[caption caption="![\"A](\"https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/styles/panopoly_image_original/public/article-teaser-images/bibe_rgvpumphouse_flooding_courtesyofkatelentz_2025july3.jpeg?itok=cn1djQKd\" "\\"Big")
The pump house at Daniels Ranch in Big Bend National Park is seen partially submerged beneath flood waters on July 3, 2025/K. Lentz via NPS" align="left"][/caption]
The pump house at Daniels Ranch in Big Bend National Park is seen partially submerged beneath flood waters on July 3, 2025/K. Lentz via NPS" align="left"][/caption]
Flash floods prompted the evacuation of a campground and closed some roads and attractions in Big Bend National Park.
The Big Bend area of Texas, where the park is located, saw significant amounts of rainfall during the past few days, causing flash floods, wet conditions, and flooding along the Rio Grande. On Thursday, river flows exceeded 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Rio Grande Village and 18,000 cfs at Castolon, causing localized flooding in the national park. Tornillo Creek and Terlingua Creek were full and delivering large amounts of water to the Rio Grande. Smaller arroyos were experiencing flash flooding as well.
At these river levels it is unsafe to cross the Rio Grande, and the Boquillas Port of Entry will be closed until floodwaters recede to a safe level.
The Rio Grande Village campground was evacuated after floodwaters reached low-lying areas at the site. Campers from there and anyone with reservations at primitive roadside campsites were moved to the Chisos Basin campground.
Park staff was working to protect historic structures, such as Alvino House in the Castolon area, from flooding. The Hot Springs Historic District was flooded and inaccessible.
Flash floods also caused minor damage and left debris and standing water on paved park roads. All unpaved roads were closed due to the soggy conditions, mud and potential for washouts. Additionally, the paved road between Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon was underwater and temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to be alert for standing water and debris on all area roads.
More rain is forecast over the next few days and as the high water currently in Castolon moves downstream, it could cause another rise in the river at Rio Grande Village. Visitors should check the park website for current conditions, weather information and alerts. Parkgoers are also encouraged to check with rangers at the Panther Junction Visitor Center.
Multiple locations remained closed in Big Bend National Park as of Friday, including:
- Hot Springs Road.
- The road between Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon.
- Old Maverick Road.
- All dirt roads.
- All backcountry drive-in campsites.
- Rio Grande Village Campground.
- The Boquillas Crossing and the Port of Entry.
- Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village have debris and standing water in areas where the roads dip.
Please exercise extreme caution when driving any road in the park. Do not drive into low water crossings if water is flowing across the road. To view weather forecasts for Big Bend and Brewster County, please go to this page of the park's website.
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