Big Bend National Park48
Campsite #48 at Rio Grande Village Campground, Big Bend National Park, TX
$16
Campsite #48
| Drive-In | 8 people |
| 50 ft | Back-In |
| 2 | weak |
2/20
4/30
Campsite #48 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 50-foot driveway, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (21)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 57% |
| 4 star | | 33% |
| 3 star | | 10% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@SCOTTE9484100 · Camped on Feb 9, 2026 at Campsite #48
We just camped at Big Bend National Park, and honestly, it exceeded what we expected. The first thing that hit us was how big everything feels. Youll be driving for a while and think youre getting close to something, and youre not. The sky feels oversized. The mountains look layered and dusty and endless. At night it gets so quiet that you can actually hear your own footsteps on the gravel. We did several of the natural trails and loved them. They arent overly groomed or built up. Youre walking on rock and sand and uneven ground, sometimes climbing a little, sometimes just wandering through desert brush with views opening up in front of you. It felt like exploring instead of doing a tourist hike. We kept stopping just to look around. The hot springs were one of our favorite parts. Sitting in warm mineral water right along the Rio Grande, looking out across the river toward Mexico, is kind of surreal. We were disappointed to find the main trail officially closed, which felt like a letdown at first. But we carefully walked in anyway and were really glad we did. Once youre in the water, watching the light shift on the canyon walls, you forget about the minor hassle of getting there. What really made the trip, though, were the people. We met some genuinely interesting fellow campers and hikers the kind of casual trail conversations that turn into 20-minute chats about where youve all been and where youre headed next. And every ranger and park employee we talked to was friendly and helpful. They answered questions without rushing us, gave thoughtful suggestions, and seemed like they actually enjoyed working there. Big Bend is remote, a rugged, and you have to be prepared. But if you like space, quiet, big landscapes, and the feeling of being somewhere that hasnt been overly packaged, its an incredible place to camp. Wed absolutely go back.
No Service
@GregG6684156 · Camped on Oct 19, 2025 at Campsite #48
The wild animals that came through the campground was pretty cool to experience. .
Major Issues
@DerykH4421FA20 · Camped on Jan 12, 2025 at Campsite #48
This is a decent site. It shares a drive with another site which was never a problem for me. If the other site isn't occupied or is setup certain ways you can pull through. I had plenty of room for my 31ft motorhome and car without being in the other persons space. It would have fit more.
No Service
@MindyG4C0427BA · Camped on Dec 23, 2024 at Campsite #48
Peaceful stay over Christmas site. 48 backs up to greenery and even though you technically share a driveway with 49, it's plenty of space no issues.
No Service
@DennieW3D7E9D8 · Camped on Dec 4, 2024 at Campsite #48
Nice campground and restroom, please trim the Mesquite tree at site #48, the branches are way too low.
No Service
@JodyH8186536 · Camped on Apr 22, 2024 at Campsite #48
Even though there were no hook ups, this campground is amazing. Wildlife was abundant and campground hosts attentive and friendly.
No Service
@CliffR9381535 · Camped on Mar 29, 2024 at Campsite #48
If it hadnt been 100deg in early April, would have been perfect. The place is so big (lots of driving) which wasnt so bad with A/C. Wish it was easier to have more dog options but entertained with the meandering cows and javelins in the campsite.
No Service
@HopeD9132047 · Camped on Feb 3, 2024 at Campsite #48
Beautiful location and clean facilities.
No Service
@ThadCB65A5194D · Camped on Dec 1, 2023 at Campsite #48
I've always enjoyed Rio Grande Village campground in past years. However, since the "reservation only" program started it's been harder and harder to get a campsite because it appears that people reserve sites and then don't show up...or...they wait until the last minute to cancel the reservation with little to lose and only a small penalty. That last example makes it nearly impossible to actually make plans that the system was allegedly meant to make easier. I've seen this same situation at other recreation.gov sites. When present at these locations, I see numerous empty sites that should have had campers. Others have noted similar issues. This is a problem that needs a solution. While it's great to have a guaranteed campsite, there's an element of abuse inherent in this system.
Some Coverage
@SandraD3275338 · Camped on Apr 17, 2023 at Campsite #48
It has been a long time since I last visited Big Bend, 45 years. The campsites are good. It was great seeing the many places within the park and had some wild life come through the campgrounds; Javelinas, roadrunners, and even cows. One big disappointment was the condition of the Rio Grande river. It was extremely low, too low to properly traverse it. I know there are many things effecting this and it is beyond the Parks Service realm of control.
Major Issues
@CathleenG40190 · Camped on Mar 30, 2023 at Campsite #48
Great campsite in campground in a great national park. Good hiking trails nearby. Nice level spot. Friendly hosts. Adequate showers and camp store
No Service
@JohnR2194126 · Camped on Feb 16, 2023 at Campsite #48
Great site. I needed to move sites and the camp hosts were wonderful!
