Operating Hours
Open year-round.
Visitation
Highest in Mar.-Apr., spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
Permits
Free backcountry permits are required. They can be obtained in person at the park visitor center up to 24 hrs. in advance of the trip and are valid for up to 14 consecutive nights in the backcountry. For special use permits call (915)477-2251.
Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: There are 4 visitor centers, located at Persimmon Gap, Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, and Rio Grande Village. There is a visitor contact station at Castolon. Panther Junction and Chisos Basin are open year-round. Persimmon Gap is open most of the year. Rio Grande Village is open from November to April. All visitor centers provide information, backcountry permits, and some exhibits.
Programs: Nature walks, workshops, and evening slide programs are offered year-round. Several programs per day are offered November through April, more than during the hot summer months.
Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: Limited groceries are available near all campgrounds. Gas is available at Panther Junction (park headquarters) and Rio Grande Village. Showers and laundry facilities are available only at Rio Grande Village. There is a restaurant in the Chisos Basin.
Concessions: Commercial float trips on the Rio Grande are available through outfitters just outside the park. The Big Bend Natural History Association operates bookstores in all four visitor centers.
Visitor Impact
Additional Information
The park is very large and remote. Remember that you will be at least 100 miles from a bank, hospital, pharmacy, or supermarket!
The park is crowded during spring break, at which time all campsites and lodgings may be full. The nearest campsite with space available may be 25 miles away. The nearest available lodging during spring break may be 100 miles away.
Chisos Mountain Lodge
There are 3 campgrounds within the park. Campsite occupancy is limited to eight people and two vehicles, or one RV plus one vehicle. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.With a backcountry permit you may camp at one of the numerous backcountry roadside campsites throughout the park. Most require a high clearance or 4WD vehicle. Backcountry permits also allow for open zone camping in some desert areas, and campsites in the high Chisos Mountains are available.
Fall and spring are usually warm and pleasant. Summers are hot, although temperatures vary greatly between the desert floor and the Chisos Mountains. May and June are the hottest months. Afternoon and evening rains often cool the desert from July to October.
Winters are generally mild, although periods of cold weather (including light snow) are possible. Winter visitors must prepare for a variety of conditions.
