Pre-Visit Materials

Pre-trip Planning

• Start early! The logistics of reaching Big Bend National Park and the distances involved require pre-trip planning. A well-organized trip can make the difference between a successful experience and a difficult one.
• Reserve camping ahead of time. Group campsites are the ONLY camping in the park that can be reserved ahead of time. Sites are located at Rio Grande Village, the Basin, and Cottonwood Campgrounds. The only showers in the park are located at the Rio Grande Village store. Group campsites can be reserved 90 days in advance by calling 432-477-1188. During our busy season (November-May), you should call for camping reservations as early as possible.
• Request an educational fee waiver. The park entrance fee is $15 per vehicle and is valid for a week. Educational groups are eligible for an entrance fee waiver if certain criteria are met. Contact the park’s fee supervisor at 432-477-1121 to see if your group is eligible.
• Volunteer your time. Big Bend staff is always looking for eager volunteers to help us with various projects. Consider spending part of your time here helping preserve this amazing resource! Contact the volunteer coordinator at 432-477-1195 to find out about volunteer opportunities.
• Involve your students in the planning process. Discuss the itinerary, transportation, meals, and lodging/camping plans with your class. This gives them responsibility and ownership of the trip and heightens their anticipation.
• Have a pre-trip meeting with parents/chaperones. Discussing trip plans with adults will help gain their support, ease concerns, and facilitated signatures on permission slips. A suggested ratio of chaperones to students for elementary age is 1:5. For secondary students the suggested ratio is 1:10.
• Gather Information. Have students write the park for information. Check out the park’s website at www.nps.gov/bibe. Investigate learning opportunities near Big Bend National Park like The Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus in Alpine, the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, and the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center and Big Bend Ranch State Park near Lajitas.
• Incorporate trip information into lesson plans. Many aspects of your upcoming trip can be discussed in a variety of classes and subjects. Be creative! Map out the directions to Big Bend as a geography lesson. Calculate the trip’s budget in math class. Start trip journals as a writing assignment.
• Consider focusing on one theme. Big Bend is such a huge place that it is impossible to see it all at one time. Planning a trip around one broad theme like biodiversity, geology, or the Rio Grande may make organization easier and help students get the most out of their trip.

What to Pack & What to Expect

• Be ready for anything. How to dress is dependent on the season and the weather. It can be extremely hot or cold and sometimes it rains and snows! Everyone should be prepared to spend time outdoors under a broad range of conditions. Check on existing weather conditions prior to leaving by looking at our daily report on the website.
• Water and more water! One of the biggest concerns while visiting Big Bend is dehydration. Make sure everyone in the group is drinking adequate amounts of water. Bring water bottles whenever you are hiking and encourage students to drink frequently.
• Other essentials. Everyone should bring a hat and sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s strong rays. A flashlight is handy for nighttime around camp. Snacks to share for hikes and long car rides are nice. Bring along some games and sports equipment for down time at camp.
• First aid. Of course, safety and health are of primary concern. A good first aid kit is required. Include a blister kit and tweezers for removing cactus spines. Establish a system for students to bring and take any prescription medication that they might need.
• Swimming. The Rio Grande may look inviting on hot days, but swimming is not recommended. Strong currents, high pollution levels, and objects hidden under the water can make swimming a dangerous prospect.
• Desert hazards. Everyone in the group should be aware of dangers like loose rocks, cactus spines, insects, and reptiles. A review of behavior expectations is a good idea. Remember that all objects in a national park are protected by law and should not be disturbed or damaged.