About Big Bend National Park
There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.
Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.
Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26-person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).
Organized groups such as Scouts, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows: $30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less. $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with a valid annual or lifetime pass may use their pass for themselves and up to 3 others.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 1 private, non-commercial motorcycle with up to 2 total passengers.
Operating Hours
Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
Activities
Getting There
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Big Bend National Park Annual Pass Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any visitor center. Good for one year from purchase date. Pass is non-transferable.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Backpacking Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails,…
Get a Big Bend Passport Stamp
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector? Big Bend National Park has a cancellation stamp to commemorate…
Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
View the Night Sky
Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience…
Check the weather forecast, find a comfortable spot, bring your binoculars if you have them, a blanket if you want,…
List of Hiking Trails in Big Bend
Hiking trails
See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking…
Popular trails that offer river access include: Boquillas Canyon Difficulty:Moderate; Distance: 1.4 miles round trip Begins at the end of…
Visitor Centers
Castolon Visitor Center
Located in the Castolon Historic District, the Castolon Visitor Center is open daily during the winter months. River use permits are issued during normal business…
Hours: Open seasonally, November through April Open Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed for lunch)
Chisos Basin Visitor Center
The Chisos Basin Visitor Center includes interactive exhibits on plants, animals, and birds found in the Chisos Mountains. Backcountry and river use permits are issued…
Hours: Open all year, 8:30am-4:00pm. Closed for lunch (12:00 pm-1:00 pm). Christmas Day: open 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Panther Junction Visitor Center
Panther Junction Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. Backcountry & river use permits are issued here. Entrance fees can be paid…
Hours: Open all year, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Reduced hours on Christmas day: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Persimmon Gap Visitor Center
Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is located in a low pass between the Santiago Mountains at the northern entrance of the park. This pass has been…
Hours: During the busy season, Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is Open daily from November 1 through April 30 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area. New exhibits focus on the Rio Grande…
Hours: Open seasonally, November 1 through April 30, 9:00am-4:30pm. Closed for lunch.
Campgrounds
Chisos Basin Campground
The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the iconic views of Casa Grande and Emory…
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District,…
Rio Grande Village Campground
Set in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, the Rio Grande Village Campground is located near the Rio Grande. Elevation: 1,850 feet. Paved roads…
Rio Grande Village RV
Open, paved lot with grassy, tree-lined edges. Adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. This campground, operated by Aramark, has the only full hook-ups…
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