Information
Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone
The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
Posted or updated Dec 13, 2022 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
National Park
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a National Park in Texas. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts, 4 campgrounds and 5 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.
Texas National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
About the 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.”
Active alerts
2
Closures
0
Campgrounds
4
Visitor centers
5
Current alerts and closures
2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 2 information.
Information
Bringing a Pet to Big Bend?
Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended
Posted or updated May 4, 2022 ·Details on nps.gov
Entrance fees and passes
All vehicles entering Big Bend National Park are subject to an entrance fee. No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. You can pay your entrance pass when you arrive at the park.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $30 | Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days. |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days. |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $200 | Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. |
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $30 | 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… |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $100 | This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm |
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $25 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 1 private, non-commercial motorcycle with up to 2 total passengers. |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $55 | At the park |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
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, and vast expanses to explore.
Year-round Reservation required Fee applies
Become a Big Bend Expert
The bookstore carries a large variety of educational books, videos, park information, and high quality souvenirs to help you learn more about the park and its resources or just help you remember your trip to Big Bend.
Year-round
Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
Year-round Pets allowed
See all 19 things to do in Big Bend →
Activities the NPS lists for Big Bend.
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingFoodGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak CampingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Advertisement
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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
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.
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 432-477-2251
- [email protected]
- Address
- 1 Panther Junction, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
- Coordinates
- 29.2982, -103.2298· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castolon Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 432-477-2251 | Yes |
| Chisos Basin Visitor Center | Daily: 8:30AM - 4:00PM | 432-477-2251 | Yes |
| Panther Junction Visitor Center | Daily: 8:30AM - 5:00PM | (432) 477-1158 | Yes |
| Persimmon Gap Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 432-477-2251 | Yes |
| Rio Grande Village Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM | (432) 477-2251 | Yes |
Campgrounds
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chisos Basin Campground | 56 | 56 | 0 | Yes, up to 24 ft | $16 | Recreation.gov |
| Cottonwood Campground | 22 | 22 | 0 | Yes | $16 | Recreation.gov |
| Rio Grande Village Campground | 93 | 93 | 0 | Yes | $16 | Recreation.gov |
| Rio Grande Village RV | 25 | 25 | 0 | Yes, up to 38 ft | $36 | Reservation site |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
On Amazon
Popular trail picks
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fitness & outdoors LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Filter stream water on hikes and backcountry trips. View on Amazon → Fitness & outdoors Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler A large tumbler for road trips between parks. View on Amazon → Shoes New Balance Women’s 237 V1 Sneaker Comfortable everyday sneakers for easy trails and visitor-center walks. View on Amazon → Men’s fashion Hanes Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt A warm layer for chilly park mornings. View on Amazon →
More parks in Texas
Alibates Flint Quarries National MonumentAmistad National Recreation AreaBig Thicket National PreserveBlackwell School National Historic SiteButterfield Overland National Historic TrailChamizal National MemorialEl Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic TrailEl Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic TrailFort Davis National Historic SiteGuadalupe Mountains National ParkLake Meredith National Recreation AreaLyndon B Johnson National Historical ParkAll in Texas
Advertisement
Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.