Visitors planning winter trips to Big Bend National Park can breathe easy: the iconic Chisos Basin will remain fully open throughout the busy fall, winter, and early spring seasons of 2025–2026.
Park officials have confirmed that major construction projects in the Basin—including replacement of the Chisos Mountains Lodge and a complete overhaul of the area’s water distribution system—will now begin on May 1, 2026, instead of this winter. This change gives travelers one more season to enjoy the area’s unique high-mountain ecosystem, which draws visitors from across the globe during the cooler months.
The Chisos Basin visitor center, campground, and the entire Chisos Mountains trail system will remain open and fully operational. Services provided by Casa Grande Hospitality, LLC, a subsidiary of Aramark, will also continue throughout the season, including food service and the camper store. Lodging will remain available, and visitors are encouraged to check www.chisosmountainslodge.com for the latest updates. Campsite reservations should be made at www.recreation.gov.
Construction Starts May 2026
Thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, work will begin next May and continue for approximately two years. Once construction starts, the entire Chisos Basin area—including the Basin Road, lodging units, Basin Campground, restaurant, visitor center, trails, and camper store—will be closed to the public.
However, the rest of Big Bend National Park will remain open year-round, including its 800,000+ acres of desert landscapes, river canyons, scenic drives, historic sites, and over 150 miles of hiking trails.
Park Will Reopen Areas as Work Progresses
As construction progresses, park managers will evaluate which areas can safely reopen in phases. For ongoing updates on the Chisos Basin construction project, visitors are encouraged to visit:
👉 https://go.nps.gov/chisosbasinfuture
