National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Big Bend National ParkRuins of the Mariscal Mine
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Big Bend National Park
The Rio Grande Village Area
 
The Rio Grande Village area offers superlative views of the river and nearby mountains.
Dan Leavitt
The Rio Grande Village area offers superlative views of the river and nearby mountains.
 
Rio Grande Village is the center of visitor activity during the winter months. Here you will find a Park Service Campground and Visitor Center, Concession operated store, laundry, and shower facility. The store also runs the Rio Grande Village RV Hookup campground. Great scenery, warm temperatures, abundant wildlife, and full visitor services make this a must visit location for any Big Bend outing.

Elevation
1850 feet (564m)

Facilities & Services
The visitor center here is open seasonally. The camper store, including the gas station, public showers and laundromat, is open year-round. Two campgrounds are located here: a 100-site Class A campground and a 25-site concession-operated full-hookup campground for RVs.

 

What to Do
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Although a very short and easy trail (3/4 mile round-trip), the RGV Nature Trail is very scenic and offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. A self-guiding leaflet describes the area's natural and human history. Pick up the trailhead behind RGV campground site #18.
more...

Daniel's Ranch Picinic Area
Located on the west side of Rio Grande Village, this picnic area is located in the old Daniel's Ranch. The trailhead for the Hot Springs Canyon trail is nearby. Another excellent spot for birding!

Hot Springs Historic District
Take a soak in the hot spings and explore the remains of Big Bend's first resort.
more about the self-guiding trail at Hot Springs...
more about the history of Hot Springs...
go take a soak at the Hot Springs...

Boquillas Canyon
No visit to the east side of the park is complete without a stop at Boquillas Canyon. An overlook and trail provide opportunities to view or explore the canyon.
more...

Dayhikes in the Rio Grande Village area
A number of dayhikes in this area provide excellent opportunities to explore the river environment.
more...

Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
Rio Grande Village Weather
Automated Station—updated hourly
more...
Hikers in Boquillas Canyon
Take a Dayhike on the East side
Great hikes in the Rio Grande Village area!
more...
A lone bather at the Hot Springs
Soak in the Hot Springs
Learn more about Big Bend's Hot Springs along the Rio Grande
more...
Bird-watching
Bird-watching
Where to see the best birds in Big Bend.
more...
Everett Townsend with a Mexican child, 1936  

Did You Know?
Townsend Point (7580'/2310m) is the second highest point in the Chisos Mountains. The point is named in honor of Everett Townsend, who was instrumental in the establishment of Big Bend National Park
more...

Last Updated: September 28, 2006 at 12:49 EST