Big Bend National Park
Visitor Services
VISITOR CENTERS
Open All Year:
Panther Junction Visitor Center
Open All Year 8:00am - 6:00pm
Phone: (432) 477-2251
The Panther Junction Visitor Center is located at Panther Junction.
Exhibits:
Exhibits provide an overview to the complex geology, natural and cultural histories that are present at Big Bend. The Panther Path, a self-guided nature trail begins adjacent to the porch of the visitor center.
Available Facilities:
Backcountry camping and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours. Big Bend Natural History Association Bookstore, U.S. Post Office, Public Phone, and Restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers.
Chisos Basin Visitor Center
Open All Year
November to March 8am - 3:30pm
April to November 9am - 4:30pm
Closed one hour for lunch 12:00 - 1:00pm
Reduced hours on Christmas day.
The Chisos Basin Visitor Center is located in the Basin developed area, adjacent to the parking lot. The Chisos Mountains trailhead is 100 yards to the west of the Visitor Center.
Exhibits:
Visitor Center exhibits on the peregrine falcon, black bear, and mountain lion provide more information on these species' lives in the Chisos Mountains.
Available Facilities:
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and restrooms. Backcountry camping permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours. A water faucet is available on the east side of the building for filling personal water containers.
Open Seasonally:
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
November through April 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
May through October Closed
The Visitor Center is located a quarter-mile to the north of the Rio Grande Village developed area.
Exhibits:
Learn more about animal life along the Rio Grande; exhibits explore bats and other animals that call the Big Bend home. Find out more about the endangered Big Bend Gambusia, a fish found only in the park. In front of the Visitor Center a small desert garden provides an excellent overview of the plants of the Chihuahuan Desert. A mini-theater is also available for viewing Big Bend videos.
Available Facilities:
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, public phone and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers. Backcountry and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours. Entrance fees can be paid at the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center.
Persimmon Gap Visitor Center
Open All Year 9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
The Persimmon Gap Visitor Center is located adjacent to the Persimmon Gap Entrance Station at the north entrance to the park.
Exhibits:
Exhibits in the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center provide an orientation to the common visitor experience at Big Bend. Learn more about how to prepare for backcountry hiking and camping and what to expect if you attempt a river trip.
Available Facilities:
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, public phone and restrooms. Backcountry and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours. A picnic area with pit toilets is located 1/4 mile south of the entrance station.
Castolon Visitor Center
November through April 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Closed for lunch)
May through October Closed.
The visitor center is located in the east end of the historic "La Harmonia" store building at Castolon.
Exhibits:
Visitor center exhibits relate the history of the Castolon area from 1901 through 1961 by way of historic photos, written narrative and hands-on items. Additional exhibits can be viewed in the Magdelena House, just a short distance from the Visitor Center.
Available Facilities:
The Castolon Visitor Center features a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and nearby restrooms. Backcountry camping permits and river use permits can be obtained at the visitor center during normal hours. Entrance fees can be paid at the Castolon Visitor Center.
NOTE: All visitor center hours subject to change.
CONCESSION HOURS
Hours are subject to change without notice. For more information, please contact the Forever Resorts at 432 477-2291
OPEN CLOSE
Castolon Store 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Panther Junction Service Station
(Fuel available 24 hours with Visa/Mastercard and PIN number) 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
Rio Grande Village Store 8:00 AM 7:00 PM
Rio Grande Village Showers 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
Rio Grande Village Laundry 8:00 AM 7:00 PM
Chisos Basin Store 8:00 AM 9:00 PM
Chisos Mountains Lodge Desk 7:00 AM 9:00 PM
Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant
Breakfast 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Lunch 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
PHONE SERVICES
Public Phones
Public phones are located in all developed areas at visitor centers, campgrounds, camper stores, and the Chisos Mountains Lodge.
Cell Phones
Limited cell phone coverage is available in the Big Bend area. Reception depends on both the service you use and your location within the park; lower elevations and mountains often block signals.
Big Bend In Depth
News from the Parks
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
