Big Bend National Park officials are asking visitors to pack out their trash after park rangers found significant amounts of litter left behind at Rio Grande Village Campground following a recent surge in holiday visitors.
According to the National Park Service, rangers discovered trash that had been left behind by campers and later blown into nearby trees and surrounding desert areas. Items found included cardboard boxes, plastic store bags, paper and paper towels, aluminum cans, and abandoned camping gear.
Park officials emphasized that litter does not belong in Big Bend and poses serious risks to wildlife, damages fragile desert ecosystems, and diverts staff time away from helping visitors enjoy the park.
“With the holiday weekend bringing more visitors, we need your help,” park officials said. “If you pack it in, pack it out and dispose of trash in its proper place.”
Officials also asked visitors to report trash or unattended food to a campground host or park ranger so it can be addressed quickly.
Big Bend National Park reminded visitors that preserving the park is a shared responsibility and encouraged everyone to be part of the solution by practicing Leave No Trace principles.
“Thanks for helping keep Big Bend wild and beautiful,” the park said.
