Starting May 1, 2025, the Chisos Basin area of Big Bend National Park will undergo major improvements, thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. These enhancements will temporarily close the Basin area, including the road, lodging, campground, restaurant, visitor center, camper store, and surrounding trails, as extensive construction work is carried out.
The renovation will feature the demolition of the existing Chisos Basin Lodge and the construction of a new lodge in its place. The new lodge will include a dining room, lobby, convenience store, restrooms, and an outdoor terrace, aimed at offering a high-quality visitor experience. Additionally, the park will replace outdated water lines, storage tanks, hydrants, and water treatment systems throughout the Basin area. More efficient fixtures and a new rainwater harvesting system are also planned to significantly reduce water demand.
During the closure, Big Bend National Park will remain open, providing access to over 800,000 acres of canyons, desert, historic sites, diverse wildlife, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails.
Further improvements during this period will focus on visitor access and safety, including ADA-compliant upgrades, new Visitor Center exhibits, a trailhead kiosk, the demolition of the current Camper Store, and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations. Pathways will be reconfigured to connect motel units and the Visitor Center to the new Lodge, ensuring a cohesive and accessible flow between major public facilities.
Park Superintendent Anjna O’Connor expressed enthusiasm about the project: “It is a great time for Big Bend to see these much-needed infrastructure and facility improvements. We’re excited to finally begin work on a well-engineered facility that fits the landscape and meets high standards for energy, water, and operational efficiency to better serve the visitors of today and tomorrow.”
The GAOA is a national effort, supported by revenue from energy development, providing up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to address maintenance and repair needs across U.S. national parks. This initiative ensures that national parks remain preserved and continue to offer recreational, educational, and enjoyment opportunities for present and future visitors.
Images and Concept Renderings from National Park Service
