Stillwell Store and RV Park

Stillwell Store and RV Park is a family-run ranch operation on Ranch Road 2627, about 8 miles north of Big Bend National Park's Persimmon Gap entrance in West Texas. If you are approaching Big Bend from the north via Marathon or Alpine, it is the last stop before the park boundary, and it suits budget-conscious travelers, north-approach staging and anyone who values old-school Texas ranch hospitality over amenities. The store was established decades ago by legendary Big Bend rancher Hallie Stillwell and the family tradition continues.

Stillwell Store and RV Park at a glance

Hookups	Full hookups
Sites	Multiple RV sites — call for current count and availability
Max RV length	Large rigs accommodated
Cost	Budget-friendly — call for current rates
Season	Year-round (check winter hours for the store)
Amenities	Small store, basic facilities
Cell signal	Minimal
Best for	North approach staging, budget-conscious travelers, anyone wanting old-school Texas ranch hospitality

Why RVers stay here

The practical picture is basic and honestly so. RV sites have full hookups and can take large rigs, there is a small store with basic supplies, snacks and cold drinks, and the family also runs a separate primitive camping area on their ranch land with big views. Site counts and rates are not published in our guide, so call ahead for current availability and pricing. It is open year-round, though winter store hours are worth checking, and cell signal is minimal. The trade-off is simple: no resort amenities, but friendly people who know the region intimately and can tell you which river crossings are passable, which is worth more than a pool.

✓Full hookups that accommodate large rigs, about 8 miles from Big Bend's Persimmon Gap entrance

✓The last stop on the north approach from Marathon and Alpine

✓Budget-friendly, family-run ranch hospitality with genuine local knowledge

✓Small store for basics, plus a separate primitive camping area with big views on the ranch

!Basic facilities with no resort amenities and minimal cell signal

!Rates and current site count are not published; call ahead to confirm availability, especially winter store hours

What our guides say about Stillwell Store and RV Park

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Regional guide

Big Bend RV Camping: Desert Solitude and Dark Skies

Stillwell sits on Ranch Road 2627, about 8 miles north of Big Bend's Persimmon Gap entrance — the park's northern gateway on Route 385 from Marathon. If you're approaching Big Bend from the north (I-10 at Marathon or Alpine), Stillwell is the last stop before entering the park.

The operation is basic and honest about it. Hallie Stillwell, a legendary Big Bend rancher, established the store decades ago, and the family tradition continues. The RV sites have full hookups and can accommodate large rigs. There's a small store selling basic supplies, snacks, and cold drinks. The Stillwell family also operates a separate primitive camping area on their ranch land with spectacular views.

Don't expect resort amenities. Do expect friendly people who know the Big Bend region intimately and will tell you where to go, what to avoid, and whether the river crossings are passable. That local knowledge is worth more than a swimming pool.

Read the guide →

Stillwell Store and RV Park: frequently asked questions

Does Stillwell Store and RV Park have full hookups?

Yes. The RV sites have full hookups and can accommodate large rigs, according to our Big Bend guide.

How much does Stillwell Store and RV Park cost per night?

Our guide describes it as budget-friendly but does not list a rate. Call the store for current prices.

How far is Stillwell Store and RV Park from Big Bend National Park?

About 8 miles north of the Persimmon Gap entrance, the park's northern gateway on Route 385 from Marathon.

Do you need reservations at Stillwell Store and RV Park?

Our guide recommends calling ahead for the current site count and availability rather than assuming space, particularly during busy Big Bend seasons.

Is Stillwell Store and RV Park open year-round?

Yes, year-round, though our guide advises checking winter hours for the store.

Is there cell service at Stillwell Store and RV Park?

Minimal. Download maps and confirmations before you arrive.

Stillwell Store and RV Park