Backcountry River Use Permits
A backcountry use permit is required for day and overnight use of floating craft on all sections of the Rio Grande administered by the National Park Service, except for persons day-fishing downstream from the National Park boundary. Permits for Santa Elena Canyon ONLY can also be obtained at the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center.

A group of up to 30 persons, not including professional guides, may put on the Rio Grande daily on the Lajitas to Talley sections and the Solis to Boquillas Canyon entrance sections. Elsewhere in Big Bend National Park, a group of up to 20 persons, not including guides, may float on the river each day. Along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River downstream from the National Park, a group of up to 20 persons, not including guides, may float per day.

Additional information on obtaining a backcountry permit can be found at Big Bend National Park's website.

Fishing Permits
A State fishing license is not required in Big Bend National Park, but a free NPS fishing permit (obtained from a visitor center) is required. A Texas State fishing license is required on the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River outside the Park.