Knowing exactly what to do at Big Bend National Park with your kids will create the perfect family memories of this trip. Kids will love the mountains and desert, the Rio Grande River, and the Dinosaur fossils. You will love the mountain overlooks and desert plant and animal life. This guide will give you exactly what you need to know before you go to Big Bend. Know what to pack, where to stay, where to stop and hike and what else to do around Big Bend.
How to Get to Big Bend National Park?
Family vacations in Texas must include a trip to Big Bend! It is one of two National Parks in the state and has some of the best scenery in Texas.
Big Bend is a National park that is a bit difficult to get to. It is located in the big bend of the Rio Grande which is also the border of Texas and Mexico.
You must drive a car to go to Big Bend. There are no public transportation options. While there are a few tours you can take, you will need a car to get you to the remote destination in West Texas. Get a rental car here.
The closest big airport is in Midland/Odessa (Airport Code MAF). From this airport in Midland to Big Bend is still a three hour drive. Book a cheap flight here and rent a car here.
Since there is no public transportation in West Texas, you will definitely need a car, rental car, RV or other way to get around. Everything is bigger in Texas which means you will have a lot of driving to get around and through this national park. .
From DFW it is a 8-hour drive to Big Bend. Coming from San Antonio to Big Bend is 6 hours away. From Houston to Big Bend is a 9-hour drive. Even from El Paso to Big Bend National Park is 4 1/2 hours of driving.
What Ages are Best Suited for Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend is accessible for most all ages. If the weather is hot, be careful about taking babies out in the heat. There are high vistas and small rivers to watch, but most kids should be able to easily navigate that. There are many types of cactus around, so a crawling baby would not be able to get down and move around.
My kids ages 4-12 loved playing in the Rio Grande and Santa Elena Canyon. Plan car activities because Big Bend is quite a bit of driving. We did the Junior Ranger Activities for part of our trip and then played music and games as we drove.
Where to stay in Big Bend National Park?
Staying inside Big Bend
Lodging at Big Bend is few and far between. There are no major hotels in Big Bend. Or anywhere near it. If you plan to go during spring break, lodging will be difficult to secure last minute and you may find nothing available at all.
Camping in Big Bend
Most people travelling to Big Bend plan on camping or living in the RV. If you book in advance, you might be lucky enough to snag a camping spot.
There are 4 campgrounds inside the park:
- Chisos Basin
- Cottonwood
- Rio Grande Village
- Rio Grande Village RV (the only hook ups in the park)
There are a few primitive campsites (no water, toilets or electricity) available as a first come, first serve basis. Check in at the visitors center to be assigned a remote location.
Hotels in Big Bend National Park
There is only one lodge inside Big Bend at chisos mountains. Chisos Mountain Lodge is in a beautiful location nestled in the trees. If I could plan my trip again, I would stay here for a night or two. In Chisos Mountain Basin you’ll find a small grocery store and other facilities you might need. It is close to several hikes as well as a Visitors Center. Since it is in the center of the park it is not too far to head to Ross Maxwell scenic drive of Rio Grande Village for the day. Reservations open in June for the following year so you must book well in advance to secure a spot.
Staying outside of Big Bend National Park
The closest small city to Big Bend is the Ghost Town of Terlingua to the West. There are several hotels here. We stayed at the Chisos Mining Company Motel, which was a 2-star at best, but it gave us a good night of rest.
The Labyrinth outside the door gave the kids plenty of playtime while we packed up.
The Terlingua Ranch Lodge looks like a great time! Find other options for where to stay in Terlingua on this map.
From Terlingua you can enter Big Bend National park at the west entrance which is closest to the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive. From Terlingua to Rio Grande Village is over a one hour drive, so be prepared.
You can also stay in the bigger city of Marathon or Alpine, but is it an hour drive to the Visitors Center in the park from there.
How Long to Plan to Visit Big Bend National Park?
There are more than 100 miles of paved road inside Big Bend, not to mention the dirt roads. There is so much to explore throughout the park.
That said, we went to the park for only one very full day! We weren’t able to get to one section of the park, but we did see a lot. If you have more time, plan on three full days or 5 more relaxed days to explore the area. If you are able to snag a campground or lodge inside the park, this will lessen your driving time and you will be able to explore more
Best Time to Go to Big Bend?
