Fees & Passes

Big Bend National Park Entrance Sign
 

BIG BEND ENTRANCE FEES & PASSES

All vehicles entering Big Bend National Park are subject to an entrance fee.

  • No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only.
  • No refunds are given due to inclement weather

There are no reservations required for entering Big Bend National Park. There are no day passes issued, and there is no limit to the number of visitors entering the park each day.

 

Overview of entrance requirements

All visitors MUST have

Entrance Passes

Standard Entrance Pass

$15.00–$30.00

All vehicles entering Big Bend National Park are subject to an entrance fee. No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. You can pay your entrance pass when you arrive at the park. There are no reservations required for entering Big Bend National Park.

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Panther Junction Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Maverick Entrance Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Persimmon Gap Entrance Station

    Credit/Debit Only

More information

Admits one non-commercial motorcycle; valid for 7 days.
More information

Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.
More information

For Organizations & Businesses

Groups entering the park for education purposed are encouraged to check the academic fee waiver page for application and qualification information.
More information

Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26-person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).
More information

Organized groups such as Scouts, youth groups, churches, reunions, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows: $30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less. $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with a valid annual or lifetime pass may use their pass for themselves and up to 3 others.
More information

This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.

These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.
Annual Entrance - Park

Annual Entrance - Park

$55.00
Big Bend National Park Annual Pass Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any visitor center. Good for one year from purchase date. Pass is non-transferable.

In-person Purchase Locations

  • Maverick Entrance Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Persimmon Gap Entrance Station

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

  • Panther Junction Visitor Center

    Credit/Debit Only

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

 

Big Bend National Park Entrance Fees

  • Vehicle: $30
    Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days.
  • Motorcycle: $25
    Admits one non-commercial motorcycle; valid for 7 days.
  • Individuals: $15
    Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days.
  • Big Bend Annual Pass: $55 (good for one year from purchase date)
    Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any visitor center. Pass is non-transferable.
  • Non-commercial groups:
    Organized groups such as Scouts, youth groups, churches, reunions, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows:
    $30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less.
    $15 per person traveling in a non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 16 or more. Fees will not exceed the commercial rate for the same sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with a valid annual or lifetime pass may use their pass for themselves and up to 3 others.
  • Commercial Groups:
    Companies conducting business in the park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization. The only exception is companies travelling in a 26 person capacity or greater vehicle; such vehicles are charged a flat fee of $200 (commercial use authorization not required).
  • Educational Groups:
    Groups entering the park for education purposed are encouraged to check the academic fee waiver for application and qualification information.
 

CAMPING FEES

  • Developed Campgrounds
    The National Park Service operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds; Rio Grande Village Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. The cost is $16 per night per site ($8 per night with Senior or Access pass).
  • Campground Reservations
    Reservations required. Approximately 2/3 of the campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin campgrounds are reservable up to 6 months in advance, and 1/3 up to 14 days in advance. Cottonwood Campground campsites are reservable up to 14 days in advance. Reservations may be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Big Bend National Park cannot make reservations.
  • Backcountry Campsites
    Backcountry campsites require a $10 per night backcountry use permit ($5 with a Senior or Access pass), which must be acquired either online at www.recreation.gov, or in person at either the Panther Junction or Chisos Basin visitor centers during normal business hours. Learn more about Backcountry Camping.
 
Maverick Entrance Station
Visitors arrive at the Maverick Entrance Station.

Last updated: August 15, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

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

Phone:

432-477-2251

Contact Us