Campsite #43 at Chisos Basin Campground, Big Bend National Park, TX

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Campsite #43

35 reviews
Drive-In 8 people
19 ft Parallel
1 good
43
3/2
5/1
Campsite #43 Features: Drive-In access, Parallel parking, 19-foot driveway, Fire ring w/ Grill, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (25)

2.0 out of 5

5 star
76%
4 star
12%
3 star
4%
2 star
8%
1 star
0%

@AbigailHA3432A · Camped on Dec 19, 2025 at Campsite #43
The park ranger was so rude and threatening to kick my bf and I out for being loud at 845pmNot even quiet time, it was just us two, playing cards. It was crazy we came over twice. Think just being creepy at that point. It was a beautiful place though
T-Mobile
No Service
@Madeleine45DD4 · Camped on Dec 11, 2025 at Campsite #43
We had an excellent visit to Big Bend and loved this campsite. It fit our 6-person family tent and grandpa's 2-person small tent, with room for the picnic table as well as all our chairs. Nice and level and not too rocky. The huge boulders were very fun for our kids (and us too, really) to climb on and get awesome views. The parking spot is a parallel spot and with our van there, the site felt very private and more isolated compared to some of the other sites. It's also near both restrooms (flush toilets, heaters, plus dishwashing sinks!) and a drinking water spigot. It was great December weather (60s during the day, 40s during the night) for us, the overall campsite was quiet and nice, and the hosts were attentive and available.Our crew spanned ages from 4 to 65 and we did: The Window hike (which starts just a few campsites away) - really beautiful, especially fun for our littlest who scrambling around the rocks and feeling like he was climbing a mountain. Very cool view to see across the whole park. Someone ahead of us spotted a black bear right off the path. Must-do hike if you're staying at Chisos.Santa Elena canyon - a beautiful drive away, one of the coolest hikes we've ever done and full of spots to explore for the kids. Was warm enough that we waded across the river! Mule Ears - we didn't finish this hike but it was cool and we saw a tarantula!Lost Mine - great hike with awesome views.We saw so many cool animals (coyote, deer, roadrunners, mexican jays) while we were driving around, so little tip to keep your eyes peeled! Finished our visit with a trip to at star party at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis which was SO COOL, highly recommend adding that on (about 2 hours drive NW).
Verizon
Excellent
@TonyV7932574 · Camped on Dec 3, 2025 at Campsite #43
Campsite was quiet - I like the no generator zone. I took two wonderful hikes: the window and the South Rim loop. Great place
AT&T
No Service
@SeanM2349912 · Camped on Nov 18, 2025 at Campsite #43
Nice site. Big enough to comfortably fit a 2.5 person tent.
T-Mobile
No Service
@MahreenAB5078C · Camped on Apr 26, 2025 at Campsite #43
Beautiful camp ground surrounded by mountains and easy access to the best hikes. Fresh drinking water available at multiple locations. The camp host was courteous and helpful. The restrooms need an upgrade with addition of stall, shower, and improved maintenance/service. But overall the views during the day, the stargazing at night, and waking up to forest sounds were the highlight of our trip. Cant wait to visit again once the renovation is done.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@AmberB2127441 · Camped on Apr 23, 2025 at Campsite #43
Our first time at big bend and we loved it! This spot was perfect for our family and the views were great! Neighbors didnt feel too close to us.
T-Mobile
No Service
@JonahS385250C4 · Camped on Mar 11, 2025 at Campsite #43
Campsites are flat and accessible. No flush toilets available due to drought which is something to be aware of
Verizon
Excellent
@MicheleNCE4D74 · Camped on Feb 19, 2025 at Campsite #43
Gorgeous campground nestled into the Chisos Mountains. Sites had bear boxes to secure belongings and ample flat space to pitch a tent or two. Bathrooms were a short walk away and were heated plus the buildings had a sink for washing dishes. Its also super close to a ton of trailheads for amazing hikes. Highly recommend staying here while in Big Bend NP.
T-Mobile
No Service
@JeffM1730911 · Camped on Feb 6, 2025 at Campsite #43
Good spot nice view, but our neighbors were really loud laid into the night
@WilliamW688008 · Camped on Jan 14, 2025 at Campsite #43
Great views, great weather, great trails, great accommodations!
T-Mobile
Some Coverage
@DarylAnn7171E3 · Camped on Dec 12, 2024 at Campsite #43
Camping as a family of 5, kids age 8-13: Kids participated in Jr. Ranger Program. All volunteers/rangers at the stations were helpful.Chisos Basin Tent Camping--camp hosts were excellent, kind, hospitable. Window Trail, Tuff Canyon, Santa Elena Canyon--all enjoyable and easy for the range of ages we had.
