Wild & Scenic River

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is a Wild & Scenic River in Texas. The NPS currently lists 0 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $30.

Texas Wild & Scenic River America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT · NPS Data API

Canoeing Boquillas Canyon · Photo: NPS / G. Fisseler (via nps.gov)

About the park

“For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/rigr

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

The NPS listed no active alerts for this park in the Oct 28, 2026 snapshot. Conditions can change; check current conditions on nps.gov before you go.

Entrance fees and passes

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is administered by Big Bend National Park. All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass upon entering Big Bend National Park. No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only.

Entrance fees
Fee	Cost	Details
Entrance - Private Vehicle	$30	Entrance Fee to Big Bend National Park. This fee includes all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle and is valid for 7 days

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

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

Bookstore and Park Store

Child with a blooming pitaya cactus — Photo: NPS

Big Bend Junior Rangers

Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.

Year-round Pets allowed

Junior Ranger Program

Sunset from Rio Grande Village — Photo: NPS

Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village

Photography can be a rewarding experience for visitors. One of the best places is the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village

Astronomy

See all 9 things to do in Rio Grande →

Activities the NPS lists for Rio Grande.

BoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingFishingFoodDiningHikingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingWildlife WatchingBirdwatching

Operating hours

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
Day	Hours
Monday	All Day
Tuesday	All Day
Wednesday	All Day
Thursday	All Day
Friday	All Day
Saturday	All Day
Sunday	All Day

Weather: Variable -- February-April: High temperatures range from mid-70sF (23C) to low-90sF (32C) with lows from the mid-30sF (2C) to mid-50sF (12C). Cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow.

Contact and directions

Phone: (432) 477-2251
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Coordinates: 29.8810, -102.3188· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor center	Standard hours	Phone	Passport stamp
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center	—	—	Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Texas

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Amistad National Recreation Area Big Bend National Park Big Thicket National Preserve Blackwell School National Historic Site Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Chamizal National Memorial El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Fort Davis National Historic Site Guadalupe Mountains National Park Lake Meredith National Recreation Area All in Texas

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/rigr/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.