Planning a visit to Big Bend National Park? Hidden in a remote corner of Far West Texas, Big Bend has soaring canyons to explore, rugged mountains to hike, dark nights full of stars, and vast desert full of wild west history. A visit to this National Park should be on every traveler’s bucket list. But Big Bend is also incredibly remote, and visit to this wild spot takes some serious planning. Unlike other National Parks you may have visited, there are far fewer lodging options near Big Bend National Park.
So, where should you stay while exploring this incredible Park? I’ve scouted out the best hotels, lodges, campgrounds, and casitas for you to choose from.
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From luxury glamping, convenient campgrounds, charming casitas, and family-friendly resorts, this guide covers my favorite lodging options near Big Bend National Park.
A Quick Look at the Best Lodging Near Big Bend National Park
- Best Lodging Inside Big Bend: Chisos Mountain Lodge
- Best Camping Inside Big Bend: Chisos Basin Campground
- Best Luxury Stay Near Big Bend: Willow House
- Best Hotel for Families Near Big Bend: Lajitas Golf Resort
- Best Budget Hotel Near Big Bend: Terlingua Hotels Paisano Village RV Park Inn
Tips for Booking the Best Lodging Near Big Bend
Here are some tips for booking your lodging near Big Bend:
Book Early: The best lodging near Big Bend books early, so it pays to plan ahead. With relatively few hotels to choose from, it’s important to plan your lodging well in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the Park. If you plan on visiting during peak seasons of March and April, or during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, you’ll want to book 6 months or a year in advance.
Consider Location: Big Bend is huge and driving from your hotel to your next hike could take hours if you don’t plan carefully. Make sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time and consider where you’ll be spending the most time in the Park before you book.
When planning where to stay in Big Bend, make sure to look up exactly how far the property is from the stops on your Big Bend itinerary. Some hotels will bill themselves as “minutes from” Big Bend – when really they are over an hour away!
Stay Local: There are no major chain hotels near Big Bend National Park. You’ll have to choose from small inns, lodges, campgrounds or casitas in and around the Park. But don’t let that discourage you – these smaller accommodations offer a more authentic and unique experience compared to generic chain hotels.
Manage Expectations: Finally, some helpful advice for finding lodging near Big Bend is to manage your expectations. This is a remote area with limited services at even at the best hotels on this list. Most hotels are older and could generously be described as “rustic”.
Remember, Big Bend is a remote and rugged park. Your hotel is mostly a good place to lay your head at night and relax after a day of adventure.
Check out These Posts for More Resources on Visiting Big Bend
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Hiking Big Bend: 16 Can’t-Miss Hikes in Big Bend National Park
Driving Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park
Best Lodging Near Big Bend National Park
How to Visit Boquillas Del Carmen Mexico from Big Bend National Park
Best Lodging Inside Big Bend
There is only one hotel-style lodge inside Big Bend National Park, the Chisos Mountain Lodge.
Chisos Mountain Lodge
Price: $$ / Starting at $170 per Night
Amenities: Restaurant, Laundry, Grocery, Gift Shop, Visitor Center, Trailhead Access
The Chisos Mountain Lodge, where we stayed, offers basic yet comfortable motel-style accommodations at the only lodging inside the Park. The Lodge is located in Chisos Basin, in the heart of the Chisos range in the center of the Park. The Lodge is a great jumping off point for many popular trails, including the Window Trail and Lost Mine trail. The lodge is located in the center of Park and makes for a great base of operations to explore the other areas on your Big Bend Itinerary.
The Lodge has a small general store where you can buy basic camping supplies and some food. The Chisos Basin Visitor’s Center, a gift shop, and the Park’s only restaurant and bar are located in the same complex.
When possible, I always prefer to stay inside a National Park. While accommodations were simple, I would re-visit the Chisos Mountains Lodge in a heartbeat.
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Best Camping Inside Big Bend
There are 3 developed tent campgrounds, 1 RV Park, 42 designated backcountry campsites, and 64 primitive roadside sites accessible by off-road vehicles in Big Bend.
