News Release

Busy Spring Break Expected in Big Bend

In 2021, Big Bend saw a record 581,000 visitors. Spring is the busiest time of year in Big Bend and park visitors should be prepared for limited parking, full campgrounds and lodging.

NPS / C. Negele

News Release Date: March 1, 2022

Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – Spring in the Chihuahuan Desert has always lured many visitors to remote West Texas, especially during the months of March and April. As travelers seek solace from educational routines, and escape wintry conditions, the park experiences significant increases in visitation. Big Bend is already experiencing record visitation (up 25% since 2019), and those who anticipate spending spring break 2022 in the park will need to plan ahead and be prepared.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to make camping/lodging arrangements either in the park or gateway communities before journeying all the way to Big Bend. Since early February, all campgrounds and primitive campsites have already been filling each day by late morning.

“If the last year is any indication, our expectations are for an extremely busy spring break this year,” said Chief of Interpretation Tom VandenBerg. “Many people are making the long journey to this remote park, only to find that many other people have also planned to do the same thing and that all camping sites and lodging options are already reserved" says VandenBerg.

Reservations are required for ALL Big Bend National Park campgrounds. Campers can make reservations up to six months in advance, with a limited number of campsites reservable up to 14 days in advance. Reservations are made through the online reservation portal at www.recreation.gov. Most sites are already reserved for the spring break period.

Backcountry permits are required for backpacking and primitive campsites. The most popular backcountry sites are available for online permits up to six months in advance via www.recreation.gov. Most sites have already been reserved. For those with rugged vehicles, a handful of remote primitive roadside campsites are available for in-person permitting. Permits may be obtained in person up to 24 hours in advance at the Panther Junction (8:30a-5:00p) and Chisos Basin (8:30a-4:00p) Visitor Centers.

Visitors seeking lodging inside the park without reservations may have difficulty finding accommodations. The Chisos Mountains Lodge, the only lodging facility in the park, reports that few reservations are available. A fortunate few may be able to take advantage of last-minute cancellations. Potential visitors should call the lodge at [phone] for more information. Additional camping facilities, RV parks, and lodging are located in communities outside the park. Current listings are available at www.visitbigbend.com.

Upon careful review of historical traffic counts and school schedules, it appears that this year's busiest pulse of spring visitation will occur between March 6 and March 20. Records show that the heaviest inbound traffic occurs each day from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Vehicles entering the park during that time should expect to encounter lines at either entrance station. To keep the wait to a minimum, rangers ask all drivers to have their entrance fee payment (credit card only) or park pass and identification ready. 

Spring visitors will also find limited parking at many of the park’s most popular areas and trailheads. Visitors to the Lost Mine Trail, Chisos Basin, Hot Springs, Boquillas Port of Entry, Boquillas Canyon, and Santa Elena Canyon Trail may experience delays. When all parking is full, rangers will establish “one-in, one-out” traffic control measures in these areas. Visitors should have alternate itineraries planned.

"More than ever, people are seeking out the qualities of this special place. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Big Bend, but also the busiest. Many are surprised at the crowds and disappointed to find that there is nowhere to stay," continued VandenBerg. “We wish to encourage people to also visit during other times of the year to maximize enjoyment of Big Bend, and the remote sense of peacefulness that it is known for."

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