Big Bend National Park COVID-19 Status & Updates

NOTE: Big Bend's phased re-opening is designed to gradually allow increased access, while maintaining employee, visitor, and local community safety, and to avoid overwhelming the area’s limited medical services. The NPS will monitor conditions, and expand or contract operations as health conditions warrant.
Thank you for your patience.

 
blooming cenizo on Burro Mesa

NPS / C. Negele

 

Big Bend National Park is partially open.

The National Park Service will determine further reopening and closures according to the local and regional status of the pandemic, following the advice of the federal, state and local public health officials.

Please note: Reservations are not needed to enter Big Bend National Park, but normal entrance fees will be collected at all park entrance stations. America the Beautiful Annual Passes, Senior Passes, and Access Passes will be honored. Entrance stations are open.

Group sizes are limited to either EIGHT people or a single household.
A state mandatory mask order remains in effect in Brewster County, Texas, where the park is located

 

CURRENT STATUS of PARK FACILITIES & SERVICES:

10-19-2020

 
Wear a Mask: Fur YOU and OTHERS
Wear a Mask: Fur YOU and OTHERS

Open Areas & Facilities:

All Park Roads

Paved and unpaved

All Hiking Trails

(except Hot Springs Historic District and associated trails)

Chisos Basin Campground

By Reservation only via www.recreation.gov
No first come-first served camping at this time.

Rio Grande Village RV Campground

By reservation only. 50% capacity.
Wednesdays through Sundays
You MUST call 432-477-2293 to make arrangements

Chisos Mountains Lodge

Backcountry Camping

Both Chisos Backpacking sites and Primitive Roadside Campsites available

  • ONLY designated sites available online through www.recreation.gov
  • You MUST obtain a permit through www.recreation.gov to use ANY campsite
  • No desert overnight backpacking permits available at this time

Rio Grande open for private and commercial river trips within Big Bend National Park.

  • Backcountry permit required for overnight river trips. $10/night.
  • Permits available up to 7 days in advance in person at Chisos Basin and Panther Junction outdoor ranger kiosks.

Panther Junction Gas Station & Store

Open daily 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Lodge Curio & Gift Shop

  • Daily 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Chisos Basin Store

Open daily 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Rio Grande Village, and Castolon Stores:

Open, Limited Hours see details

Outdoor Ranger Information Kiosks - open Daily

Stop by and meet a ranger, plan your visit, ask questions, get your park passport stamp, pick up a junior ranger book, and learn more about YOUR park.
Panther Junction: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Chisos Basin: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closes for lunch)

 

Closed Areas and Facilities

  • Chisos Basin Restaurant
  • Rio Grande Village Campground
    • TO OPEN 11-1-20
  • Cottonwood Campgrounds.
  • Hot Springs Historic area and all associated trails.
  • All Park Visitor Centers
  • Rio Grande Village gas station
  • Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry
 
Social Distancing at Big Bend
Social Distancing, Big Bend style
 

Last updated: October 21, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

Phone:

432-477-2251

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