Rio Grande Village Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)
The Rio Grande Village Group Campground sits on the banks of the Rio Grande, the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico. The four group campsites are great options for groups of nine people or more and is one of the most popular campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. It is located close to Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs, and acts 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.
The group campsites are tent-only (RVs and trailers are not allowed*). There are no hook-ups available in the group sites and generators are prohibited. Each site is provided with a picnic table, charcoal grill and bear-proof food storage locker. All four group sites are within easy walking distance to water spigots and restrooms. Showers and laundry facilities can also be found close by at the Rio Grande Village Store.
*Group Site C allows for ONE smaller recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV up to 20') to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively tent camping only.
Need to Know
A camper arriving the day AFTER the reservation begins is considered a No Show. A No Show may result in a cancellation of your reservation. Contact the park at 432-477-2251 if you are late or will not be arriving until the day after your reservation starts.
Group Sizes. A MINIMUM of nine people are required to book these sites. Reservations with fewer people will not be honored. Maximum capacity varies by campsite from 20 to 40. Group maximums are 50 people in the park at one time.
Group Special Use Permit Requirement. All organized groups in Big Bend require a Special Use Permit in addition to the campsite reservation. Visit the park's Special Use Permits page for additional information. Organized group maximums are 50 people in the park at one time.
Equipment. The group campground is tent-only (no RVs or trailers allowed, including rooftop tents and camper vans).
EXCEPTION: Group Site C allows for ONE smaller recreational vehicle (camper van, pickup camper, or small RV up to 20') to camp adjacent to the tent area as part of the larger group. All other sites are exclusively tent camping only.
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.
No Generators or Hookups. Generators are not allowed in the group campground. There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups.
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.
Hammocks. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects
Border Crossing. There is only one authorized border crossing within Big Bend National Park, located at Boquillas Crossing, a five minute drive from this campground. Crossing the border in an unauthorized location is illegal.
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 area and Daniels Ranch. It is 20 miles 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.
Trails for Day Hikes and many backcountry roads are located near the campground.
Contact Information
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P.O. 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. At the stop sign, turn right, then veer right for the group campground.
Available Campsites
- Site A, Loop Rio Grande Village Group Area, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site C, Loop Rio Grande Village Group Area, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site D, Loop Rio Grande Village Group Area, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site B, Loop Rio Grande Village Group Area, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
