
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...
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
Chisos Basin Campground
Rio Grande Village Campground
Cottonwood Campground
Rio Grande Village RV
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.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Big Bend National Park.

National Parks Near San Antonio: Top Trips
The closest national parks to San Antonio, Texas — from the in-city Missions to Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains — with drive times and planning tips.

National Parks Near Austin: Top Picks
Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains are the closest national parks to Austin. Here's how far they are, when to go, and what to see.

National Parks Near Dallas: Best Road Trips
The best national parks reachable from Dallas, with drive times and Texas road-trip advice.

National Parks Near El Paso: A Travel Guide
The best national parks near El Paso, from Guadalupe Mountains to Big Bend, with drive times, seasons, and trip-planning tips.

Best National Parks in March: Where to Go
The warm-weather and early-spring parks worth visiting in March, plus weather, packing and crowd tips.

Best National Parks in February: Where to Go
February is peak season for warm winter escapes and snowy adventures. See the best parks, from the Everglades to Death Valley.
