NATIONAL PARK SERVICE · news

Critical Water Shortage in Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park

January 3, 2026 · Source: National Park Service

Park entrance sign with the words, Big Bend National Park, Mountains and desert hills in the background. — Image supplied by the National Park Service. View the original image and credit

Big Bend National Park, Texas—On December 23, 2025, the water pumps at Oak Spring failed completely. These pumps supply water to the Chisos Basin developed area from Oak Spring, the only water source for the Chisos Basin. The park immediately enacted Stage 2 water restrictions to conserve the water stored in the Chisos Basin water tanks.

Read the official NPS source

What Travelers Need to Know

Use the official notice to confirm the affected destination, dates and visitor arrangements before finalizing your trip.

Dates and operating conditions can change after publication. Check the park’s official visitor information for your travel date.

Traveler guidance by State & Nation Staff Writer.

Destinations

Big Bend

Related state Travel pages

Texas