Big Bend Ranch State Park RV & Campground Guide
Texas
Located in the southwest section of Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park is one of the biggest and most remote spots in the state’s park system. It runs along the Mexico border, about 285 miles from El Paso and 34 miles from the border town of Presidio. This is an adventurer’s dream—rocky canyons give way to jagged peaks, and shimmering rivers sparkle under the Texas sun. With 238 miles of trails, you can explore the park on foot, by bike, in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or on horseback. You can also bring a boat or inner tube for a day of paddling, swimming, and fishing. At night, a spectacular array of stars directs your attention upward; in fact, Big Bend Ranch State Park is an official International Dark Sky Park.
Spring 45-85 F
Summer 65-95 F
Fall 50-80 F
Winter 35-65 F
Presidio, TX
RV Resorts & Campsites in Big Bend Ranch State Park
Given the far-flung location and extreme climate of Big Bend Ranch State Park, an RV offers a great way to stay comfortable during your visit. You can escape the heat of the summer or enjoy a warm place to sleep on cool winter evenings. If you’re new to RV camping, dip your toe in with a rental from RVshare.
Big Bend Ranch State Park Campsites
By far the best way to get the full Big Bend experience is to stay at the Big Bend Ranch State Park Campsites. Every site is primitive, so there are no hookups—however, you won’t even notice once you see the stunning views and the breathtaking night sky. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, and most accommodate between eight and 12 people. Choose an Interior District site to be surrounded by the canyons and mountains, or go with a River District site and drift off to the sound of running water. Keep in mind that you must pick up a camping permit before you enter the park, either at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center in Lajitas or the Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio. You can also stop by the Sauceda Ranger Station inside the park. Keep in mind that there are no toilets, so you’ll need to haul out all waste. All sites are $12 per night.
Maverick Ranch RV Park
Stay in luxury at Maverick Ranch RV Park, which is located on the grounds of the Lajitas Golf Resort. If you’re looking for a place to relax after a day of hiking at Big Bend Ranch State Park, this is it—your RV site comes with access to the spa, golf course, shooting range, fitness center, and all of the other high-end resort amenities. All of the sites here come with full hookups, so you can make the most of your RV’s features. Within the park, private showers and a laundry setup make it easy to clean up after the trip. In the summer, the chilled swimming pool is the perfect spot to cool off. With 40 back-in sites and 60 pull-through sites, Maverick Ranch is ideal for small trailers and big rigs. From May through September, sites start at $45 per night. The rest of the year, they start at $54 per night.
Loma Paloma RV Park
Enjoy the expansive desert views from your site at Loma Paloma RV Park, which is located between Presidio and the western entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Here, you can choose from full-hookup sites and dry camping sites; both options are located in an exceptionally flat area for easy parking. The sites are enormous, so getting in and out is easy. A short walk away, you’ll find hot showers and a laundry room. There's also a lounge with a daily happy hour. Want to hike? You can access a huge range of trails right from the park. Rates are $10 per night for dry camping and $22 per night for full-hookup sites.
What to Do at
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Inside Big Bend Ranch State Park
Get ready to get active—Big Bend Ranch State Park’s wild landscape is perfect for exploring. Pack plenty of water for a hike, a bike, or a ride along the park’s extensive trail network; Fresno Canyon is one of the top mountain-biking spots, and the Cerro Chilicote Loop Trail is a fun and fast 3.2-mile trek for hikers. Go whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande and the Rio Bravo with a local outfitter. For a more relaxing day, bring your binoculars and try to spot the 300 types of birds that live nearby. If you want to enjoy some sightseeing without the exertion, bring a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance and explore the park’s dirt roads.
Outside Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park is more than an hour’s drive from the closest town, so it’s a good idea to stock up on food and necessities in Presidio. If you’re up for the drive, you’ll also find a few restaurants in town. Ojinaga, Mexico, is also close by, making an interesting international daytrip.
Restaurants
El Changarrito
Serving a variety of traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes, this restaurant is a popular spot in Presidio.
Type: Mexican
Location: 1207 Millington Blvd, Presidio, TX 79845
The Bean Cafe
The Bean Cafe serves both American and Mexican dishes in a relaxed, low-key environment. It’s a particularly great option for breakfast; try the hearty burritos.
Type: American/Mexican
Location: 201 West O'Reilly, Presidio, TX 79845
El Patio Restaurant
Simple and unassuming, El Patio is a good option for takeout. The dining area is casual and clean, and the portions are generous.
Type: Mexican
Location: 513 O Reilly St, Presidio, TX 79845
Poncho's Pizza
If you’re bringing the family to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Poncho’s is a must-stop location. It offers a full menu of delicious pizzas at a reasonable price.
Type: Pizza
Location: Puerto Rico St, Presidio, TX 79845
Shopping
Lajitas General Store
If you’re coming to the park from the east and driving along the Rio Grande, this is your last option for shopping. Despite its small size, it has an excellent selection as well as a deli for snacks to go.
Location: 55 Main Street, Lajitas, TX 79852
Bealls
Forgot an item of clothing for your trip? Bealls is the closest clothing store to Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Location: 712 W O Reilly St, Presidio, TX 79845
Porter’s
Stock up at Porter's on all of the food and drinks you need for your trip. It’s one of the few grocery stores in Presidio, and it offers the most comprehensive supply of food.
Location: 504 Erma Ave, Presidio, TX 79845
Sightseeing
Big Bend National Park
See even more of the spectacular Texas landscape at this national park, which sits adjacent to the state park. With its massive canyons and well-maintained roads, this is a lovely spot for sightseeing.
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
This day-use park is a great place to learn about the fascinating history of the local area. Check the calendar before your visit; rangers often hold tours of this historic fort.
Far Flung Outdoor Center Tour
Get a different perspective of Big Bend National Park with a tour from this outfitter. With paddle trips, Jeep tours, and ATV tours, there’s something for everyone.
How to Get to
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park is one of the most remote state parks in Texas. The most convenient way to get there is to access Highway 90 from the east or west. Then, turn south on Highway 67 until you reach Presidio near the border with Mexico. From there, you’ll need to take local roads to the park.
Entering Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park is open every day of the year. The hours vary, so be sure to check with the park office for the current opening times during your visit.
Per person, 13 and older : $5
Per person, 12 and under : $0
If you have a visit to Big Bend Ranch State Park in the works, RVshare wants to hear all about it. Tag RVshare when you post photos on social media so the team can see the park from your perspective. You could also email the pics to [email protected] along with your favorite stories or tips; you may see them featured in a future blog post.