- Almost all roads and day-hiking trails are currently open at Big Bend National Park!
- Panther Junction Visitor Center and the Chisos Basin Visitor Center have reopened. Persimmon Gap, Rio Grande Village, and Castolon Visitor Centers will remain closed as usual for the summer season and are expected to reopen around November 1.
- The high Chisos Mountains trails and most campsites have reopened after the South Rim 4 Wildfire. Please note that human waste containment systems, such as WagBag or Restop 2 bags, will be required for overnight use and are highly encouraged for day hikers, due to the destruction of some composting toilet outhouses in the fire.
HOWEVER, the Big Bend area is experiencing extreme and very dangerous heat! Serious heat-related illnesses are occurring on a daily basis, and emergency rescue services are strained. Please be careful-- no matter how hot you expect it to be, it's going to be hotter than you expect.
Planning ahead is crucial to a safe trip. In addition to one or more of the following guidebooks, we highly recommend consulting the park's main website frequently for important safety updates.
Campgrounds, most primitive roadside sites, and most designated mountain hike-in sites remain available by advance reservation through www.recreation.gov. Permits for desert wilderness backpacking, overnight river trips, and some limited-access drive-in sites can be made in person during business hours on the Panther Junction patio. Please note that you MUST have a permit or reservation in advance to be able to stay overnight inside the park. There is NO first-come, first-served camping. If you don't have a reservation and you arrive outside of business hours, you must find a spot outside the park. See the main Big Bend National Park website, www.nps.gov/bibe , for full information on what's open and how to reserve a campsite.
