Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River
For 196 miles, this free-flowing stretch of the Rio Grande winds its way through desert expanses and stunning canyons of stratified rock. For the well prepared, an extended float trip provides opportunities to explore the most remote corner of Texas and experience the ultimate in solitude, self-reliance, and immersion in natural soundscapes.
Fees & passes
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private VehicleEntrance Fee to Big Bend National Park. This fee includes all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle and is valid for 7 days | $30 |
Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River is administered by Big Bend National Park. All park visitors are required to purchase a recreational use pass upon entering Big Bend National Park. No cash is accepted; credit/debit card only. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.
Hours
| Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River | Daily · All Day |
When to go
March draws the most visits here and August the fewest, averaged over 2021 to 2025.
Visitor centers
- Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center is located 0.25 miles north of the Rio Grande Village developed area and includes exhibits on Big Bend wildlife. River use permits are issued and entrance fees can be paid here. A small desert garden provides an overview of Chihuahuan Desert plants.
No campgrounds, no webcams or events in Park Service data. What is here comes from the official page. The rest lives there.
Checked nightly. Modules appear as soon as the Park Service publishes the data.
Explore
Things to do
- Big Bend Junior Rangers
Big Bend National Park invites young visitors to become official Junior Rangers.
Opens on the Park Service site - View the Night Sky
Far away from most city lights, Big Bend National Park preserves pristine darkness. Take this chance to stargaze, and experience the half of the park that many of us miss - nighttime.
Opens on the Park Service site - See the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is accessible from a number of places in Big Bend National Park, and a variety of hiking trails provide even further opportunities to get up close and personal with our watery border with Mexico.
Opens on the Park Service site - Visit Boquillas, Mexico
Visiting the small village of Boquillas, Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport.
Opens on the Park Service site - Join A Ranger
Join a Park ranger for a guided hike, talk, or evening program. Discover the amazing stories behind the scenery of Big Bend.
Opens on the Park Service site - Become a Big Bend Expert
The bookstore carries a large variety of educational books, videos, park information, and high quality souvenirs to help you learn more about the park and its resources or just help you remember your trip to Big Bend.
Opens on the Park Service site
Show all 9Hide
- Find The Perfect Sunrise & Sunset
Where is the best place to see the sunrise or sunset? Truly, the answer is anywhere in the park! With huge horizons and dramatic scenery, it is spectacular wherever you are.
Opens on the Park Service site - Enjoy Sunset at Rio Grande Village
Photography can be a rewarding experience for visitors. One of the best places is the Nature Trail at Rio Grande Village
Opens on the Park Service site - Float the Rio Grande
Take a Big Bend float trip on the Rio Grande. Experience the beauty of one of Big Bend's spectacular limestone canyons.
Opens on the Park Service site
Guidebooks for Texas's national parks and the Southwest
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject.
Reference
Activities
Activity guides for this park Birdwatching in the national parks · Camping in the national parks · Canoeing and kayaking in the national parks · Fishing in the national parks · Hiking in the national parks · Wildlife watching in the national parks
All 13 activitiesHide
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Rio Grande?
Entrance is $30 per private vehicle. Entrance Fee to Big Bend National Park.
Source: National Park Service
Which passes work at Rio Grande?
The $80 America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee here.
Source: Is the pass worth it
Can I pay the entrance fee in cash?
No. Rio Grande takes cards only at the entrance.
Source: National Park Service
When is entrance to Rio Grande free?
Next on October 27, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday. 2 fee-free days are left this year, for US residents only.
Source: Free entrance days
Do I need a reservation to enter Rio Grande?
No. There is no timed-entry or entrance reservation at Rio Grande. Camping and some tours have their own reservations.
Source: National Park Service
Is Rio Grande open year-round?
Yes. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Source: National Park Service
How busy is Rio Grande?
120 recreation visits in 2025, number 386 of 387 units that report visitation.
Source: Most visited parks
Follow this park
- Alerts feed (RSS)
- Every active Park Service alert for this unit, one item each, rebuilt with the nightly data refresh.
- Add dates to your calendar (.ics file)
- Fee-free entrance days that apply here and each published hours exception, as all-day events.
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