Park Essentials

Accessibility

Visitor centers and some campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin are wheelchair accessible. The Founder's Walk and Panther Path at Panther Junction, Window View Trail at Chisos Basin, and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail boardwalk are wheelchair-accessible trails. The Rio Grande and Chisos Basin amphitheaters also are accessible.

Park Fees and Permits

It costs $25 to enter at the gate by car, and your pass is good for seven days. Entry on foot, bicycle, or commercial vehicle is $12; entry by motorcycle is $20. A Big Bend Annual Pass is $40. Camping fees in developed campgrounds are $14 per night, while backcountry camping is $12 for up to 14 days. Mandatory backcountry camping, boating, and fishing permits are available at visitor centers.

Park Hours

Big Bend National Park never closes. Visitor centers may be closed Christmas Day. Visitor centers at Rio Grande Village and the Castolon Historic District close in summer. The park is in the Central time zone.

Automobile Service Stations

There are two gas stations in the park: The one at Panther Junction offers minor work (oil and tires), and the one at Rio Grande Village supplies propane for camp stoves.

Contacts

Cell-Phone Reception

Cell phones do not often work in the park, though service is generally more reliable in flat, open country. Public telephones can be found at the visitor centers.

Emergencies

Dial 911 or 432/477–1188. Medical services are just west of the park in Terlingua along Route 170, or farther to the north in Alpine.

Contacts