Pam LeBlanc checks out the view from the South Rim at Big Bend National Park in January 2019. Chris LeBlanc photo
Big Bend National Park remains open, but has limited some services.
Visitors centers and entry stations will close, and back country camping is open only to sites available through advance, online reservation. The hotel will remain open, but restaurant services will be limited.
Here’s the full press release from park officials.:
Effective Tuesday March 17, 2020 until further notice:
-All Big Bend visitor centers will be closed including Big Bend Natural History Association bookstores
-Entrance stations will be closed
-All formal interpretive programming and special events scheduled for the next 60 days will be cancelled
-The Boquillas Port of Entry will be closed effective March 18, 2020
-Camping permits will be impacted – group campsites will be closed when current parties vacate
-Backcountry camping will be restricted to those sites available for advance reservation on recreation.gov
-All activities will be restricted to the CDC’s guidelines of 10 persons or less including guides
-The hotel will remain open, the bar will be closed, the salad bar will be closed. The restaurant will attempt to maximize takeout meals
-Restaurant and patio capacity will be restricted and tables spread out to maximize distance between diners, patio dining will continue through April unless there are negative trash or animal impacts.
-The RV campground at Rio Grande Village will remain open.
Please note that park staff realize these are significant changes to daily operations, and will negatively impact the business of many park partners, concessioners and area businesses. Park staff feel strongly that these restrictions are in line with CDC’s guidance. They will work to keep the park open so that visitors can enjoy the open, solitary spaces. But they will keep both visitor and employee safety at top of mind.
Full details will be released by Big Bend National Park staff tomorrow, this briefer has been shared with the permission of the superintendent. We will post any information from the park here as soon as it is received. Thank you for your patience as we all work through these challenging times.
About Pam
I’m Pam LeBlanc. Follow my blog to keep up with the best in outdoor travel and adventure. Thanks for visiting my site.
