Big Bend National Park
Big Bend, TX
Desert, mountains and the Rio Grande in one remote park. Santa Elena Canyon is the easiest walk into the gorge.
Established in 1944, the national park covers about 3,240 km² (1,250 sq mi) and protects the largest area of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. For roughly 190 km (118 miles) the Rio Grande forms the border with Mexico. In the middle rise the Chisos Mountains, the only mountain range in the US lying entirely within a national park; Emory Peak reaches 2,387 m (7,832 ft). In summer, lower elevations often top 38 °C (100 °F), while winters are mostly mild.
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive winds 48 km (30 miles) to the Castolon area and Santa Elena Canyon, whose walls rise sheer for more than 300 m (1,000 ft). The trail into the canyon is 2.6 km (1.6 miles) round trip with 26 m (80 ft) of elevation gain and takes about an hour. First you cross Terlingua Creek, which may be dry, muddy or flowing depending on recent rain; during the summer monsoon the trail can be impassable. The nearest sizable town is Alpine.
- Nearest town
- Big Bend, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.2498, -103.2502
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–June, September and December–February. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Chisos Basin Road, Big Bend NP (TX). Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 23 ft 11 in (7.3 m)). Alternative: Stay at Rio Grande Village or Cottonwood instead.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Chisos Basin CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Big Bend National ParkTentsCaravans
- Chisos Basin Group CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Big Bend National ParkTents
- Rio Grande Village RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Big Bend National Park · 25 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Big Bend National Park · 22 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Rio Grande Village CampgroundMotorhome stopover18 mi from Big Bend National ParkMotorhomes
- Lost Gringo RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Big Bend National ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is in Big Bend, TX, at GPS 29.2498, -103.2502. It is about 23 mi from Terlingua.
Can you camp near Big Bend National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is East Rim 4, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 87 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West Texas and southern New Mexico: dunes, caves and Big Bend and The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena.
What is there to see near Big Bend National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chisos Basin Campground (3 mi), Big Bend Hot Springs (16 mi), Santa Elena Canyon (22 mi) and Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center) (31 mi).
When is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May–June, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)