Big Bend National Park
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- Big Bend National Park
If you're ready for an adventure under the open skies of Texas, go RVing to Big Bend National Park. With over 800,000 acres near the Mexican border, this national park offers hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing in the Rio Grande, and beautiful vistas of the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert. Since the park is located in a remote area, it provides amazing views of the night sky. Driving to Big Bend National Park in an RV can be a smart decision since you'll quickly be able to step outside to stargaze. Just remember that this part of Texas gets extremely hot. For this reason, consider planning your visit in the fall, winter, or spring. The late fall and early spring might be the best time to see Big Bend because of milder weather. During these times, you can also appreciate the autumn foliage and spring flowers.
With over 100 miles of paved roads, Big Bend National Park is perfect for RVing. Taking your RV on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive will let you check out Tuff Canyon, Sotol Vista, and Mule Ears Overlook, and it will take you into the Santa Elena Canyon. Other popular drives include Persimmon Gap to Panther Junction and Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village. As long as your RV is no longer than 24 feet, you can venture into the mountains on the steep, windy Chisos Basin Road. Always check road conditions before you head out; heavy rain and other weather conditions can cause road closures. The park also has improved dirt roads, but since they're narrow and uneven, they can be tough to handle in a larger RV. Oversized vehicles are not allowed on certain sections of Hot Springs Road, and they're not ideal on the many primitive dirt roads found throughout the park.
In this RV guide to Big Bend National Park, learn some of the highlights as well as useful tips. Since cellphone service is unreliable, keep a physical map with you, and always travel with plenty of layers and more water than you think you'll need. You can enter the park through Persimmon Gap on the north side, stopping at the visitor center right near the gate for information, or through the Maverick entrance on the west side, making your way to the Panther Junction Visitor Center before exploring the terrain. RV parking in Big Bend can be found at these visitor centers and other large parking lots.
- Spring 55-94 F
- Summer 62-106 F
- Fall 48-89 F
- Winter 32-73 F
- Coming soon
- Big Bend National Park Private Vehicle Fee: $30
- Big Bend National Park Motorcycle Fee: $25
- Big Bend National Park Per Person Fee: $15
- Big Bend National Park Annual Pass: $55
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Big Bend National Park Hiking Trails
When you take an RV to Big Bend, you'll have access to miles and miles of hiking trails that go through the Chisos Mountains, in the Santa Elena Canyon, and around the Rio Grande. If you'd like to check out the desert, consider the 0.5-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail or the 4.8-mile Chimneys Trail. Alternatively, the 1.4-mile Boquillas Canyon Trail will take you along the Rio Grande and the 1.7-mile Santa Elena Canyon will get you close to where the canyon meets the water. The strenuous South Rim Trail, Boot Canyon Trail, and many others will lead you into the mountains.
Big Bend National Parks Hiking Trails
Things to do Outside Big Bend National Park
Get a bite to eat or stock up on supplies in Marathon, Alpine, Fort Davis, or one of the other small towns around the park. Consider exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park or Barton Warnock Visitor Center. Walking around the Terlingua Ghost Town can be a unique experience and teach you about old mining towns. If you'd like to cross the border, stop by Boquillas to sample delicious Mexican food, see work handmade by local artisans, or go on a horseback ride.
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RV Resorts & Campsites near Big Bend National Park
You'll find several campgrounds near Big Bend National Park in addition to four campgrounds within park boundaries. Reservations are required. Some reservations can be made up to six months in advance, so book early, especially if you're traveling around the holidays or spring break. Camping fees start at $16.
Campgrounds Near Big Bend National Park
Find the Best Dumpstations Near Big Bend National Park
How to get to Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is quite far from any city, so cast a broad search when looking for RV rentals near Big Bend. The closest town is Marathon, about 42 miles away from the northern entrance station. El Paso is about 300 miles away, and San Antonio is approximately 400 miles away via I-10. You could fly into Midland International Air and Space Port before driving to Big Bend. From here, go west on I-20 and then south on Route 385 until you arrive at the park. Another idea is to fly into El Paso. After picking up an RV in El Paso, follow I-10 E to US-90 E and then to Route 385 South.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pets are allowed at Big Bend National Park. However, out of concern for the park's wildlife, pets are only allowed in certain areas. Pets are not allowed on trails, off roads, or on the river within the park boundaries. Your pet can only go where your car can go.
Pets also can't go into Mexico at the Boquillas Port of Entry.
Pets must be leashed or caged while they are in the park.
Yes, there are four campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. There is one full hookup RV campground, the Rio Grande Village RV Park. In addition, there are three other campgrounds with drinking water and restrooms - Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, and Cottonwood Campground.
The climate at Big Bend National Park is semi-arid. The park is hot in summer and can often be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the desert, although it is ten to twenty degrees cooler in the Chisos Mountains. Rains from May to September can cause flash flooding. Autumn is mild, and in winter snow is rare although temperatures can dip below freezing.
Big Bend National Park has several visitor centers, trails, and campground sites that are accessible to disabled visitors. Chisos Basin Campground and Rio Grande Village Campground each have an accessible campsite and many other sites are flat and able to be used by people in wheelchairs. Restrooms at these campsites are also accessible.
Big Bend National Park covers 1,252 square miles, or 801,163 acres large. It includes desert lowlands and all of the Chisos Mountains, along with parts of the Rio Grande.
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