Best trails in Big Bend National Park

Named for the Bend of the Rio Grande along the USA Mexico, this park has part of the Chihuahuan Desert, ancient fossils, and cultural artifacts of Native Americans. The park encompasses canyons, rivers, desert, and forest. Entrance Passes All federal lands passes are issued and accepted at Big Bend National Park. Passes are non-transferable. Vehicle: $30 Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less); valid for 7 days. Motorcycle: $25 Admits one non-commercial motorcycle; valid for 7 days. Individuals: $15 Admits one individual. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians; valid for 7 days. Big Bend Annual Pass: $55 (good for one year from purchase date) Covers entrance fees to Big Bend National Park. Pass is available at Big Bend National Park entrance stations or any Visitor Center. Pass is non-transferable. Non-commercial groups: Organized groups such as Scouts, youth groups, churches, reunions, 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. Commercial Groups: 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). Educational Groups: Groups entering the park for education purposed are encouraged to check the academic fee waiver for application and qualification information. CAMPING FEES Developed Campgrounds The National Park Service operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds; Rio Grande Village Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. The cost is $16 per night per site ($8 per night with Senior or Access pass). Campground Reservations Approximately 2/3 of the campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin campgrounds are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Reservations may be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Big Bend National Park cannot make reservations. More information about reserving campsites. Backcountry Campsites Backcountry campsites require a $10 per night backcountry use permit ($5 with a Senior or Access pass), which must be acquired in person at either the Panther Junction or Chisos Basin visitor centers during normal business hours. Learn more about Backcountry Camping. Park Entrances Park entrances are open 24 hours daily, all year. Entrance fee stations have variable seasons and hours. Arriving After Hours Park entrances are always open and you can arrive at any hour, but entrance fee stations and visitor centers may be closed after normal business hours. The three main park campgrounds are always open (pending site availability); self register at the campground entrance. Lodge guests should contact the lodge if arriving after business hours. Visitor Centers: Panther Junction Open daily, 8:30 am–5:00 pm. Reduced hours on Christmas day. (open 8:30 am - 1:00 pm) Chisos Basin Open daily, 8:30 am–4:00 pm. Closed for lunch. Reduced hours on Christmas day. (open 8:30 am - 1:00 pm) Persimmon Gap Open seasonally, November 1 - April 30, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Closed for lunch. Castolon Open seasonally, November 1 - April 30, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Closed for lunch. Rio Grande Village Open seasonally, November 1 - April 30, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Closed for lunch.