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.

Social Distancing at Big Bend — Social Distancing, Big Bend style

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:

1-14-2021

Big Bend Road Repair Project: November 2020 through January 2021

Expect delays and temporary closures through January
Chisos Basin Road will have temporary closures and delays every day.
Basin Road Closed 8:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Press Release for Road Repair Project

Closed Areas and Facilities

Hot Springs Historic area and all associated trails.
Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry
Coin-operated showers

Current Changes to Park Operations:

Visitor Centers Closed to Entry
Outdoor Ranger Information Stations- 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. No park film at this time.
Panther Junction: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Big Bend Natural History Association: Our Outdoor "Popup Bookstore" is open daily at Panther Junction during peak hours.
Stop by and browse our selection of educational materials and keepsakes. Trail guides, books, maps, hats, mugs, etc.
Or, purchase park maps, books, and educational souvenirs through the online bookstore at www.bigbendbookstore.org

Chisos Basin: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (closes for lunch)
Rio Grande Village: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Persimmon Gap: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Castolon: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Park Campgrounds

Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, Cottonwood

Open at 2/3 capacity.
By Reservation only No first come-first served camping at this time.
www.recreation.gov for reservations and to check on availability

Backcountry Camping

A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping and river trips.

Permits for most designated backcountry campsites (Chisos Backpacking Campsites & Primitive Roadside Campsites) are available online through www.recreation.gov.
Permits for desert wilderness backpackingm, river permits, and primitive roadside sites along the Maverick Road, Glenn Springs Road, and remote River Road are available in person only at Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers.

Rio Grande Village RV Park

Full RV Hookups. By reservation only. 75% capacity.
You MUST call 432-477-2293 to make arrangements

Chisos Mountains Lodge

Limited availability. Reservations REQUIRED

Chisos Mountains Restaurant

Meal delivery to registered lodge guests 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Limited grab and go service available to the public 12:00 to 4:00 pm

Helpful Links

Last updated: January 15, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

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

Phone: