Often referred to as three parks in one thanks to its towering mountains, vast expanses of desert, and winding stretch of river, Big Bend National Park is a remote wilderness destination on the border of Texas and Mexico. It takes some effort to get to, but it’s well worth the journey for those who love dark night skies, backcountry camping, and glimpses of Chihuahuan Desert creatures, including javelinas, black bears, and roadrunners.
Whether you’re a Texan who is lucky enough to have Big Bend National Park in your backyard or it’s been on your bucket list for years, there’s no time better than now to support this spectacular desert locale. It may not be possible to visit Big Bend amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can still support the park, explore it remotely, and dream about your future trip all from the comfort of your couch.
Is Big Bend National Park open during the COVID-19 outbreak?
According to a press release from April 3, 2020, Big Bend National Park is currently closed to visitors. Employees and other authorized personnel may remain in the park, but outside guests can’t access Big Bend or drive through it at this time. As is the case with all national parks and wilderness destinations right now, it’s wise to check current restrictions and updates before packing up your RV and hitting the road. Staying home and practicing social distancing is safest for everyone right now.
How to support Big Bend National Park while practicing social distancing
Rest assured that Big Bend National Park will be just as beautiful when coronavirus-related restrictions have lifted, and it’s safe to travel again. Your RV camping trip to Big Bend will be worth the wait.
While you’re waiting, support Big Bend by donating to the Big Bend Conservancy. This organization raises funds to support the park through grants and gifts. Texans can even get special Big Bend license plates, which give proceeds back to the Big Bend Conservancy. You can make a one-time or annual gift, or use the Giving Assistant program that allows you to raise funds by shopping at online retailers.
You can also support Big Bend during National Park Week by donating to the National Parks Foundation, another national park charity organization that raises money to help preserve hiking trails, create programs for kids, and provide information to the public.
If you’re in the area, you can support local businesses in the towns of Terlingua, Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, and Fort Stockton. Look for restaurants offering takeout and employee relief funds. Some of these may also be soliciting donations online.
Lastly, support Big Bend by shopping the park bookstore online. You’ll get some great quarantine reading material while giving back. Win-win.
Ways to immerse yourself in Big Bend’s beauty from your couch
In addition to experiencing Big Bend from afar by diving into a good book about the area, there are many other ways to explore this majestic park remotely.
Check out a webcam of the Panther Junction area inside Big Bend. This webcam updates every 15 minutes and shows views of mountains, desert plant life, and the occasional animal. You can also look at photo galleries of the area. The park website and the geotag on Instagram are awesome places for looking at beautiful Big Bend photos.
Stay engaged by following the park on Facebook. Rangers are still regularly updating this with photos, videos, and updates on what the staff is up to during the closure. Keep an eye out for Ask a Ranger sessions, which allow you to get answers to all of your Big Bend questions.
Support the park during National Park Week
Big Bend National Park is a very special place. Its remote location in the Chihuahuan Desert offers unspoiled night skies, mountain treks, and access to the wild Rio Grande. Supporting the park during National Park Week by donating is a great way to keep it natural, accessible, and ready for you when it’s time to hit the road in your RV and head there for a desert vacation.
Team Outdoorsy is here to help you along your journey. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming RV rental, give us a call at 1-877-723-7232, send us an email, or start a chat. And for a continuously updated list of frequently asked COVID-19 questions relating to RV travel, visit our FAQ page.
