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Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, TX

Big Bend National Park is a land of borders. Situated on the boundary with Mexico along the Rio Grande, it is a place where countries and cultures meet. It is also a place that merges natural environments, from desert to mountains. It is a place where south meets north and east meets west, creating a great diversity of plants and animals. The park covers over 801,000 acres of west Texas in the place where the Rio Grande makes a sharp turn - the Big Bend. Authorized June 20, 1935; established June 12, 1944. Designated a United States Biosphere Reserve, 1976.

CONTACTS

Email - BIBE_Info@nps.gov

Fax- 915-477-1175

Write to
Big Bend National Park
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

Phone
Headquarters - 915-477-2251
web page updates - 915-477-1196

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The park is relatively uncrowded much of the year. Visitation is highest in March and April. The park is extremely crowded during spring break, which is usually the second and third week in March. Easter weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day are also very busy. All lodging and campsites are usually full during these periods. Visitation is lowest in August and September.

The park is open 24 hours daily, all year. The Panther Junction Visitor Center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but may be closed on Christmas Day. Other visitor centers have variable seasons and hours.

Getting There
CAR - Three paved roads lead to the park: 1) U.S. 385 from Marathon, TX to the north entrance,

2) State Route 118 from Alpine, TX to the west entrance,

3) Ranch Road 170 from Presidio to Study Butte, and then State Route 118 to the west entrance.

Big Bend National Park headquarters is located 70 miles south of Marathon, TX and 108 miles from Alpine, TX via Hwy. 118.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There is no public transportation to or from the park. Amtrak serves Alpine, TX, 108 miles to the north. Bus service is available to Alpine and Marathon. The nearest airports are in Midland, TX (230 miles to the northeast), and El Paso, TX (325 miles to the northwest).

Weather & Climate
Fall and spring are usually warm and pleasant. Summers are hot, although temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor and the Chisos Mountains; May and June are the hottest months. Afternoon and evening rains often cool the desert from July to October. Winters are generally mild, although periods of cold weather (including light snow) are possible. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions.

A hat, comfortable clothing, and sturdy walking shoes or boots are necessary for anyone planning to hike. Sunscreen is a must. Hikers must always carry plenty of water. One gallon per person per day is recommended.

Accessibility
Visitor centers are accessible. Wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms are located in the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village Campgrounds. The Chisos Mountains Lodge restaurant is accessible, as are some motel rooms. A Telecommunications Device for the Deaf is available at park headquarters. A brochure on accessibility is available by calling or writing the park. Employees with sign language abilities may be available.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
BIG BEND ANNUAL PASS
$20.00 for 12 Months
Free entrance to Big Bend National Park for 12 months.

WEEKLY ENTRANCE FEE
$10.00 for 7 Days

CAMPING

Chisos Basin Campground
Open All Year
65 campsites. Flush toilets, running water, grills, and picnic tables are available, but no hookups. $8 per night. No reservations. No Generators allowed at this campground. Elevation 5,400'. Due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin, and small campsites, trailers over 20' and RV's over 24' are not recommended at this campground.

Cottonwood Campground
Open All Year
31 campsites. $8 per night. Pit toilets, picnic tables, grills, and water are available. No Hook-ups. No dump station. Beginning 6-1-01, NO GENERATORS ALLOWED. Elevation 1,900'.

Rio Grande Village Campground
Open All Year
$8 per night. This 100 site campground has flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some overhead shelters. Dump Station. No reservations. Elevation 1,850'.

Rio Grande Village RV Park
Open All Year
25 sites. This is the ONLY campground with hookups in the park. It is a concession-operated trailer park, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the Rio Grande Village Store/Service Station. Full hookup capability is required.

LODGING

Chisos Mountains Lodge
Open All Year
The Chisos Mountains Lodge, operated by National Park Concessions, Inc., is located in the Chisos Basin at 5,400 feet elevation. The lodge offers a variety of rooms and cottages, plus a gift shop and dining room. Call for reservations.
For More Information on this lodging please call (915) 477-2291

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