The summers in Big Bend are hot and humid. With the desert landscape, it is nearly impossible to be comfortable enough to explore the outdoors in Big Bend.
The best time to go to Big Bend National Park is in the late fall or early spring. Winter is good too, but it can get cold so come prepared. The temperature in fall and spring can vary day to day. Plan on layers and a variety of clothes to be comfortable.
How Much Does Big Bend Cost?
Going to any national Park is relatively cheap! Getting into Big Bend national park costs $30 per car.
Another option is to buy the America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 which gets you into all the National Parks. If you are visiting other national park the annual pass would be worth the money to get into all of these.
Within the West Texas area, you will also find Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Monument. All these parks will accept the America the Beautiful Pass.
If you have a 4th grade child, your whole family can get into the park for free. Learn Everything you need to know about National Park for other tips for getting in free and maximizing your time in the National Parks.
Essential Tips for Travel in Big Bend National Park
Gas
In Big Bend you can drive so many miles and never get to civilization. There is only one gas station inside the park just West of the Panther Junction Visitors Center. You will pay more for gas in this remote location, so if you are able, fill up in Terlingua or Marathon. That being said, you will be driving a lot and there are not many gas options. Do not run out of gas inside Big Bend National Park!
Cell Service and WiFi
Like most national parks, there is no Cell Service or WiFi inside the park. But unlike other National Parks, there was no service even in the surrounding area and cities outside the park. Have your maps downloaded well before you get to the area. Plan on not connecting to work or email or social media. You will be off the grid while visiting Big Bend National Park.
Food and Water
There are small shops for food at Chisos Basin, Castolon and Rio Grande Village visitors center. Other than those few options, you will not find any fast food, restaurants or other dining options. Be sure to bring meals and snacks for your trip.
Prepare some of these on-the-go meal ide as for your trip through Big Bend National Park.
You will need lots of water during your time in Big Bend. It is hot and dry. Plan on bringing more than your expect to use. The water at our hotel tasted bad, so grab some bottled water if it matters to you.
Car sickness
Because Big Bend covers a large area, you will be driving quite a bit. Roads aren’t particularly windy, but if you or your kids easily get sick in the car, bring some medication to help. We found the motion sickness armbands here did the trick for our little one. Chewable Dramamine for kids also helps, but will make your child drowsy and mostly likely will fall asleep -which might be exactly what you want for a long drive!
Visitors Centers of Big Bend National Park
There are five visitor centers inside Big Bend National Park. Stop at one before starting your day to see what is closed and know the current conditions or recommendations for the park. Pick up a Junior Ranger Program for the kids. They can work on it during your drive and then be sworn in as a Junior Ranger at the next visitors center you are near.
Persimmon Gap Visitors Center
Main Park Road
Open 9:30 – 4
Castolon Visitors Center
600 Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Open 9-4:30
Rio Grande Visitors Center
450 Rio Grande Road
open 9-12, 1-4:30
Best Hikes in Big Bend National Park
Don’t forget to wear good gear when hiking in Big Bend. Proper footwear will protect from cactus, insects and other injuries. It can be hot, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Shortcode
| K'tan Wrap for Baby | Front or Back Carrier for Babies | Backpack for Toddlers | Piggyback Rider for Preschoolers |
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| $49.95 | $44.95 | $169.00 | $114.00 |
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Easy
Window View
(Chisos Mountains)
Round Trip Distance: .3 mile
This is a short, easy and paved trail to a lookout to the window between 2 mountains. I wouldn’t even consider it a hike!
Sam Nell Ranch
(Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive)
Round Trip Distance: .5 mile
Well-maintained trail leading through the old ranch site. Water and shade make this a great place to spot birds.
Lower Burro Mesa Pour off
(Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive)
Round Trip Distance: 1 mi
This hike has no shade. You start the hike on a trail and then it merges into a dried river bed. Don’t miss the turn off to the trail on the way back!
