Big Bend National Park
6 campgrounds in the park · 150 nearby within 50 mi
Photo: NPS
3 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- InformationBoquillas Crossing Port of Entry is open Friday-Monday 9:00 am to 4:00 pmUntil further notice, the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry will be open Friday through Monday, 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. It will not change to winter hours at this time.
- InformationBig Bend is a NO DRONE ZoneThe use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.
- InformationBringing 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
At a glance
- Entrance
- $30 per vehicleValid 7 days
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 6 campgroundsAll reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 150 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $55Big Bend only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 6
- National Park
Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)
In the park · Alpine, TX
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX)
In the park · Study Butte, TX
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 150
- Aerial viewCampground
K-Bar
3.3 mi · Alpine, TX
- Aerial viewCampground
Grapevine Hills (GH1)
3.3 mi · Alpine, TX
Services nearby: 2 dump stations
About Big Bend
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…
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. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...
Photos: NPS / C. Negele · NPS · NPS / B. Trester
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Food
- Guided Tours
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
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…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle, 7 days$30
- Per person, 7 days$15
- Motorcycle, 7 days$25
- Big Bend annual pass$55
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.
Getting there
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.
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.
Camped at Big Bend? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX), Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX) and Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX).