Big Bend National Park will close the entire Chisos Basin area when construction begins in fall 2025. The affected area includes the Chisos Mountain Lodge, campground, visitor center, restaurant, and trailheads.
The work, originally planned for May, has now been pushed back to the fall. RVers who’ve been dreaming of cooler mountain air at 5,400 ft., sweeping “Windows” views, and the Basin’s family‑friendly campgrounds should plan to visit before fall 2025. Otherwise, you should be prepared to wait until late 2027 for full access to resume.
A two‑year project for Chisos Basin closure
• Scope: Complete demolition and rebuilding of Chisos Mountain Lodge (built in 1964), replacement of the visitor center and convenience store, upgrades to the Basin Campground, and major water‑system repairs.
• Start date: Work is slated to begin in fall 2025 and continue for approximately two years.
• Closure details: When construction starts, Chisos Basin Road will be gated at the base; no vehicle access to the developed Basin area (lodging, store, restaurant, visitor center, campground, and trailheads) will be permitted. Other areas of Big Bend National Park will remain open during this time.
Phased openings and alternatives
• As individual components are completed, park managers will assess and reopen safe portions of the Basin.
• High Chisos trails (e.g., South Rim, Boot Canyon) remain reachable via Juniper Canyon or Blue Creek trailheads—though these add significant distance and elevation.
Why RVers love the Chisos Basin
• Elevation and climate: At 5,400 feet above sea level, the Basin’s average summer temperatures are 20°F cooler than the desert floor.
• Stargazing and night skies: The Basin’s high altitude and remote location offer some of the darkest, clearest skies in the Lower 48.
• Birdwatching: With cooler temps than the desert floor, shaded hiking trails, and the Basin’s reliable water sources, birds flock here—and so do the birders.
• Historic design: The original lodge’s mid‑century modern windows perfectly frame the famed “Window” rock formation; generations have dined and slept here and enjoyed panoramic mountain views.
• Services under one roof: The lodge houses a restaurant, store, gift shop, and visitor information—ideal amenities for RVers stocking up on supplies.
• Campground proximity: Sites are within easy walking distance of the lodge and visitor center—great for those who crave trail access.
• Iconic trails: The Lost Mine Trail and the Window Trail both begin right at the Basin parking area. You won’t need extra shuttles or long drives to reach a trailhead.
Planning your RV visit before the Chisos Basin closure
• Go before fall 2025: If you want Basin lodging, easy trailheads, and access to the visitor center, plan your trip now through summer 2025.
• Expect limited options in 2025–2027: Once construction starts, Basin facilities will close. You can still explore backcountry camping on the High Chisos via Blue Creek or Juniper Canyon with a required permit. The rest of Big Bend’s 800,000 acres—Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Santa Elena Canyon, Rio Grande river access—will remain open.
• Stay updated: Check the NPS Chisos Basin Construction FAQ page for the latest schedule shifts and phased reopenings.
Planned upgrades
• New lodge and dining: A larger, energy-efficient building with expanded dining, retail, and an outdoor terrace.
• Modern visitor center: Redesigned exhibits, ADA-accessible pathways, and an updated trailhead kiosk.
• Water and sustainability: State-of-the-art water lines, rainwater harvesting, and energy-saving fixtures funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.
• EV charging and accessibility: Electric‑vehicle charging stations and improved access trails for all visitors.
My advice? If you want to experience Big Bend’s vast landscapes and night skies, plan around the Basin’s two‑year makeover!
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RVT1208b
Thank you for the information, Gail! Good to “know before you go.” Have a great day and safe travels!
Big Bend Nat Pak, Chisos Basin CG does not have RV hookups. The RV max size allowed is 24’.
Brilliant plan. Take a very remote park with very few services, and completely close the major entire section of it for two years because it’s easier for the construction company that way. Because who cares if someone’s once-in-a-lifetime trip is ruined, or more people avoid this park, they’re just citizens, right?
It’s not because “it’s easier for the construction company”, wanderer. The road to the Basin is narrow, steep, and has several 180-degree switchbacks. The heavy construction vehicles that will be bringing in material and hauling away debris will not be able to share the road with visitors, it simply would not be safe. Trucks lose their brakes on this road on a regular basis. Also, even if you could drive to the Basin, there would be nowhere to park.
Obviously, you’ve never been there.
A few comments on this article.
Scope: the Lodge will be demolished as will the camper store, which will be incorporated into the new Lodge. The visitor center will not be demolished, this was due to lack of funding. It will get some improvements. Upgrades to the campground are not part of this project.
Campground proximity: while you can get back and forth from the CG to the Lodge area, it is about 3/4 of a mile and requires use of a fairly steep hiking trail.
Iconic Trails: While the trailhead for the Window trail, and most other Basin trails, is at the parking lot, the Lost Mine Trail is separate and has a very small parking area and you cannot access it by walking.
The removal and reconstruction of the Lodge, and replacement of water systems, was funded by The Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.