T-Mobile
No Service
@KimN6413755 · Camped on Sep 26, 2024 at Campsite #43
Friendly, Safe, Beautiful Environment. Great Campground host!
AT&T
Excellent
@TeresaC3126082 · Camped on Mar 17, 2024 at Campsite #43
ABSOLUTELY LOVE Big Bend!!! Took my fiance who is under a year to Texas. He came from Colorado and was impressed with how beautiful Big Ben is. We slept on the east rim and we kept stopping for the views. I go every year and now my soon to be husband will enjoy yearly trips to this beautiful national park.
@EricKDAE7AA581 · Camped on Feb 16, 2024 at Campsite #43
camping in the Chisos...priceless. every campsite is a great campsite. please pickup after yourselves and keep the place clean.
AT&T
Major Issues
@DuaneP77967965 · Camped on Apr 27, 2023 at Campsite #43
Had an excellent time with the family in Big Bend. The road to the campsites was rather narrow. The campgrounds were real quiet and other visitors were real respectful. My kids were probably the loudest ones around. The Window View Trail got fairly crowded at sunset but all visitors were nice to each other. We could have spent several more days at the park. I think spending at least one day in each part of the park would have allowed for more time to see more of the park but I didn't want to tire out or bore my kids (4 & 5 years old). When we return we will spend a day each at the Rio Grande Valley, Chisos Basin, and Catalon area. Late April was a great time to visit as the temperatures were great, 80s in the day and 50s at night.
T-Mobile
Good
@justinhEFD9EFA · Camped on Mar 6, 2023 at Campsite #43
Sites were clean and well-kept. Loved the views from the Chisos Basin campground and restrooms and water were close and clean. Site 43 had some really great climbing rocks for my three boys and we can't wait to make it back to Big Bend!
Verizon
Some Coverage
@ZoeC394B43C36F · Camped on Jan 3, 2023 at Campsite #43
attentive camp hosts and wonderful views. clean bathrooms and clean campground overall
@LillyMC926EF2B · Camped on Jan 2, 2023 at Campsite #43
The campsite was great, really quiet & beautiful views. Restrooms were very clean as well.
T-Mobile
Good
@JacobM6A4422EA · Camped on Dec 16, 2022 at Campsite #43
Wonderful
T-Mobile
Good
@SusanA7851316 · Camped on Dec 14, 2022 at Campsite #43
I had a great spot reserved (site 43) but it was very crowded. When I left to go check out the sunset and drive around for a while, I left a few items behind to mark that I would be returning. When I came back some college kids had taken my spot and really set up a lot of stuff. They claimed they had no service & didnt know what site they were so they just took mine despite seeing my stuff. With the camp host showing a sign off duty, none of us knew who to talk to, so I just told them to find out what site they were and we would swap since I had a lot less stuff. The spot I ended up with was very open to everyone else and there was a lot of noise late and light late into the evening. If I go back into Big Bend to camp I will not be returning to Chisos, rather Id go to Rio grande or utilize off grid with a permit. Bathrooms were clean at least.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@SandraS7060671 · Camped on Dec 9, 2022 at Campsite #43
our favorite camping experience!!
@PhaniK5CA40C20 · Camped on Oct 7, 2022 at Campsite #43
Great views on the camp site itself. Regular flush toilets and sinks. Enjoyed our stay at this place. Hard to get a reservation, so book early
AT&T
Some Coverage
@RenePCCA6F7B67 · Camped on May 23, 2022 at Campsite #43
We stayed our first night in a cottage in Chisos Basin and then camped (#43) the next two nights. The cottage was lovely and our campsite offered ample privacy. We loved the Lost Mine Trail, Window Trail, and a soak in the hot springs.
@AlanA34C954352 · Camped on May 9, 2022 at Campsite #43
As would be expected the day time temperatures were in the triple digits and the campsite I had did not offer any shade. There was water available so it was a matter of staying hydrated and either using clothing cover and/so sunscreen. The night time temperatures were cooler but it took quite a while to cool off the tent and sleeping bag so visitors should be aware of this an plan appropriately. Expect full campgrounds and a certain amount of evening noise so do not expect a mother nature experience but closer to a hive. Campsite experience aside, there are plenty of hiking trails that allow you to leave the hive behind enjoy the peacefulness of desert hiking. Just remember to bring more water than you expect just in case.
@EllenH5197529 · Camped on Mar 8, 2022 at Campsite #43
Loved camping at chisos basin and loved the lodge. Beautiful views. Ate breakfast, lunch and dinner there

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