Safety at Big Bend National Park

Unless your daughter has specific reasons, I'd not worry about it.

Been doing Christmas Holiday camping at Big Bend for about 15 years now. Very safe, never had any problems. The territory in Mexico is also a National Park I believe, and except for one or two small villages there is very little for 100's of miles inland. The US Border Patrol has a good working relationship with the Mexicans too, any any minor issues that come up are quickly resolved.

We've been to BBNP several times and I think the area is isolated on the Mexican side too. I didn't see any signs of roads over there and few buildings. And I don't recall seeing any people either. There isn't much Border Patrol activity either. We felt perfectly safe.

I concur with the others that you will be safe at BBNP. The only issue I have heard lately is that the park has closed the popular Lost Mine Trail due to increased bear activity. It is good to see that the bears are continuing their return and that the park service is keeping everyone safe by reducing the possibility of interaction.

When I was there a few years ago, talked to a BP agent about illegal activity in the Big Bend area. He said it was rare because it is AT LEAST a 3-day hike across the desert to any civilization.

No problems we were there this February for two weeks - one of which was at the Rio Grande Village RV Park inside the park right on the Rio Grande
We took the row boat over to Mexico and had a great breakfast there

Between the remoteness from both the Texas and Mexico sides, multiple law enforcement agencies, and border checkpoints on the few roads from the park up to Hwy 90, Big Bend Nat'l Park is very safe.

I would be way more worried in Odessa.

Others have said it all.We plan to go later in the winter. If you go, let me know how you liked it.

I would guess that where you daughter lives isn't as safe than Big Bend. This is a national park with law officers. All border areas are safe. Illegals want to get away from the border as fast as possible. they don't linger :)

The tiny town across the river, Boquillas, is a town of very friendly people. The national park service years ago helped them to install a solar facility. The residents used to come across the river all the time to the small park store to purchase needed groceries or to fill their gas cans.

One of the park's employees lived in Boquillas. We became acquainted with her and she invited us to her home for lunch. We spent a very pleasant afternoon visiting and learned of the hardships the people had in this small town.

Then 911 happened. Now there are very strict regulations for these people as for getting food & gas in the national park. It's a shame because they are so poor and live so far away from a Mexican town for supplies. Still... they are happy folks.

I believe the boat crossing is still available in order to visit the town. After the row boat ride you can either walk or take a mule into town. This is how the people survive... by the national park tourists and the small amount of money for their boat or mule ride and for trinkets that they sell. In town they will serve you an excellent meal and a cold beer! :)

Don't be afraid of Big Bend NP. It's a beautiful treasure.