Park Essentials

Accessibility

Visitor centers and some campsites at Rio Grande Village and Chisos Basin are wheelchair accessible. The Founder's Walk and Panther Path at Panther Junction; Window View Trail at Chisos Basin; and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail boardwalk are wheelchair-accessible trails. The Rio Grande and Chisos Basin amphitheaters also are accessible.

Admission Fees and Permits

It costs $20 to enter at the gate, and your pass is good for seven days. Camping fees in developed campgrounds are $14 per night, while backcountry camping is $10 for up to 14 days. Mandatory backcountry camping, boating, and fishing permits are available at visitor centers.

Admission Hours

Big Bend National Park never closes. Visitor centers may be closed Christmas Day. The park is in the central time zone.

ATMs/Banks

The Rio Grande Village store and Chisos Basin Lodge have ATMs.

Automobile Service Stations

There are two Fina gas stations in the park: at the one at Panther Junction does minor work (oil and tires), and the one at Rio Grande Village offers gas, and propane for camp stoves.

Contacts

Panther Junction Service Station. Be prepared to pay a few cents more for gas at this conveniently located station, close to Chisos Mountains Lodge and all Chisos Basin attractions. 26 mi south of north park entrance, Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834. 432/477-2294.

Rio Grande Village Service Station. Given its remote location, this service station and attendant convenience store are an oasis for travelers. 22 mi southeast of Panther Junction, Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834. 432/477-2293.

Terlingua Auto. This garage offers a range of tire and mechanical work. Off Hwy. 170, Terlingua, TX, 79852. 432/371-2223.

Cell-Phone Reception

Cell phones do not often work in the park. Public telephones can be found at the visitor centers.

Emergencies

Dial 911 or 432/477-1188. Medical services are just outside the park in tiny communities along Route 170.

Contacts

Big Bend Regional Medical Center. This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, lab work, physical therapy and a pharmacy. 2600 N. Hwy. 118, Alpine, TX, 79830. 432/837-3447.

Terlingua Medics. Terlingua, TX, 79852. 432/371-2536.

Park Contact Information

Big Bend National Park (P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834. 432/477-2251. www.nps.gov/bibe.)