Rio Grande Village Campground
Price: $ / Starting at $16 per Night
Amenities: RV and Tent Sites, Flush Toilets, Water, Camp Store, Grills, RV Dump Station, Showers, Laundry
>> Book Rio Grande Village Campground
Open Year Round. Located on the Rio Grande in the southeast corner or the Park. Flush toilets, water, camp store, charcoal grills, and dump station nearby. Showers and laundry available at the Village Store.
Cottonwood Campground
Price: $ / Starting at $16 per Night
Amenities: Pit Toilets, Water, No RV or Electric Hookups, No Generators
Open November – April. This is a quiet, no-frills campground, best suited for tent camping and small trailers between Castalon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon on Maxwell Scenic Drive. There are a couple of vault toilets and potable water, but no RV or electric hookups. Generators are not permitted.
Chisos Basin Campground
Price: $ / Starting at $16 per Night
Amenities: Water, Flush Toilets, No RV or Electric Hookups, No Generators. Additional amenities including Laundry, Camp Store, Visitor Center, and Restaurant available at nearby Chisos Mountain Lodge.
>> Book Chisos Basin Campground Here
Open Year Round. Located in the scenic Chisos Mountains, this campground has the best views and the most central location of all the Big Bend Campgrounds. Reservations are required year-round for this popular spot. Due to it’s higher elevation within the mountains this campground is cooler in the summer, and can experience ice and snow in the winter.
Due to the winding mountain roads and small spots, Trailers and RVs over 20 feet not recommended.
There is one store in the Chisos Basin, adjacent to the campground that sells camping supplies and groceries. There is potable water, but no RV or electric hookups, and generators are not permitted.
Backcountry Camping in Big Bend
The stunning Chisos Mountains are a popular backpacking destination inside the Park. Backpackers in this area must reserve one of 42 designated backcountry sites and obtain a permit. Water sources are scarce and unreliable in this area. The Park strongly advises to carry and/or cache all water you will need.
Most desert areas of Big Bend National Park are open to dispersed wilderness backpacking with a permit. Given the harsh terrain, lack of water, and difficult navigation, only experienced backpackers should attempt overnight trips into the desert.
All backcountry and river camping in Big Bend requires a permit. Learn more about backpacking permits and regulations here.
64 primitive roadside campsites are available for those with an appropriate four-wheel drive vehicles looking for true solitude. The roadside sites have no amenities, and the use of generators is prohibited. Learn more about roadside primitive camping here.
The Best Lodging Near Big Bend
Terlingua is approximately 10 minutes from the entrance to Big Bend, and about 30 minutes – 1 hour from most of the attractions in Big Bend National Park.
Lodging options in Terlingua range from motels to luxurious glamping. There are no chain hotels in the immediate area, but vacation home rentals, like VRBO and Airbnb are popular, as well as glamping resorts, casitas and cabin rentals, and a few hotel options.
Take this info to-go! The Big Bend Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Big Bend trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Best Hotels in Terlingua and Sturdy Butte
The small and quirky town of Terlingua is the closest town to Big Bend. It’s located approximately 10 minutes from the entrance to Big Bend, and about 30 minutes – 1 hour from most of the big sites in Big Bend you’ll want to visit, like Chisos Mountains and Santa Elena Canyon.
Terlingua has a vibe and a charm that makes it a worthwhile stop on your visit to Big Bend, even if you aren’t staying there! Don’t miss the chili and karaoke at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant in Terlingua. This converted-movie theatre turned bar and restaurant is the social center of the town. Get there early or prepare to wait for a table.
There aren’t any big chain hotels near Big Bend, which is a great excuse to book at a local hotel and experience some of the charm and famous West Texas hospitality.
Posado Milagro Guesthouse
Price: $$$ / Starting at $270 per Night
Amenities: Patio, Outdoor Kitchen, Coffee Shop and Cafe, Wifi
>> Book Posado Milagro Guesthouse
This historic 6 room guesthouse is built right into the hillside above Terlingua, making it a charming and authentic pick as one of the best hotels near Big Bend .
The rooms have cozy West Texas decor and sweeping views of the Park. In the morning, head next door to the coffee shop and grab a breakfast burrito before heading into the Park for the day. 4 of the 6 rooms have a private bath, and a shared bath for the other 2.
