Set at nearly 5,400 feet inside a bowl of the Chisos Mountains, Chisos Basin is the highest and by far the most scenic of Big Bend’s developed campgrounds, and the only one that offers genuine relief from the desert floor’s heat. Sites have flush toilets and potable water nearby, though no hookups, and the elevation means cooler nights even in summer — a real advantage in a park known for brutal heat. Being based here puts you right at the trailhead for the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail, and the climb to Emory Peak, so hikers get a significant head start without driving anywhere. The tradeoff is size: sites are limited and this campground books out fast, especially in the cooler months (fall through spring) when most visitors come. The steep, winding road up into the basin isn’t suited to larger RVs or trailers — check current size restrictions before booking if you’re not in a smaller rig.