The Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas offers unique camping and outdoor adventures during spring, particularly in March and April. Big Bend National Park braces for a surge in tourists, according to a press release. With the park already experiencing unprecedented visitor numbers, those planning a 2024 spring break getaway are advised to plan their visit.
“We expect an extremely busy spring break this year,” Tom VandenBerg, the park’s chief of interpretation & visitor services, said, noting the potential influx of visitors this year.
Campers are urged to secure their camping or lodging accommodations in advance, either within the park or in the surrounding gateway communities. Since the beginning of February, the park’s campgrounds and most primitive campsites have been filling up by late morning each day, signaling a potentially record-breaking season.
“More than ever, people are seeking out the qualities of this special place. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Big Bend, but also the busiest. Many are surprised at the crowds and disappointed to find that there is nowhere to stay,” VandenBerg said.
Reservations for all campgrounds in Big Bend National Park are now required. Campers can secure their spots up to six months in advance, with a limited number of sites available for booking 14 days before arrival exclusively through the online portal. The majority of these sites are already reserved for the spring break period.
“We wish to encourage people to also visit during other times of the year to maximize the enjoyment of Big Bend, and the remote sense of peacefulness that it is known for,” VandenBerg added.
Backcountry enthusiasts and those seeking primitive campsites must obtain permits, which are also reservable up to six months in advance via www.recreation.gov. While most of these permits are already claimed, a few primitive roadside campsites accessible to vehicles equipped for rugged terrain are available for in-person permitting at the Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers, up to 24 hours in advance.
Accommodations within the park are limited to those without prior reservations. The Chisos Mountains Lodge, the only in-park lodging facility, occasionally has availability due to last-minute cancellations. Additional options for camping, RV parks, and lodging are available in nearby communities, with up-to-date listings accessible here.
Parking challenges are expected at many of the park’s popular destinations, including the Lost Mine Trail, Chisos Basin, Hot Springs, Boquillas Port of Entry, Boquillas Canyon, and Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
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Isn’t it awesome to feel the buzz around Big Bend National Park? Explore fully by joining the rangers’ tours for an enriched experience delving into the area’s ecosystem and history.
Planning a trip to Big Bend this spring? Don’t forget to explore the amazing hiking trails with views of the Chisos Mountains and Rio Grande. Take a drive on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for stunning landscapes!