Texas Campgrounds Earned Spots in National Ranking
Four state sites made the list, while a planned closure at a popular Big Bend park was canceled.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Camping
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Four Texas campgrounds have been recognized in a new national ranking of 136 sites, with Chisos Basin Campground landing at No. 29. Additionally, the National Park Service has reversed its plans for a two-year closure of the Chisos Basin facility.
Why it matters
The reversal of the Chisos Basin project ensures continued access for visitors to Big Bend National Park. Residents planning future trips can use these new rankings to assess site amenities, including cleanliness and potential pest concerns.
A TRIO analysis of over 111,000 Google reviews evaluated campgrounds based on scenery, facilities, quiet, and insects. While no Texas site reached the top 25, four campgrounds—Chisos Basin, Malaquite, Live Oak Ridge, and Rio Grande Village—secured spots within the top 51.
The players
National Park Service
The federal agency responsible for managing national parks and preserving natural and cultural resources.
TRIO
The analytics organization that conducted the review study of the campground facilities.
The details
The rankings were determined by aggregating user sentiment across several quality metrics, including cleanliness and onsite activities. For instance, Live Oak Ridge earned high marks with 98.3 percent positive cleanliness mentions and 97.3 percent positive quiet mentions. Meanwhile, the National Park Service canceled the scheduled Chisos Basin renovation, which was set for May 2026, citing design complications, budget constraints, and rising costs.
Timeline
May 2026 was the originally scheduled start for the Chisos Basin closure.
September 2026 is the date of this report.
Health Landscape
This development highlights the ongoing challenges of the National Park Service's facility management and maintenance program, which dictates the availability of public recreation spaces. The cancellation of the Chisos Basin project reflects the agency's struggle to balance fiscal constraints with infrastructure needs.
Travelers should note that Rio Grande Village ranked as the seventh-buggiest site in the country, making insect protection essential when planning a visit. Always check current facility status updates with park management before finalizing your travel arrangements.
The takeaway
Maintaining access to public lands supports physical activity and mental well-being for residents. Before booking, review site-specific ratings and current park alerts to ensure the location meets your accessibility and comfort needs.
Further reading
For more information on planning your next outdoor excursion, visit our guide to Camping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chron.
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