{"id":"nps-bibe","slug":"big-bend-national-park","name":"Big Bend National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"BIBE","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-bibe"}],"states":["TX"],"stateNames":["Texas"],"location":{"lat":29.29817767,"lon":-103.2297897},"bbox":[-103.7819,28.9716,-102.8394,29.6949],"acres":{"value":813578,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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...","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=29.6949&b_tl_lng=-103.7819&b_br_lat=28.9716&b_br_lng=-102.8394","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Big%20Bend%20National%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8BF8356B-BB63-76A4-19F5296EF94C96B4.jpg","title":"Blooming Cenizo","alt":"Blooming Cenizo","caption":"Cenizo, or Big Bend Silverleaf blossoms after summer rains.","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8BCD073D-D2AF-C63C-F75A21DF9E355C61.jpg","title":"Century Plant Agave","alt":"Century Plant Agave","caption":"Century Plants bloom only once in their long lives.","credit":"NPS / C. Negele","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8BA1EB23-E950-8F6E-62C7523D37E42564.jpg","title":"Vermilion Flycatcher","alt":"Vermilion Flycatcher","caption":"Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds!","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8BDD8415-B290-DEF8-105D75C840EBFCD2.jpg","title":"Fascinating Geology","alt":"Fascinating Geology","caption":"Volcanic features abound near Castolon","credit":"NPS / B. Trester","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8B115C1E-B4B2-AF30-1C562C5D39E4B637.jpg","title":"Desert Scenery","alt":"Desert Scenery","caption":"Big Bend is a prime example of Chihuahuan Desert","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8AEFBCCC-0C9E-92DD-5E2B311EC6DA0339.jpg","title":"Santa Elena Canyon","alt":"Santa Elena Canyon","caption":"Santa Elena Canyon","credit":"NPS / B. Trester","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8B05A8A9-0539-1AA2-CC93A517B18103EC.jpg","title":"View from the South Rim of the Chisos","alt":"View from the South Rim of the Chisos","caption":"Big Bend is a place of expansive views","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8B20FD43-C758-653A-10059B3D1C2309C8.jpg","title":"Rio Grande Scene","alt":"Rio Grande Scene","caption":"The Rio Grande serves as the park's southern boundary","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/8BC4F255-E417-0A7C-272244055AA3F832.jpg","title":"Blooming Ocotillo","alt":"Blooming Ocotillo","caption":"When ocotillo bloom, they transform the desert","credit":"NPS / B. Trester","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/C0B5E9B0-CD44-E6CF-C56A5DA23CFB65E6.jpg","title":"Balanced Rock","alt":"Balanced Rock","caption":"The balanced rock is a popular day hiking destination.","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/C0C2DD15-D536-D952-114F8FD11C5296FD.jpg","title":"Top of the Lost Mine Trail","alt":"Top of the Lost Mine Trail","caption":"Hiking the Lost Mine Trail affords many amazing views.","credit":"NPS / B. Trester","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/CDAD3984-DB8E-117C-DFA6B184E5058201.jpg","title":"Chisos Mountains","alt":"Chisos Mountains","caption":"The Chisos Mountains rise above the desert","credit":"NPS / B. Trester","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["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"],"topics":["Archeology","Ruins","Aviation","Farming and Agriculture","Ranches","Hispanic American Heritage","Industry","Mining","Latino American Heritage","Military","Cavalry","US Air Force (Army Air Corps)","Native American Heritage","Transportation","Roads, Routes and Highways","Animals","Birds","Fish","Canyons and Canyonlands","Fossils and Paleontology","Dinosaur","Geology","Geothermal","Hot Springs","Mountains","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","River and Riparian","Scenic Views","Trails","Unique Species","Endangered"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"30.00","description":"Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"200.00","description":"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)."},{"title":"Entrance - Non-commercial Groups","cost":"30.00","description":"Organized groups such as Scouts, clubs, etc. that do not qualify for an academic fee waiver are charged as follows:\n$30 per non-commercial vehicle with a capacity of 15 or less.\n$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."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"100.00","description":"This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required.\n\nhttps://www.nps.gov/bibe/learn/management/cua.htm"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Sedan","cost":"25.00","description":"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.\nThis fee is valid for seven consecutive days. A commercial use authorization is required."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"25.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 1 private, non-commercial motorcycle with up to 2 total passengers."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"55.00","description":"Big Bend National Park Annual Pass\nCovers 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."}],"hours":[{"name":"Big Bend National Park","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. There are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles away in Fort Stockton.","weatherInfo":"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.","contacts":{"phone":"432-477-2251","email":"bibe_info@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Chisos Basin Visitor Center","description":"The Chisos Basin Visitor Center includes interactive exhibits on plants, animals, and birds found in the Chisos Mountains. Backcountry and river use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the visitor center. A Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and restrooms are located at the visitor center. A water faucet is available on the east side of the building for filling personal water containers","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-visitor-centers.htm","lat":29.2705194325,"lon":-103.29934792},{"name":"Castolon Visitor Center","description":"Located in the Castolon Historic District, the Castolon Visitor Center is open daily during the winter months. River use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the Castolon Visitor Center. The Castolon Visitor Center has a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and nearby restrooms. The visitor center is located in the historic Garlick House, immediately behind the Magdalena House Exhibits. Stop by to meet a ranger and plan your adventure.