Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — 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.
Camping & reservations
Use this unit’s official planning instructions to confirm permitted overnight options, tours and any required permits. A day-use parking area is not an authorized campsite.
Confirm official overnight options and permits. Official trip-planning information ↗
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
Confirm whether this unit offers a designated campsite suitable for a truck camper or RV. Verify permission to stay overnight, the exact site dimensions and vehicle approach before traveling.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Boating, Boat Tour, Camping, Backcountry Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Fishing, Food, Dining, Hiking, Paddling, Canoeing, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Kayaking, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters) or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, food, water, and supplies for your trip. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Variable -- February-April: High temperatures range from mid-70sF (23C) to low-90sF (32C) with lows from the mid-30sF (2C) to mid-50sF (12C). Cold fronts can bring freezing weather with rain or snow. -- May-August: Temperatures are hot and the weather can be stormy. Temperatures over 100F (more than 38C) degrees. -- September-January:Temperatures are cooler. The weather can turn cold any time during these months.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Rio Grande Vista and Crown Mountain
Rio Grande Vista and Crown Mountain
Credit: NPS. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Boquillas Canyon
A float through the canyons can be a magical experience.
Credit: NPS / G. Fisseler. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.