Floods Impact Big Bend And Other Texas Travel Destinations

Forbes

3 days ago

Flood waters left debris, including vehicles and equipment scattered in Louise Hays Park on July 5 in Kerrville, Texas. (Photo by) Getty Images
The country mourns for so many people killed or injured—and properties ruined or damaged—in the Texas floods. Parks and travel destinations also took a hit.
The Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation, which presents popular music events throughout the year canceled its Oct. 10-12 Welcome Home Fest 2025. 'Right now, our focus is on providing relief, shelter and hospitality to those affected by this disaster,' the foundation states on its website. 'We're pouring our energy into supporting our neighbors.'
The flooding has closed Kerrville's Louise Hays Park for day use and through traffic 'until further notice,' the City of Kerrville's website says. 'This closure encompasses the Kerrville Rivertrail and all access points. Kindly refrain from attempting to enter these facilities through any access points.'
Kerrville sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River River, which overflowed and tragically swept away many summer campers and others. The city in the Texas Hill Country is about a two-hour drive west from Austin and a one-hour drive north from San Antonio.
Other areas also suffered damage, as far away as Big Bend National Park, a 388-mile, six-hour drive from Kerrville.
'The tourism infrastructure in Texas has taken a major hit,' the trade website Travel and Tour World reports. 'Popular tourist destinations like state parks, historic landmarks and natural reserves have been either temporarily closed or severely damaged.'
Search and rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4 in Comfort, Texas. (Photo by) Getty Images
Local businesses dependent on tourism have faced a sharp decline in visitors.
'Hotels, bed and breakfasts and local restaurants that once thrived during the summer tourism season have seen a significant drop in foot traffic,' Travel and Tour World says. 'With much of the local population displaced or involved in recovery efforts, businesses are struggling to stay afloat.'
At Big Bend National Park, which welcomed 561,469 visitors last year, there are numerous road closures. The park has 304 miles of paved and gravel roads.
'The road to Santa Elena (Route 16) is closed due to water and debris,' the Big Bend Daily reported on July 20. 'Most dirt roads are closed, check the visitor center for updates. Your safety is your responsibility, be prepared to self-rescue.'
The park's website says that due to heavy rain and flooding over the past few days, the following steps have been taken until further notice: Hot Springs Road is closed. The road between Cottonwood Campground and Santa Elena Canyon is closed.
Old Maverick Road is closed.
Old Ore Road is closed.
Dagger Flat isclosed.
Most dirt roads in the park are closed.
Most backcountry drive-in campsites are closed.
'After storms, debris and standing water may be present in low-lying areas along Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road between Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village,' the park service says. '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.'
Many Texas businesses are pitching in to help the recovery effort. Austin's Meanwhile Brewing Co. and the Uptown Sports Club , for example, have announced they will donate all proceeds from their Summer Backyard Barbecue Series to The Community Foundation of the Hill Country to support the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. The barbecue event brings together chefs, brewmasters, musicians and local vendors on four days, starting July 25 and three days in August.