Big Bend Natural History Association

***Self-Guided Trip Planning

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.

The busy season is here! Campgrounds are fully reserved most nights, and on winter and spring holiday weekends you're likely to encounter "traffic control" on roads to popular sites-- rangers and ranger volunteers will direct traffic so one vehicle enters when one vehicle exits a congested area such as the Chisos Basin. Plan ahead and arrive as early as possible in the morning.

Remember that you must have a reservation or permit to camp or park overnight anywhere inside or outside the park. There is no first-come, first-served camping anywhere in Brewster County. Summer campground closures ended November 1 and all campgrounds filled that day, so be sure you have a place to stay lined up before you leave home. See the park website for information on how to make a reservation and a list of nearby options when Big Bend National Park is full. If you can't get a camping reservation in Big Bend National Park, be sure to check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website to see if there's anything in the nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park!

Bringing a trailer or RV? It's best to go to your RV park first to leave your RV, and drive into the park in your tow vehicle. You're unlikely to find a parking spot large enough for an RV. The only place in the park where you might be given permission to leave a trailer is the Rio Grande Village visitor center at the far east end.

Chisos Mountains Trails Map 2020

Chisos Mountains Trails Map 2020

Revised in 2019 and in full color, this handy map includes a new inset map of the Chisos Basin Trailhead and developed area as well as descriptions...
$1.39
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Hiker's Guide 2021

Hiker's Guide 2021

Significantly revised, the 2021 edition is filled with full-color photographs and is a large format 8.5" x 11" for readability. New symbols...
$4.95
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2024 Trails Illustrated Map: Big Bend National Park

2024 Trails Illustrated Map: Big Bend National Park

• Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Topographic Map Updated for 2024 with the new Lone Mountain and Ernst Ridge Trails The largest...
$14.95
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Yonderings: Trails and Memories of the Big Bend

Yonderings: Trails and Memories of the Big Bend

By Ben H. English W.F. Strong of The Texas Standard says "‘Yonderings’ may be the best travel guide for Big Bend." It was a...
$22.95
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Backcountry Road Guide

Backcountry Road Guide

Thoroughly revised mile by mile, this new edition of the Road Guide to Backcountry Roads of Big Bend National Park now includes GPS coordinates as...
$4.95
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Desert Hiking Tips: Expert Advice on Hiking and Driving

Desert Hiking Tips: Expert Advice on Hiking and Driving

  This pocket-size book might be a life-saver—or at least a time- and embarrassment-saver! Veteran outdoorsman Bruce Grubbs provides the...
$10.95
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River Guide to the Rio Grande: Colorado and Santa Elena Canyons

River Guide to the Rio Grande: Colorado and Santa Elena Canyons

This guide covers from Tapado Canyon to the Santa Elena Canyon takeout and includes Colorado Canyon and Santa Elena Canyon. A newly revised version...
$17.95
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River Guide to the Rio Grande: Mariscal and Boquillas Canyons

River Guide to the Rio Grande: Mariscal and Boquillas Canyons

Newly revised version of the classic guide, with updated text and new full color maps and photos. Includes the “Great Unknown.” 20...
$19.95
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Trails Illustrated Day Hikes: Big Bend National Park

Trails Illustrated Day Hikes: Big Bend National Park

This map set features 18 of the most interesting medium-length hikes in Big Bend National Park, in a convenient waterproof, rip-resistant booklet...
$14.95
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Hiking Big Bend National Park 4th Edition

Hiking Big Bend National Park 4th Edition

By Laurence Parent. Hiking Big Bend National Park features 52 of the finest trails in Texas - from short day hikes to backcountry treks. With this...
$22.95
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