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Big Bend National ParkThe western coachwhip, or red racer, is a commonly seen snake
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Big Bend National Park
Visitor Centers
 
Taking down the flag; Panther Junction visitor center, 1965.
NPS Historic Photograph Collection
Taking down the flag; Panther Junction visitor center, 1965.
 
Big Bend has five visitor center that provide visitor information, entrance fees, permits and other services. Three of these facilities are open year-round, two during the busier season.
 
Year-Round Visitor Centers

Panther Junction Visitor Center
Located at park headquarters, the Panther Junction visitor center is the best over-all beginning point to your visit.
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Chisos Basin Visitor Center
The Basin visitor center includes interactive exhibits on the plants, animals and birds that can be found in the Chisos Mountains.
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Persimmon Gap Visitor Center
Located at the north entrance to the park, the Persimmon Gap visitor center has exihibits that provide information on floating the Rio Grande.
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Seasonal Visitor Centers (November-April)

Castolon Visitor Center 
Located in the historic La Harmonia store building, the Castolon visitor center includes exhibits that explore the multi-faceted history of this border region.
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Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
The Rio Grande Village visitor center includes a small theatre where park films can be shown.
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Passport stamp
National Park Passport Stamps
Find out where to stamp your book!
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Ranger Hat
Ranger-led programs
Join a park ranger to learn more about Big Bend
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Desert road
Arriving after hours
What to do if you arrive in the park after hours
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Camels  

Did You Know?
Traveling through the Big Bend during the 1860 camel experiment, Lt. William Echols reported that camels did well in the desert, but that they suffered from sore feet. “I would recommend to any one using the camels over rough country, in case of tender feet, to shoe them with a piece of raw hide…”
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Last Updated: August 05, 2006 at 18:43 EST