Night skies as dark as coal and rivers that carve temple-like canyons of limestone is what Big Bend is all about, located in far west Texas. At the end of the road here, hundreds of birds seek shelter and sanctuary in a solitary mountain range surrounded by the hot, dry desert. Die-hard cacti bloom here in sublime southwest sunshine and the diversity of species here is among the best in the nation.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
Weather
Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant year-round. Spring (March) is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely HOT. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert which is usually well above 100 degrees F by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler. May - August are the hottest months. Fall and Winter (Nov-Feb) are mild and pleasant, but some freezing does occur. Snow is rare.
Things to Do
Backpacking Big Bend
Reservation requiredBig Bend National Park is a backpacker's paradise. For those who come prepared, there are hundreds of miles of trails, and vast expanses to explore.
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 your visit in your passport book.
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 the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border with Mexico.
Getting There
Address: 1 Panther Junction Big Bend National Park TX 79834
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Chisos Basin Campground
56 sites · $16/night
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 Peak. The su…
Cottonwood Campground
22 sites · $16/night
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Hi…
Rio Grande Village Campground
93 sites · $16/night
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 connect ea…
Rio Grande Village RV
25 sites · $36/night
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 …
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Big Bend National Park?
The entrance fee for Big Bend National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Big Bend National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Big Bend National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Big Bend National Park open?
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.
What are the best things to do in Big Bend National Park?
Popular things to do in Big Bend National Park include Backpacking Big Bend, Get a Big Bend Passport Stamp, Big Bend Junior Rangers, View the Night Sky. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Big Bend National Park?
Yes — Big Bend National Park has 4 campgrounds, including Chisos Basin Campground, Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.