Plan Your Visit

 

Once a remote and seemingly inhospitable area reached only by miles of dirt roads, Big Bend has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas, visited by over 500,000 visitors each year. Scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, outdoor adventure, historic sites, dark skies, and border culture rank among the features visitors enjoy in Big Bend. We look forward to sharing this special place with you.

 

Camping and Lodging

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  Have a Plan!

  Advice for Busy Times.

  Planning on visiting Big Bend November through April? You're not alone! What you should know about visiting during the park's busiest time.

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  A Night Under the Stars

  Big Bend Camping

  There are four developed campgrounds in Big Bend National Park, and primitive backcountry camping too.

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  Stay in the Basin

  Chisos Mountains Lodge

  The full-service Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only lodging within Big Bend National Park.

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  Camp stores, gas stations, and more.

  Goods and Services

  Commercial services in Big Bend National Park are operated by Forever Resorts, Inc.,

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  Into the Wild

  Exploring the Backcountry

  Big Bend's vast areas provide excellent opportunities for solitude, wilderness, and adventure. Backpacking, river trips, primitive camping.

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  How to Have a Minimal Impact Visit

  Sustainability

  Big Bend is a fragile environment that relies on protection from all of us.

 

Prepare for your Adventure

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  Where to Begin?

  Things To Do

  Big Bend offers endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and rejuvenation.

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  Visitor Guide

  The Big Bend Paisano Visitor Guide

  Read all about it! Get the latest issue of the official visitor's guide to Big Bend National Park.

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  Be Prepared!

  Visitor Preparedness Video Series

  Planning a trip to Big Bend? Learn how to be prepared for a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful adventure!

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  Plan Like A Park Ranger

  Big Bend Top Ten Tips

  Be prepared for summer in the desert. Remote, beautiful, and HOT.

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  First trip to Big Bend?

  Suggested Itineraries

  Big Bend has lots to explore! Use these suggested itineraries to help get the most out of your visit.

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  Park Facilities

  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Hours and seasons for Big Bend facilities

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  Make Safety Your Constant Companion

  Safety

  By giving forethought to your actions you can have a safe, exciting, and rewarding vacation in Big Bend National Park.

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  Pardon Our Dust!

  Chisos Basin Improvement Projects

  Work on two large construction projects in the Chisos Basin will begin in May 2025. Access to the Chisos area will be limited.

 

Become a Big Bend Expert

Visit Our Online Bookstore Plan A Visit: Essential Guidebooks

 

Be Sure to Stop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center

For information, orientation, exhibits, park video, maps, books, and free brochures, the Panther Junction Visitor Center at Park Headquarters is a great place to start your adventure.

 

Local Outfitters

Local outfitters offer a variety of services including shuttles, equipment rentals, guided trips and scenic flights.