Although on the map it looks like the upper burro Mesa pour off trail runs right into the lower, these two trails DO NOT connect. One trail ends at the top of the Pour off and one ends at the bottom. Please do not throw things off the top as there may be people at the bottom! We got hit by orange peels at the bottom. Take care of our National Parks
Santa Elena Canyon
(Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive)
Round Trip Distance: 1.6 mile
This hike is a must. There is a small section of switchbacks that climb a steep hills to get into the canyon, but it is doable for kids. The trail here is narrow, but paved and has railings so it is safe. The views in the canyon are incredible. You will want to plan time to play in the Rio Grande here and cross into Mexico.
Hot Springs
(Rio Grande Villiage)
Round Trip Distance: .75 mile
Check to be sure this is open for swimming before you go. It’s been closed during the pandemic. Walk past historic buildings to the river side hot springs of 105 degrees!
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Round Trip Distance: .75 mi
You will walk to a wildlife viewing platform on a pond and the climb the hillside for mountain and river views.
| Hiking Pants/shorts | Hiking Pants/Shorts | Hiking Shoes | Water Backpack |
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More Challenging Hikes
Basin Loop
(Chisos Mountains)
Round Trip Distance: 2 mi
Get a great view of the Basin area hiking between the Laguna Meadow and Pinnacles Trails.
Mule Ear Spring
(Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive)
Round Trip Distance: 3.8 mi
You can see the Mule Ears from a pull off on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. You can also hike through the desert to a small spring with mountain views.
Boquillas Canyon
(Rio Grande Village)
Round Trip Distance: 1.4 mi
Start with a little climb and then downhills to a sandy path to the river. Enjoy a sand dune slide at the end.
Itinerary Ideas for 1, 2, 3 Days or a Week in Big Bend
One Day in Big Bend
A one day trip to Big Bend is definitely possible and this is how we had to see the park due to not being able to find a place to stay.
If you enter on the West (from Terlingua)
- Drive down the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive.
- Stop at the Castelon Visitors Center to pick up Junior Ranger Programs and learn the history there.
- Snag a spot early at Santa Elena Canyon. Hike into the Canyon, play in the river.
- Picnic lunch at Santa Elena Canyon
- Stop along the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive.
- Hike the Lower Burro Mesa Pour off
- Get sworn in as a Junior Ranger at the Panther Junction Visitors Center or the Chisos Basin Visitors Center.
- Drive to Chisos Mountain Basin. Walk around the Windows area.
- Dinner in the picnic tables at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit
- Exit to the north.
- We left the park at 8:30 pm and made it to our nice hotel in Odessa by 11.
If you enter from the North
- Have breakfast at the Fossil Discovery Center
- Get Junior Ranger Programs from Panther Junction (walk the nature trail)
- Drive up Chisos Mountains
- Head to Santa Elena Canyon via Ross Maxwell Drive; make stops along the way
- Be sworn in as a Junior Ranger at Castelon Visitors Center
Two Days in Big Bend
Two days in Big Bend would be my recommendations for being able to at least see most of the park. If you want more time to hike deeper and linger longer, plan for 3 or more days.
First, complete the Itinerary from day one and then on day two tour the Rio Grande Village area.
- Stop at Dugout Wells
- Walk the short Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.
- Go to the Hot springs (Check a visitors Center to see if it has opened since covid)
- Enjoy Boquillos Canyon Overlook
- Walk the Rio Grande village Nature Trail for the bluff overlooking the Rio Grande for Sunset.
Three Days in Big Bend
If you have 3 days in Big Bend, spend a full day in each of the three areas of the park (stopping along the way)
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive/ Santa Elena Canyon
- Chisos Mountain Basin
- Rio Grande Village
You may want to consider a longer hike on each day or several shorter hikes in the area.
A Week in Big Bend
If you have a long time to explore Big Bend, you will need a high clearnace or 4×4 vehicle to explore on the ‘unimproved dirt roads’ throughout the park.
The pool of water at Ernst Tinaja is a great place to visit. Try the River road, Glenn Springs Road and Old Maverick road.
Even without a high clearance vehicle, the dirt road Dagger Flat and Grapevine Hills will get you off the main road for a closer look at the desert.
What Else Can I Do Around Big Bend National Park?
Quite honestly, there is nothing around Big Bend National Park for a hundred miles! There are no close accommodations, restaurants, fast food, big grocery stores or cities. The closest city, Marathon, is nearly an hour away.
