Big Bend National Park in Southwest Texas is a bit of an anomaly. There is Free RV Camping inside the park which is rare for a U.S. national park. If there is another park that offers it, I’m not familiar with it so please leave a comment! Most parks have primitive backcountry camping but that’s definitely not for RVers. Video
The National Park Service refers to these dispersed camping spots/boondocking areas in Big Bend that can accommodate large and small rigs as “Primitive Roadside Campsites.” There is a lot of dispersed camping throughout the park but only three locations suitable for RVers: Croton Springs (shown in the video below), Government Spring, and Hannold Draw.
Most of the backcountry camping areas are accessible by Four-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles only. I found that out very quickly when driving around after a visit to the Historic Hot Springs.
Visit a Ranger Station to get your $10 permit
A permit is required to camp anywhere in the park. You cannot make a reservation for the three Free RV Camping areas online, you need to visit one of the five visitor centers and purchase a $10 permit that is good for up to 14 days of camping. For free. Damn. That’s a pretty amazing deal 🙂
There’s only one way to reserve a Free RV Camping spot in advance
The nice ranger lady I spoke with gave me a bunch of valuable info, including that you CAN reserve one of these RV camping spots in advance IF you have a camping reservation already for a campsite in the park. Then, you can get a permit for when that time ends and reserve a RV spot for days following the end of your paid camping stay.
Other than that, you need to buy your permit when you arrive and can only reserve a spot—first come first serve— for that day or the following day.
Don’t get pissy about needing to buy a permit. It not only gives the rangers a chance to answer any questions you may have, it allows them to keep track of and limit the number of boondockers in the park at any given time to prevent overcrowding.
Another helpful tip I was given is that Hannold Draw is only five miles or so from Panther Junction on the way towards the entrance to the park. There is no sign on the highway but it’s very accessible. When you buy your permit, if that’s the only location with space available the ranger will tell you how to get there.
Video of Croton Springs Free RV Camping spot
Croton Springs is just ten miles from Panther Junction with an easy to see turnoff sign on the highway. I show how accessible it is in the video, but take note that of course this can change when a storm hits and the roads get muddy. Always be aware of the weather when traveling in an RV, right?
This spot also has a trailhead for an easy 30 minute or so hike for you to enjoy 🙂
WiFi is only available at Big Bend Visitor Centers
As is the norm with most U.S. national parks, there is no cell service at the camping areas. To get online you need to visit one of the five visitor centers. Cheers.