Campsite #42 at Chisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, TX

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$16

Campsite #42

16 reviews
Drive-In 8 people
20 ft Parallel
1 good
42
1/22
2/1
Campsite #42 Features: Drive-In access, Parallel parking, 20-foot driveway, Fire ring w/ Grill, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (16)

5.0 out of 5

5 star
63%
4 star
31%
3 star
0%
2 star
6%
1 star
0%

@ZacharyWFA2558 · Camped on Dec 8, 2025 at Campsite #42
Camping at Chisos Basin feels less like visiting nature and more like accidentally pitching a tent in the private courtyard of an elite, horned HOA. The scenery is unrealtowering peaks, dramatic cliffs, sunsets that look aggressively Photoshoppedand absolute, suspicious calm. No wind. None. Nature just stood there watching.And watching back were the audad. Everywhere. On the rocks. On the trails. Casually blocking the road like they pay taxes here. These desert mountain goats stare directly into your soul, fully aware that this is their basin and youre just a soft, snack-carrying tourist. They dont charge. They dont flinch. They judge. The campground itself is surprisingly civilized. Clean bathrooms, defined sites, and just enough infrastructure to lull you into thinking youre in controlright up until an audad wanders through like its inspecting your life choices. Leave food out? Rookie mistake. Blink too long? Thats on you. At night, the silence is so deep you can hear your own thoughts, which is frankly rude. The stars explode overhead in a way that makes you reconsider every email youve ever sent. Sleep comes easily until you remember youre lying in a bowl of mountains with horned park managers roaming freely.Final verdict: Chisos Basin Campground is peaceful, stunning, and lightly supervised by goat-shaped bouncers. Five stars. Would camp again. Would not challenge an audad to a staring contest.
@MartinG7975461 · Camped on Nov 2, 2025 at Campsite #42
The Chisos Basin is very beautiful and has convenient access to restrooms and water for tent campers.
@JohnP7677320 · Camped on May 23, 2025 at Campsite #42
Wonderful experience with the family!
@MelissaG424340 · Camped on Mar 16, 2025 at Campsite #42
Site #43 was perfectly located with an amazing view. We repositioned the metal table to allow us to stake our tent in the center of the site facing the mountain range. We had a good size Kelty Discovery Basecamp 4p tent and had plenty of space remaining for our chairs without feeling cramped. There's a very large bolder that my daughter really enjoyed climbing on -- it made for a great spot to view the stars. The site is close enough to the bathroom but far enough to not feel/hear the noise from bathroom traffic. The bear box was super spacious. We had no issues during our two night stay. The camp host was super friendly and helpful. She drove by and introduced herself and gave information about the area. I would absolutely stay at this site again.
@ScottM5484435 · Camped on Feb 26, 2025 at Campsite #42
This was a great park to stay in overnight while at Big Bend National Park. Our campsite had beautiful views of the mountains, restrooms were cleaned and our camp host/volunteer was very friendly. A great experience!
@ConnieE9BE6F86 · Camped on Nov 10, 2024 at Campsite #42
The view from the campground was phenomenal, right in the basin of the Chisos Mountains. The campground had a table with two benches and a small built in grill for a wood or charcoal and a designated parking space directly out front of the individual camp site. The weather was perfect!
@DavidC2858387 · Camped on Oct 16, 2024 at Campsite #42
I was unexpectedly pleased about the beauty of the campsite. The bathrooms are a little outdated, but very convenient to the campsites.
@CraigR8509397 · Camped on May 29, 2024 at Campsite #42
Campground was great. Very pretty area. Bathrooms were good. Close to the lodge restaurant and the camp store. The only complaint would be the camp sites are really inconsistent on what they provide. Some are shaded, some arent. Some have shelters, some dont. Some are off the roadway, some make you park on the road. There is no real good way to tell what you are getting until you get there.
@LesleyLD15408A · Camped on Apr 9, 2024 at Campsite #42
This site was small but relatively secluded and the view was amazing. The site was large enough for a large 6 person tent.
@RebeccaC264620 · Camped on Feb 19, 2024 at Campsite #42
This is a small, beautiful campground. Amazing location for hiking in the Chisos.
@RobertW1226972 · Camped on Feb 10, 2024 at Campsite #42
Amazing national park. Hiked both canyon trails ,the Window trail and Lost Mine trail. All of them were really great. Well definitely be back and plan to stay at least a week.
@WilliamH158481 · Camped on Jan 28, 2024 at Campsite #42
Campground was clean, host was very friendly & helpful, outstanding location.
@KelliA88EB8795 · Camped on Feb 23, 2023 at Campsite #42
Incredible! I'll go back for sure!
@SepidehJ236 · Camped on Nov 15, 2021 at Campsite #42
Such a beautiful place. Loved the energy and the amazing hikes and views. Will definitely be back.
@jeffm966 · Camped on Nov 10, 2021 at Campsite #42
Place is getting crowded. Not like the old days. Tour busses and vans everywhere. Crowded trails full parking lots.
@DylanD823 · Camped on Sep 9, 2021 at Campsite #42
Was a great time in the mountains with a beautiful view. This is my favorite area of big bend and I will definitely be back In the future!

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