Big Bend National Park Texas

Big Bend National Park Overview

Big Bend National Park includes more than 800,000 acres in a remote area of southwest Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border. The park protects a remarkably diverse landscape of Chihuahuan Desert, rugged mountains, canyons, and the Rio Grande. Its remote location also gives Big Bend some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, making it an outstanding destination for stargazing.

The park takes its name from the large bend in the Rio Grande that forms its southern boundary. The river winds through the desert and through the limestone walls of Santa Elena Canyon and other river canyons.

There are four campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three developed front country campgrounds including Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village and Cottonwood. In addition, full hookup RV camping at Rio Grande Village RV Park (25 campsites) is operated by the park concessioner, Aramark. Backcountry, river trip and primitive roadside camping (permits required) is also available.

Big Bend National Park – Outdoor Recreation & Activities

The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, picnicking, stargazing and wildlife viewing.  The Rio Grande can also be explored by canoe, kayak, or raft.

Scenic driving is another major attraction. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive provides access to several viewpoints, historic sites, and trailheads before reaching the dramatic Santa Elena Canyon area. The Chisos Basin Road climbs into the mountains and offers outstanding views of the surrounding desert.

Make a Reservation for Big Bend National Park

Amenities

• Amphitheater
• BBQ Grills
• Camp Store
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Concessionaire
• Drinking Water
• Dumpsters
• Equestrian trail
• Food Storage Locker
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Group Pavilion
• Hiking & Biking Trails
• Ice
• Laundry
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• RV Dump Station
• Showers
• Trash Collection
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Canoeing
• Canyoneering
• Cultural Sites
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Paddle Boating
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rafting
• Rock Climbing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Wildlife Viewing