Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas, is a vast and visually stunning wilderness area that preserves the natural beauty of the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande River. Spanning over 800,000 acres, the park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich historical background.

Situated in Brewster County, Big Bend National Park is named after the prominent bend in the Rio Grande River, which forms part of the park's boundary. The park's remote location and unique geography make it one of the most secluded and least-visited national parks in the United States. It is encompassed by the larger Big Bend region, known for its vast wilderness and cultural heritage.

Big Bend National Park has a rich historical background, with evidence of human presence dating back at least 10,000 years. Native American tribes including the Apache and Comanche inhabited the area before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. The park also showcases the historic route of the Mexican Revolution, as the Rio Grande served as a boundary during this period.

The park boasts a diverse range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular choice, with over 150 miles of trails winding through the Chisos Mountains and desert landscapes. The iconic Santa Elena Canyon offers a breathtaking hike with towering cliffs and the opportunity to float along the Rio Grande River surrounded by stunning scenery. Camping is another great way to experience the park's natural beauty, with several campgrounds available for overnight stays.

Big Bend National Park is also a haven for wildlife, serving as a home to over 450 species of birds, including the majestic peregrine falcon and colorful painted bunting. The park's diverse ecosystems support an array of animals, including bobcats, javelinas, and black bears.

Aside from the park itself, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the charming town of Terlingua, a former mining town known for its unique blend of art, music, and desert culture. The nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park offers additional opportunities for outdoor adventures, including horseback riding and river rafting.

In summary, Big Bend National Park showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Chisos Mountains, Chihuahuan Desert, and Rio Grande River. With its remote location and rich historical background, the park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, engage in various outdoor activities, and explore nearby attractions that complement the overall experience.

Big Bend National Park is nestled in the southwestern corner of Texas, United States. The park is located along the international boundary with Mexico, where the Rio Grande forms a sharp bend, giving the area its name. Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend spans an expansive area of approximately 1,252 square miles. The park's diverse landscape encompasses a variety of geographical features, including striking canyons, rugged mountain ranges, desert plains, and the meandering Rio Grande River. Its remote location and vast expanse make it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts, with its isolation contributing to an undisturbed and pristine environment. Big Bend National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the majestic and ever-changing terrain that defines this distinctive region of Texas.

Address & Contact

1 Panther Junction
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Driving Directions
Phone: 432-477-2251
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park would be in the months of January, February, March, October, and November. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 57°F to 74°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures vary from 37°F to 54°F, ensuring comfortable conditions for exploration. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains relatively low, ranging from 0.3 in to 0.9 in, minimizing the chances of inclement weather. This timeframe also allows visitors to enjoy the park's natural beauty while avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Big Bend National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Canoe or Kayak Camping Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Big Bend National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Industry Native American Heritage Transportation Fish Canyons and Canyonlands Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Mining Military Mountains Natural Sounds Scenic Views Cavalry Roads, Routes and Highways Geothermal Hot Springs Endangered Ruins Aviation Dinosaur Ranches US Air Force (Army Air Corps) Hispanic American Heritage Latino American Heritage Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

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 (how it has changed over time, how the NPS works with our Mexican counterparts to protect and care for it, and the rich assemblage of species that it supports). An outdoor ramada showcases a large raised-relief map of the area, and life-sized bronze sculptures showcase some of the area's special wildlife. River use permits are issued during normal business hours.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Rio Grande Village Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Big Bend National Park

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 Peak. The sunset through the nearby "Window" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. Elevation is 5,400 feet. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 56
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 22-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 21 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 22
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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 connect each campsite, and grassy areas separate each site. Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some overhead shelters. Dump station nearby. Campers enjoy birdwatching, hiking, exploring. A camp store with showers and a park visitor center are nearby.
Fees (US$): 16.00 (Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 93
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Coin-Operated - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Rio Grande Village RV

Open, paved lot with grassy, tree-lined edges. Adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. This campground, operated by Forever Resorts, has the only full hook-ups in the park. 25-site RV park (full hook-ups—water, electrical, and 3-inch sewer connection). All sites are back-in only. Tents are NOT permitted. Operated by the park's concessioner, Forever Resorts. Periodically, a few sites may not be available for a 40' or longer RVs due to the size of the parking lot and orientation of the spaces.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (RV camping fee)
Total Campsites: 25
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Coin-Operated - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round