Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)

Big Bend National Park

The Rio Grande Village Campground sits near the banks of the Rio Grande, the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, especially for those traveling in large recreational vehicles. It is located close to Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs, and serves as a launch point for visitors accessing the river or the endless miles of backcountry roads. Rio Grande Village has an outstanding view of the Sierra del Carmen Mountains, located in Mexico to the east, which light up with hues of red and orange during sunset.

• Equipment Types. This fairly large campground has 100 campsites that range in size from small tent sites to large pull-through sites that can fit a 40-ft. (12 m) motor home. Please look carefully at each campsite description, as low hanging branches persist in the campground and not all sites are suitable for tall or long RVs and trailers.   
• All campsites are reservable, some six months in advance, some two weeks in advance (campsites #14 (accessible), 20-25, 34, 61-65, 67-70, 72, 74-75, 87-100). There is no first-come, first served camping. A few sites are set aside for administrative use.  
• No Hookups. There are no hookups available in the facility but each site offers a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage locker. Some are also furnished with picnic shelters for shade. Generators are permitted in some sites during designated generator hours (8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.).
• Other amenities. All campsites are within easy walking distance to water spigots, flush toilets, and utility sinks, and for those camping in motor homes and travel trailers, a fill/dump station is provided at the campground's entrance. Showers and laundry facilities can be found at the Rio Grande Village Store just outside the entrance to the campground.

Notifications and Alerts

• Big Bend National Park is an International Dark Sky Park. In the interest of protecting night skies, outdoor lighting will be limited between 10 PM and 6AM to handheld lighting designed for wayfinding and lighting needed for immediate camp chores or cooking.

Need to Know

• Do not reserve campsites that you are not planning to stay in. A camper arriving the day AFTER the reservation begins is considered a No Show. A No Show may result in a cancellation of your ENTIRE reservation. Contact the park at 432-477-2251 if you are late or will not be arriving until the day after your reservation starts.

• Check-in Time. You may occupy your campsite anytime after 1:00 PM. Your site will be marked. There is no official check-in procedure. 

• Equipment Capacity. A maximum of two motor vehicles, one vehicle with a trailer, one motorhome with tow vehicle or four motorcycles allowed per campsite. A maximum of four tents OR one wheeled camping unit and one tent allowed per campsite. Only 1 conversion van or other type of recreational vehicle allowed per site. Two (2) conversion vans or RVs require 2 campsites.

• Campfires. NO wood or ground fires allowed at any time. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site or on a charcoal or propane grill.

• Generators. Many sites are in a NO generator zone. Read the site details carefully before selecting a site.  

• Food Storage Lockers/Bears & Wildlife. Bears, javelinas and bobcats frequent the area. All food must be kept in approved containers or in a hard-sided vehicle. Trash must be disposed of in the animal-proof dumpsters provided. Coolers or food boxes may not be unattended at any time. Cattle will sometimes cross the river from Mexico to graze on the grass in the campground. Please treat the cattle as you would any other wildlife by keeping a safe distance.

• Hammocks. Hammocks are only allowed when not affixed to natural features. Do not hang hammocks on trees. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects.

• Pets. Pets are allowed in each campsite, although they must be leashed and restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings.

• No Hookups. There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups at this facility. There is a dump/fill station at the campground entrance.

• No Showers. There are no showers at this campground. The Rio Grande Village camp store (a 5 to 15 minute walk) offers coin-operated showers. 

• Are you still camping? If you leave your site during the day, please leave something at the site so we know you are not checking out early. A tent, camp chair, stove, book, etc. Something of little value but that indicates you plan to return. 

• Flood Warning. Grassy areas within the campground are subject to flooding due to flood irrigation.

• High Wind Warning. High winds are prevalent in this campground! Stake down your belongings and keep a tidy campsite.

• Border Crossing. There is only one authorized border crossing within Big Bend National Park, located at Boquillas Crossing, a five minute drive from Rio Grande Village campground. Crossing the border at any other unauthorized location is illegal.

• Entrance Fee. Big Bend charges an entrance fee separate from the camping fee. You may pay the fee upon arrival or in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, military, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page. 

Natural Features

The mountain views, proximity to Mexico, the Rio, and shade from the surrounding cottonwood trees make Rio Grande Village Campground irresistible to visitors.

The campground is at an elevation of 1,850 ft. During the winter season (November through March) temperatures are warm and pleasant with daily highs in the mid-70s to low 80s. From April through September, this campground is extremely HOT with daily highs exceeding 100-107 degrees. 

Be prepared for the weather: Current Weather Readings 

Nearby Attractions

Rio Grande Village is located near the Boquillas Canyon trail, the Boquillas Port of Entry, the Marufo Vega Loop trail, the Hot Springs and Hot Springs Historic District and Daniels Ranch. It is 20 miles (32 km) from the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

Recreation

The river offers ample opportunities to explore its shores and water. The river put-in allows easy access to canoeing and kayaking on the river. Birders flock to the river banks to spot such rare and unique species often found only in Big Bend.

Day Hike trails are also found nearby and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.

Contact Information

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PO BOX 129 BIG BEND NAT. PARK TX 79834

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 432-477-1121

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles (62 km) (south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 miles (42 km) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn left and proceed for 20 miles (32 km) to the Rio Grande Village area. Turn left at the stop sign and follow signs into the campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 099, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 085, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 051, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 078, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 048, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 052, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 063, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 087, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 081, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 084, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 077, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 069, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 100, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 080, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 068, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 058, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 065, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 072, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 070, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 083, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 054, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 060, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 059, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 067, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 050, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 091, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 093, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 053, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 097, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 045, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 049, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 041, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 088, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 062, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 057, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 076, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 056, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 074, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 090, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 044, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 082, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 055, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop Loop 4, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 092, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 094, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 098, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 047, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 089, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014 ADA only, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 061, Loop Loop 9, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 064, Loop Loop 8, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 079, Loop Loop 7, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop Loop 3, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 096, Loop Loop 6, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 075, Loop Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 095, Loop Loop 5, Type Standard Nonelectric

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