Terlingua
The town just outside of the west side of Big Bend is Terlingua. Terlingua has several restaurants, gas and a few other food options. Here you can tour a ghost town, a really cool cemetery, walk the labyrinth and see a few other interesting sights. In the spring and fall, it is difficult to get a hotel room in one of the few small motels in the area, so book in advance for your best bet. Terlingua does provide shopping, groceries and gas, so make a stop here.
Marfa
Its difficult to explain this random area of West Texas, but Marfa has a draw for the supernatural. At night there are mysterious lights on the horizon that can’t be explained. While you aren’t guaranteed to see the mysterious lights, they are visible on many occasions, so test your luck and see if you can figure out where the lights are coming from. You will also love the art exhibits you can find near Marfa
Boquillas, Mexico
If you brought your passport, cross into Mexico! This tiny 200 person town will provide you will Mexican food, artwork and shopping.
Midland & Odessa
Although these cities are far from Big Bend, most visitors will find themselves drive through or flying into Midland and Odessa to make the trek to Texas’ National Park. Don’t miss a stop in these towns. Midland & Odessa are about 3.5 hours from Big Bend but here you will find plenty to eat and fun activities for the whole family. You will find affordable and plentiful hotels and accomodations. Check out my blog posts on these West Texas towns for fun and adventure near Big Bend.
What to Pack for Big Bend
Clothing
South West Texas can be hot and humid. Plan for warm layers of clothing for the winter. Since it can be brutally hot in the summer plan for cool lightweight clothing that will offer protection from bugs and sun, but still be breathable. In the spring and fall, the weather can be unpredictable so bring layers to be flexible. A rain jacket can be helpful.
Having the right footwear will be essential in Big Bend! There are cactus, insects and critters. You will want to protect your feet as you explore the area.
When we went in March, we played in the Rio Grande in swimsuits. If you plan on getting in the hot springs (if they are open), you will need a swimsuit. These small but effective towels are a must as well.
| Spray on for Ease | Face Stick | Best Face Protection |
|---|---|---|
  |   |   |
| Buy Sunscreen | Buy Sunscreen Stick | Buy Elta MD SkincareMD Skincare |
Equipment
Camera
The views in Big Bend are incredible. You will want to capture the beauty, from the smallest wild flower to the sweeping vistas. To get the kids engaged in capturing Big Bend, give them a camera, too!
Cameras for Kids
| Youngest Kids | Grade-Schoolers | Tweens | Teens | Action Video Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  |   |   |   |   |
| $30 | $70 | $63 | $384 | $37 |
| Buy Toddler Camera | Buy VTech KidiZoom | Buy Point and Shoot | Buy Olympus Tough | Buy Action Camera |
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
| Spray on for Ease | Face Stick | Best Face Protection |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Buy Sunscreen | Buy Sunscreen Stick | Buy Elta MD SkincareMD Skincare |
First Aid Kit – Hydrocortisone, tweezer (our daughter touched a cactus!), Calamine lotion, bandaids, neosporin, allergy meds, etc
Baby Wipes: good for cleaning hands, feet, shoes and everything in between (including a dusty car)
Food
Water: Big Bend is dry and can be hot. Even without the heat, you will need lots of water to sustain your efforts and energy.
Food: There are very few food options in Big Bend. Chisos Mountain has a small shop, but when we were there the line to get in was very long (covid precautions). Plus, you may want lunch in another location. Plan to bring food to eat as a picnic in one of the picnic areas. We ate lunch at the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon and dinner at the fossill Discovery Exhibit. Both had shade, picnic tables and garbage bins.
Picnic plates & utinsels
If you need ideas for food you can eat on the go with little prep work, read this post. Food to bring on -the-go
Travel Map of Big Bend National Park
Pick up an official national parks map when you arrive at the park. Here is a simple Big Bend National Park Map with the locations I highlighted in this guide. You can get started visualizing where everything for your trip.
If you are on your way to Big Bend, you will most likely fly into Midland/ Odessa or drive through there. Here are the best places to stop and see in Midland and more in Odessa!
Love West Texas? Don’t miss all the family fun in Abilene!
If you love national Parks, find my others guides here:
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Arches National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Hot Springs National Park
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