This is a great option for couples and small families looking for authentic and unique Far West Texas lodging near Big Bend National Park.
Willow House
Price: $$$$ / Starting at $300 per Night
Amenities: Wifi, Access to Communal House with Kitchen, Air Conditioning, Patio, Fire Pit, Shared Showers
Built in 2019, Willow House describes itself as a “12 casita desert retreat” located on over 250 acres of private land. Each casita has air conditioning and views of the surrounding mountains. All rooms can access the communal “Main House” with a kitchen for cooking, patio for grilling and stargazing.
These casitas are luxurious with Instagram-worthy decor, and sweeping views of the Big Bend area.
There’s also an outdoor fire pit for chilly evenings. This property is more secluded than others, making it perfect for a quiet and peaceful getaway.
Terlingua Hotels Paisano Village RV Park Inn
Price: $$ / Starting at $170 Per Night
Amenities: RV Hookups, Showers, Wifi
>> Book Terlingua Hotels Paisano Village
This RV Park and Inn offers the basics in a convenient location. If you’re looking for the best budget lodging near Big Bend, or you want to bring your RV and don’t have Big Bend campground reservations, Terlingua Hotels Paisano Village is a good choice.
RV sites start at $50 per night and offer full RV hookups, with showers and wifi. Casitas and Inn rooms include en-suite bathrooms, wifi, and TVs (but no cable, so remember your Netflix password!). There are no restaurants on-site, but each room comes with a mini-fridge and microwave, and you’re only a few minutes drive from restaurants in Terlingua.
Best Places to Stay Lajitas
Lajitas Golf Resort
Price: $$ / Starting at $150 Per Night
Amenities: Wifi, Pool, Golf Course, Restaurants, Spa
Lajitas Golf Resort is easily the best pick for the best luxurious, family friendly, resort-style lodging near Big Bend National Park.
This 4 Star boutique resort property is located on the Rio Grande, between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. There are two restaurants on property (open only to guests of the resort and co-owned Maverick RV resort next door) as well as a bakery and a small convenience store.
As one of the few full-service resorts in the area, Lajitas is a popular pick for the best lodging and hotel near Big Bend National Park. Beat the heat at the pool, relax after a day of hiking at the spa, or yes, even play a round of golf in the middle of the desert! The Red Rock Outfitters store inside the resort has camping supplies and hiking gear for purchase.
The resort can also arrange a number of unique activities including shooting, horseback riding, river trips, stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, and Ziplining in Quiet Canyon.
Best Glamping Near Big Bend
Want to sleep under the stars but don’t want to rough it? There are a number of unique glamping options are popping up bear Big Bend, around Terlingua and Lajitas. These glamping tents range from basic tipis, to ultra-luxury bubble domes, making a great place to stay for all kinds of visitors to Big Bend.
Check out some of these best new glamping lodging options near Big Bend National Park.
Buzzard’s Roost
Price: $$ / Starting at $129 Per Night
Amenities: Coffee Station, Private Fire Pits, Wifi, Shared Bathrooms
Buzzard’s Roost offers comfortable and unique tipis and a casita for glamping near Big Bend. Each tipi includes a queen-sized bed, coffee station, and outdoor seating with a fire pit to enjoy the stunning desert surroundings. The casita features a full kitchen, bathroom, and private patio. Guests can also enjoy access to a communal fire pit, hammock area, and outdoor kitchen.
Basecamp Terlinga
Price: $$$ / Starting at $189 (Lotus Tent) Starting at $500 (Bubble) per Night
Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Makers, outdoor fire pits, shared bathrooms
Nestled in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, Basecamp Terlingua offers guests a one-of-a-kind glamping experience. The property features eight geodesic domes called “Bubbles” that provide unobstructed views of the stars and surrounding landscape. Each Bubble is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, indoor shower and toilet, Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridge, and an outdoor seating area with a private fire pit. Some Bubbles even have their own private hot tub or plunge pool for the ultimate luxurious experience.
