Campground

Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, Tx)

Near Big Bend National Park, Texas

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.

Facilities

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.

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

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.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Management
Overnight

Activities

Picnicking
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Historic & Cultural Site
Boating
Evening Programs
Visitor Center

Amenities

Accessible Flush Toilets
Accessible Sites
Amphitheater
Drinking Water
Dump Station
Host
Recycling
Trash Collection
Utility Sinks
Picnic Table
Food Storage Locker
Grills
Flush Toilets
Picnic Shelters
Accessibility
BBQ
Shade
Food Locker

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.

Getting Here

Latitude

29° 10' 51.1320" N

Longitude

102° 57' 25.8876" W

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.

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.