No Service
@CoreySEB6D611F · Camped on Feb 13, 2023 at Campsite #48
Beautiful park. Short walk to the hot spring is worth the effort. Gnats were a bit annoying, so should consider visiting before the weather warms up. Plan for limited wifi and cell phone service.
Major Issues
@JacksonW480232 · Camped on Nov 20, 2022 at Campsite #48
Rio Grande Village campground is clean and nice. It could do with a nicer, better provisioned camp store, but having laundry and hot showers available till 9pm every night is good. Though know that the showers cost $2 in quarters only for each 5 minutes of water and the store is only open till 5 to make change. It's easy to get to the river from the campground and the easy marsh/nature walk that leaves right from the back of the campground is actually pretty cool and family friendly for sure. The Hot Springs Canyon out and back hike, a mile up-river from the "Vilage" is a good introductory hike. No need to go all the ay to the hot springs unless you are intent on getting in. It's just the one Spring and I imagine it gets pretty crowded. But the views from the high ground on the way there are what it was all about for me.
Some Coverage
@KellyM9992231 · Camped on Nov 8, 2022 at Campsite #48
This is a very nice campground. The location is gorgeous and the facilities are well managed and will maintained.
@RichardO221 · Camped on Apr 19, 2021 at Campsite #48
The Camp Hosts at Rio Grande Village were wonderful. I have been at most of our National Parks and found the two valued helping campers and were gracious in their approach. They were interested more in ensuring we had a nice stay and were flexible enough to understand that weather conditions (very windy) meant that normal operating procedures warranted a change in tie down rules. Remember to observe the quiet hours. Everyone in the camp will appreciate it for everyone can hear you!
Lots of wildlife in the park. You wont see much if you only go out during midday. Most animals staying low during the heat of the day. Was totally surprised by the group of Elk that I saw in the park.
I did not get much of a chance to take the off roads in the park that were gravel. Tried to drive one but the road was too rough for my four wheel drive truck. I am sure others are more adventurous but did not want to lose a tire. Next time I come I will look to having a vehicle with tires that were more suitable for the drive.
Spring seemed to be a great time to visit, everything in bloom (trip was mid April). The desert looked like it was planted with rose bouquets. The century cactus were putting out bloom stems and probably missed seeing these in bloom by a few weeks. The park landscape was different from one end to the other. Take the hikes and you will at moments not believe that you were in the same park at the beginning of the hike. Lost mine hike was very nice. Although rated strenuous I found that the trail was easily traversed and well kept.
This is a cooler weather park for camping. Have no fear of the remoteness of the park. Facilities were available at the right locations to ensure you can get the staples in the park as well as gas for the vehicle.
Enjoy
Lots of wildlife in the park. You wont see much if you only go out during midday. Most animals staying low during the heat of the day. Was totally surprised by the group of Elk that I saw in the park.
I did not get much of a chance to take the off roads in the park that were gravel. Tried to drive one but the road was too rough for my four wheel drive truck. I am sure others are more adventurous but did not want to lose a tire. Next time I come I will look to having a vehicle with tires that were more suitable for the drive.
Spring seemed to be a great time to visit, everything in bloom (trip was mid April). The desert looked like it was planted with rose bouquets. The century cactus were putting out bloom stems and probably missed seeing these in bloom by a few weeks. The park landscape was different from one end to the other. Take the hikes and you will at moments not believe that you were in the same park at the beginning of the hike. Lost mine hike was very nice. Although rated strenuous I found that the trail was easily traversed and well kept.
This is a cooler weather park for camping. Have no fear of the remoteness of the park. Facilities were available at the right locations to ensure you can get the staples in the park as well as gas for the vehicle.
Enjoy
Major Issues
@BruceW122 · Camped on Apr 7, 2021 at Campsite #48
The campground was nice and quiet, as well as a little under-utilized.
No Service
@EdwardW135 · Camped on Mar 31, 2021 at Campsite #48
We had a wonderful time. The campgrounds, hiking trails are all very clean and well maintained.
Some Coverage
@KevinE340 · Camped on Mar 4, 2021 at Campsite #48
Awesume experience. Campground and personel working there were helpful and friendly. Lots to do in the park and area, despite its remoteness. We are coming back for a longer visit as 4 days is way to short.
Some Coverage
@AnnaP101 · Camped on Jan 8, 2021 at Campsite #48
This was a nice, well-maintained campground. I really appreciated the reduced capacity due to Covid. We were here for three nights in January and every night, it got extremely windy. The first night or two this only happened for a few hours, but our final night there, the wind was crazy almost all night! Obviously not something the park can control, but be aware. We saw a couple javalinas so were grateful for the food storage boxes. Neighbors were quiet and respectful, bathrooms were clean, and there was some shade. The location is decent -- about 25 minutes away from Panther Junction, which is sort of the center of the park. When you leave the campground, the views are incredible, but you can't really see much of the mountains when you are actually in the campground. However, it's a very nice place to camp, the views of the night sky are absolutely breathtaking, and I would stay here again.
Some Coverage
@AnkushR7A072CD · Camped on Nov 27, 2020 at Campsite #48
Great location and helpful rangers!
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