For those who prefer a more traditional glamping experience, Basecamp Terlingua also offers Lotus tents. These spacious canvas tents include amenities such as wifi, running water, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and access to a shared bathhouse.
In addition to the comfortable accommodations, guests can also enjoy communal areas such as a fire pit, hammock area, and outdoor kitchen. Take in the beautiful desert scenery while relaxing in the hammock or gather around the fire pit for some stargazing with fellow travelers.
The Local Chapter
Price: $$$$ / Starting at $400 Per Night
Amenities: Indoor Fireplace, Air Conditioning and Heating, En-suite bathrooms, private outdoor deck and fire pits.
For the ultimate in glamping luxury, check out The Local Chapter’s Yurts. Each of these custom built structures look like a page out of Architectural Digest. Each yurt has electricity, running water, and all the conveniences you would expect from a luxury hotel stay.
The Yurts are located on 400 acres of private land, located just a few minutes from the entrance to Big Bend.
Lodging in Marathon and Alpine
Looking for more hotel options near Big Bend? While I always recommend staying as close to the Park as possible, staying overnight in Marathon and Alpine, about 1-2 hours from Big Bend, means you’ll have more hotel options, and makes for a great basecamp to explore the wider West Texas region.
The Town of Marathon, Texas is located about 30 miles north of the Eastern Entrance to Big Bend, on US 385. It takes about 1-2 hours to get from Marathon to the eastern entrance of Big Bend National Park. The town offers a charming, albeit rugged West Texas atmosphere with its historic buildings, art galleries, and unique local shops.
Despite the distance from the Park, it’s becoming a popular spot to stay when visiting Big Bend and offers a few lodging options, restaurants and grocery stores.
The town of Alpine, Texas is located about 30 miles north of Big Bend, on US 90. It takes about 1-2 hours to get from Alpine to the entrance of Big Bend National Park. The hotels in Alpine include chain hotels such as Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Suites, La Quinta etc. and also offer a variety of restaurants and shopping options.
Gage Hotel Resort and Spa (Marathon)
Price: $$$ / Starting at $229 Per Night
Amenities: Spa, Pool, Fitness Center, Bike Rentals, Restaurant, Garden
This historic hotel features 45 uniquely appointed rooms and casitas, as well as charming courtyards with fireplaces and beautifully manicured grounds. Stroll through the 27-acre native landscaped gardens. Enjoy dining at the renowned 12-Gage Restaurant and drinks at the White Buffalo Bar.
Treat yourself to a spa day, or enjoy the swimming pool, fitness center, and bike rentals. The Gage Hotel Resort and Spa offers rusticly-luxury accommodations with a touch of western flair.
The Gage Hotel is located about an hour’s drive from Big Bend’s northeastern entrance.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpine Southeast
Price: $$ / Starting at $180 Per Night
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Business Center
>> Book Holiday Inn Express & Suites
This modern hotel in Alpine offers comfortable accommodations at a chain hotel. Take advantage of the included breakfast, swim in the indoor pool and hot tub, as well as free WiFi.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpine is located about an hour and a half from Big Bend’s northeastern entrance.
Hampton Inn Alpine
Price: $$ / Starting at $167
Amenities: Pet Friendly, Pool, Hot tub, Fitness Center, Business Center
Hampton Inns are routinely one of my favorite budget chain hotels to stay-in when visiting National Parks or planning a cross-country road trip. The Hampton Inn Alpine is pet friendly, with a pool, hot tub, outdoor picnic area, with free breakfast and wifi.
The Hampton Inn Alpine is locate about an hour and a half from Big Bend’s northeastern entrance.
Take this info to-go! The Big Bend Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Big Bend trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Conclusion
Big Bend National Park offers more than just sweeping landscapes and breathtaking vistas—it’s a gateway to adventure and exploration in rugged Far West Texas.
From the convenience of staying inside the Park at Chisos Mountain Lodge, to unique casitas and glamping options in nearby Terlingua and Lajitas, to the reliable comfort of chain hotels in Alpine, there are a wide variety of options for the best hotels and lodging in Big Bend Park.
So book your stay, pack your bags, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of Texas’s wilderness.
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