Big Bend National Park

National Park Service, Texas.

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...

Camping and Day Use

  • Big Bend Backcountry Camping
  • Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX)
  • Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)
  • Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)
  • Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)
  • Rio Grande Village Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)

Site Passes

  • Big Bend National Park Site Pass

Nearby Activities

  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

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.

Additional Information

  • Big Bend National Park Map
  • Big Bend National Park Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Chisos MountainsThe Chisos Mountains rise above the desert
  • Top of the Lost Mine TrailHiking the Lost Mine Trail affords many amazing views.
  • Balanced RockThe balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.
  • Blooming CenizoCenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.
  • Fascinating GeologyVolcanic features abound near Castolon
  • Century Plant AgaveCentury Plants bloom only once in their long lives.
  • Blooming OcotilloWhen ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert
  • Vermilion FlycatcherBig Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!
  • Rio Grande SceneThe Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary
  • Desert SceneryBig Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert
  • View from the South Rim of the ChisosBig Bend is a place of expansive views
  • Santa Elena Canyon
  • Big Bend National ParkShare the Experience
  • Desert VistaDesert Vista from Dorgan House
  • Javelina and YoungA female javelina, or collared peccary, and her young, often called reds because of the color of their hair when very young.
  • River VistaView of the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park.
  • Ross Maxwell Scenic DriveRoss Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park
  • South Rim VistaSouth Rim Vista and Claret Cup Cactus

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