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-visitor-centers.htm","lat":29.134282140186286,"lon":-103.51492166519165},{"name":"Persimmon Gap Visitor Center","description":"Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is located in a low pass between the Santiago Mountains at the northern entrance of the park. This pass has been a travel corridor for centuries for people entering and exiting the lower Big Bend country. The visitor center offers park orientation and information. The visitor center has exhibits, bookstore, and restrooms. Entrance fees can be paid at the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-visitor-centers.htm","lat":29.6600395847,"lon":-103.173613475},{"name":"Panther Junction Visitor Center","description":"Panther Junction Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. Backcountry & river use permits are issued here. Entrance fees can be paid here. Exhibits provide an overview of geology & natural and cultural histories of the park. The visitor center also has a theater with a park orientation movie shown upon request.The visitor center complex includes a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, U.S. Post Office, and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-visitor-centers.htm","lat":29.3278272156,"lon":-103.20588915},{"name":"Rio Grande Village Visitor Center","description":"The Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area. New exhibits focus on the Rio Grande (how it has changed over time, how the NPS works with our Mexican counterparts to protect and care for it, and the rich assemblage of species that it supports). An outdoor ramada showcases a large raised-relief map of the area, and life-sized bronze sculptures showcase some of the area's special wildlife. River use permits are issued during normal business hours.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/big-bend-visitor-centers.htm","lat":29.185260594,"lon":-102.962224896}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Chisos Basin Campground","description":"The Chisos Basin Campground is nestled in an open woodland within a scenic mountain basin. Campers enjoy the iconic views of Casa Grande and Emory Peak. The sunset through the nearby \"Window\" is a Big Bend highlight. Some of the park's most popular trails begin nearby. Elevation is 5,400 feet. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Trailers over 20 feet and RV's over 24 feet are not recommended due to the narrow, winding road to the Basin and small campsites.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/basin_campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234038","sites":56},{"name":"Rio Grande Village Campground","description":"Set in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, the Rio Grande Village Campground is located near the Rio Grande. Elevation: 1,850 feet. Paved roads connect each campsite, and grassy areas separate each site. Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and some overhead shelters. Dump station nearby. Campers enjoy birdwatching, hiking, exploring. A camp store with showers and a park visitor center are nearby.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/rgv_campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234035","sites":93},{"name":"Cottonwood Campground","description":"Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 22-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 21 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/cottonwood_campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234078","sites":22},{"name":"Rio Grande Village RV","description":"Open, paved lot with grassy, tree-lined edges. Adjacent to the Rio Grande Village camp store. This campground, operated by Aramark, has the only full hook-ups in the park. 25-site RV park (full hook-ups—water, electrical, and 3-inch sewer connection). All sites are back-in only. Tents are NOT permitted. Operated by the park's concessioner, Aramark. Periodically, a few sites may not be available for a 38' or longer RVs due to the size of the parking lot and orientation of the spaces.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/rgv_hookups.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/rv-park-and-campground","sites":25}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"rio-grande-wild-and-scenic-river","km":109},{"slug":"blackwell-school-national-historic-site","km":136},{"slug":"fort-davis-national-historic-site","km":158},{"slug":"amistad-national-recreation-area","km":210}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=bibe"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.606Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Big Bend is a NO DRONE Zone","text":"The use of drones is prohibited in Big Bend National Park. Thank you for preserving the peace and tranquility of Big Bend.","url":null,"updated":"2022-12-13 10:11:51.0","id":"nps-03B953FC-7E30-415D-A65D-42147D28452E"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Bringing a Pet to Big Bend?","text":"Bringing your pet to Big Bend National Park will limit some of your park explorations and opportunities. Pets are not allowed on park trails, in the backcountry, or on the river. Pets are allowed only where vehicles can go. Pets may not be left unattended","url":"https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/pets.htm","updated":"2022-05-04 15:01:26.0","id":"nps-60ACB26C-E132-4CD7-8B2E-E75F3CB27A31"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/big-bend-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/big-bend-national-park.geojson"}