Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-fort-leaton/)
- [Marfa Lights Viewing Area](https://camping-spirit.com/places/marfa-lights-viewing-area/)
- [Fort Davis National Historic Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b9-fort-davis-nhs/)