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Rio Grande RV Park & Campground
Overview
The Rio Grande RV Park & Campground serves as a vital basecamp for explorers visiting the eastern side of Big Bend National Park. Located within the Rio Grande Village area, this facility offers a unique desert oasis experience characterized by towering cottonwood trees and sweeping mountain views. It is particularly notable for being the only location within the national park boundaries that provides full hookup connections, allowing visitors to enjoy modern conveniences while immersed in one of the most remote wilderness areas in Texas.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned near the banks of the Rio Grande, the park is surrounded by the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Sierra del Carmen mountains. The environment here is a stark contrast to the high Chisos Mountains, offering a lower elevation desert climate that thrives with riparian life. Visitors often find themselves sharing the space with roadrunners and javelinas, while the nearby Rio Grande Village Nature Trail provides a perfect vantage point for watching the sunset over the desert floor and the winding river below.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility features 25 sites designed primarily for RVs. Each site is equipped with water, sewer, and electrical hookups, supporting both 30 and 50-amp service. While the sites themselves are functional and arranged in a parking-lot style to preserve the surrounding environment, the adjacent complex includes essential services such as a camp store, laundry facilities, and public showers. A gas station is also located nearby, which is a critical resource for travelers navigating the vast distances of the park.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here puts travelers minutes away from the Boquillas Canyon Trail, where the river carves through massive rock walls. A short drive leads to the historic Langford Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in mineral water at the river's edge. For a cultural experience, the Boquillas Port of Entry allows visitors with valid passports to cross the river via rowboat into the small Mexican village of Boquillas del Carmen for traditional dining and hand-crafted souvenirs.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for big-rig travelers and families who want the comfort of air conditioning and appliances while staying deep within the park. It is a top choice for avid birdwatchers and photographers, as the nearby wetlands and Rio Grande corridor attract hundreds of species throughout the year. If you prefer a rustic environment with the security of full utilities rather than boondocking, this park provides the perfect balance for your Big Bend adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Regina Butler
Having an option to stay IN the national park in an RV is a treat. We are grateful that this campground exists. It was so nice to have FULL hookups. The staff were very personable and helpful. The bathrooms were nice and the store, albeit small, was a bonus. The location in the park is great for proximity to the Rio Grande and to Mexico. It was so nice to have gas at the campground and additionally at Panther Junction. The only thing that was not ideal was that each site was extremely small and close to its neighbor. It did feel like a parking lot, parking the camper on asphalt and parking our car right next to our camper. There was literally no privacy or room to spread out. The little shaded area behind our site did provide a little bit of shade. Because we spent most of our time exploring the park, and just eating and sleeping in our camper, we did not miss much. However, if we had wanted to sit around for relaxation, during a portion of the day, we would have no place to feel like we were camping. It is a GREAT place to stay in the park because it is the only place to stay there, with an RV, that offers hookups so because of that, we were delighted to get a reservation for 3 nites. Be aware that it takes 90 minutes to get to the Santa Elena area of the park and more than one hour to get to the Chisos Basin area. Panther Junction is 25 minutes away. So, this campground takes a long time to get to, once you enter the park. Be sure you gas up before entering Big Bend.
Faith Warren
We've camped here twice inside our Rivian and had a great experience both times. Its nice to stay inside the park with access to EV charging. This is a parking lot with full hookups and close neighbors, great place to park at night and spend all day hiking and exploring - not a great place to hang out and relax. The store has friendly staff and the restrooms/showers are suitable. (Bring quarters for the $2 showers or get change before the store closes.) Bonuses: Calm wild horses and mules walk through the campsite every morning and evening. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the Sierra del Carmen mountain range adjacent to the RV Park which is easily missed elsewhere in Big Bend.
Marybeth Havens
We loved it here! Had great WiFi at the bathroom/laundry area. Beautiful views! Our late-August stay was lovely in temp! It was warm but not unbearable. Felt safe. Had some free-range horses and donkeys everywhere!
Matt Peterson
This is a great place to stay while in Big Bend. You have water, electricity and sewer at your site and the site is impeccably clean. The camp store is well equipped. It even has a very good selection of craft beer and is reasonably priced. My only reason to knock the one star as they charge $2 for 5-minute showers. The only other thing I would recommend is to bring shade. The morning and evening sun can be brutal.
Jason K
I love camping in Big Bend National park. It's a shame the government won't put a little bit more effer and money into this place. The dump station right outside the campground is obviously leaking raw sewage on the ground and it stinks most of the time. There is power and water at the campground I don't understand why they won't make it more accessible to each campsite. I meant some really great people there. There are quite a few trails and internet is a 5-minute walk away at the camp store.