{"id":442497,"date":"2026-02-01T08:58:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-01T08:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/442497\/"},"modified":"2026-02-01T08:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T08:58:15","slug":"big-bends-in-park-hotel-closes-as-critical-water-shortage-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/442497\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Bend\u2019s in-park hotel closes as critical water shortage continues"},"content":{"rendered":"

TEXAS \u2013 The only hotel in Big Bend National Park has temporarily closed, as officials continue to navigate a critical water shortage in the Chisos Basin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Chisos Mountains Lodge closed last week until further notice, the park said on social media<\/a>, as it has gone without a critical water source for more than a month.<\/p>\n

Repairs to water pumps at Oak Spring are being expedited after they failed on Dec. 23, but the park service said it still has no timeline for restoration.<\/p>\n

Stage 3 water restrictions are taking place in the Chisos Basin to keep the section of the park open as long as possible.<\/p>\n

The Chisos Basin Camp Store and Chisos Basin Food Truck remain open, but will operate with reduced hours. Public restrooms are also closed.<\/p>\n

The Chisos Basin Campground is also open, but officials have turned off water spigots, toilets and sinks, according to the social media post.<\/p>\n

Portable toilets have been placed behind the visitor center and in the campground.<\/p>\n

Officials are recommending visitors bring plenty of water in order to be prepared.<\/p>\n

Drinking water is available in front of the Panther Junction Visitor Center, and water can also be purchased from camp stores within the park.<\/p>\n

To cook food, officials say a propane or gas stove is needed. The park has a charcoal fire ban in the Chisos Basin, and wood fires are not allowed.<\/p>\n

In a previous statement, officials said if water levels in the storage tanks drop to the minimum level needed to fight fires, the park said the area may have to be closed.<\/p>\n

The park has been under water restrictions since the pumps failed, and said a back-up pump is out for repair and not available.<\/p>\n

The Oak Springs water pumps are slated to be replaced this summer in an effort to rehabilitate the water distribution system for the Chisos Basin.<\/p>\n

Work on the project is scheduled to begin May 1 and continue for two years. While the park will remain open during construction, the Chisos Basin area will be closed to visitors.<\/p>\n

Big Bend National Park contributed $56.8 million to the local economy through tourism in 2024, according to a September report by the National Park Service.<\/p>\n

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