Blooming Cenizo

National Park · Texas

Big Bend National Park

There is a place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and species diversity is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend...

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Things to do

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Weather & when to go

Big Bend is in the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunshine is abundant year-round. Spring (March) is typically warm and pleasant and is the park's busiest season. Summer heat begins in May. It is extremely HOT. Temperatures vary greatly between the desert which is usually well above 100 degrees F by late morning, and the Chisos Mountains, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler. May - August are the hottest months. Fall and Winter (Nov-Feb) are mild and pleasant, but some freezing does occur. Snow is rare.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

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

    $30.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

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

    $15.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    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).

    $200.00

  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

    Organized groups such as Scouts, 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.

    $30.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm

    $100.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan

    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.

    $25.00

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 1 private, non-commercial motorcycle with up to 2 total passengers.

    $25.00

Operating hours

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.

Campgrounds

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Big Bend National Park?
Entrance to Big Bend National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person), $200.00 (Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is always open. You can enter and exit at any time of the day or night. Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year.
Do I need a reservation for Big Bend National Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Big Bend National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.