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Big Bend National Park

VISITOR CENTERS

Chisos Basin Visitor Center

Open
Open All Year
November to March 9am - 3:30pm
April to November 9am - 4:30pm

Phone
(432) 477-2264

Location
The Chisos Basin Visitor Center is located in the Basin developed area, adjecent 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. Backcountry camping permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours.

Available Facilities
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and restrooms. The Chisos Basin Visitor Center does not have the facilities to take park entrance fees. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers.




Panther Junction Visitor Center

Open
Open All Year 8:00 - 6:00

Phone
(432) 477-2251

Location
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. Backcountry camping and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours.

Available Facilities
Big Bend Natural History Association Bookstore, U.S. Post Office, Public Phone, and Restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers.




Persimmon Gap Visitor Center

Open
Open All Year 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. November through May

Phone
(432) 477-2393

Location
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. Backcountry and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours.

Available Facilities
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, public phone and restrooms. A picnic area with pit toilets is located 1/4 mile south of the entrance station.




Rio Grande Village Visitor Center

Open
November through April 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
May through October Closed

Phone
(432) 477-2271

Location
The Visitor Center is located a quarter-mile to the north of the Rio Grande Village developed area.

Closures
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is open seasonally (November through April).

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. Backcountry and river use permits can be issued from the Visitor Center during normal hours.

Available Facilities
Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, public phone and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers.