Water Issues Force Closure of National Park Lodge

Chisos Mountains Lodge in Big Bend National Park shuttered due to pump failure

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A lodge in Texas's Big Bend National Park has temporarily closed after some pumps that provide water to the area failed. The Chisos Mountains Lodge, the park's only lodge, has been shut down, with the Chisos Basin Campground remaining open but with limited water access. This closure is just the latest in a wave of water-related issues affecting lodgings in national parks across the southwest region.

Why it matters

The closure of the Chisos Mountains Lodge, the only lodge in Big Bend National Park, is a significant disruption for visitors and highlights the growing water supply challenges facing national parks in the southwest. These water issues have led to the shutdown of multiple lodges and campgrounds, impacting tourism and access to these public lands.

The details

The Chisos Mountains Lodge, a 72-room hotel, was shut down after some pumps that provide water to the area failed. While the Chisos Basin Campground remains open, the water spigots, toilets, and sinks have been turned off, and visitors are being advised to bring their own drinking water. This closure is part of a broader trend, with other national park lodges in the southwest, such as those on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, also shutting down due to water supply issues.

  • The Chisos Mountains Lodge was shut down in February 2026 after water pumps failed.
  • In December 2025, all hotels on the Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim were forced to close due to water supply issues.

The players

Chisos Mountains Lodge

A 72-room hotel located in Texas's Big Bend National Park, which has temporarily closed due to water supply problems.

Big Bend National Park

A national park located in southwest Texas, known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

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What’s next

The park has not provided a timeline for when the Chisos Mountains Lodge might reopen, as the issue with the water pumps is still being addressed.

The takeaway

The closure of the Chisos Mountains Lodge, the only lodge in Big Bend National Park, highlights the growing water supply challenges facing national parks in the southwest region. These issues have led to the shutdown of multiple lodges and campgrounds, disrupting tourism and access to these public lands, and underscoring the need for sustainable water management solutions.