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Big Bend Ranch State Park Texas (TX) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Big Bend Ranch State Park is one of the top destinations for RV camping in Texas. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a wide range of recreational activities, it’s a must-visit for RV enthusiasts.

The park covers an impressive 311,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its unique geological features, including the Santa Elena Canyon and the Chisos Mountains, were formed by millions of years of volcanic and tectonic activity. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache, and later became a hub for ranching and mining.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Big Bend Ranch State Park is accessible by private vehicle and there are several entrances to choose from. The most popular entrance is the Barton Warnock Visitor Center which is located near the town of Lajitas. Visitors can also enter the park from the Maverick Entrance Station which is located near the town of Terlingua.

When it comes to RV travel there are some restrictions on rig sizes. The maximum length for RVs is 40 feet and there are some roads within the park that are not suitable for larger rigs. Visitors are encouraged to check with park officials before embarking on their journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

  • Parking area

Recreational vehicles are welcome at Big Bend Ranch State Park with designated parking areas available for day use. However overnight parking is restricted to specific campsites only. RV camping can be a great way to experience the park but consider using alternative transportation methods for exploring the area to minimize environmental impact.

  • Public Transportation

Public transportation within Big Bend Ranch State Park includes shuttle buses during certain events and seasons. Walking paths are also available for those who prefer to explore on foot. These options allow visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty while minimizing the ecological footprint.

Top Campsites in Big Bend Ranch State Park

  • Reservations camping

Here are the top 4 most popular campsites/KOA within or near Big Bend Ranch State Park that require reservations

Maverick Ranch RV Park

Located in Lajitas TX this park is the closest to Big Bend Ranch State Park and offers 120 full hook-up sites. It has a swimming pool hot tub and laundry facilities. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 70 feet are permitted.

Stillwell Store & RV Park

This park is located in Terlingua TX and offers 40 full hook-up sites. It has a convenience store laundry facilities and a restaurant. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

Rio Grande Village RV Park

Located in Big Bend National Park this park is a short drive from Big Bend Ranch State Park and offers 25 full hook-up sites. It has a convenience store laundry facilities and a restaurant. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Chisos Basin Campground

Located in Big Bend National Park this campground is a short drive from Big Bend Ranch State Park and offers 60 sites for tents and RVs. It has restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Pets are welcome and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 24 feet are permitted.

  • First-come first-served

Here are 3 to 4 campground/campsites that are first-come-first-served in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Madera Canyon

This campground has 27 sites and is open year-round. Accommodations are suitable for tents and small RVs. Pets are welcome. The campground has vault toilets and potable water.

Contrabando

This campground has 16 sites and is open year-round. Accommodations are suitable for tents and small RVs. Pets are welcome. The campground has vault toilets and potable water.

Lajitas

This campground has 8 sites and is open year-round. Accommodations are suitable for tents and small RVs. Pets are welcome. The campground has vault toilets and potable water.

Fresno

This campground has 3 sites and is open year-round. Accommodations are suitable for tents only. Pets are welcome. The campground has vault toilets and potable water.

  • Alternate camping

Here are alternative camping options nearby Big Bend Ranch State Park if the campsites inside the park are full

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near Big Bend Ranch State Park that offer RV and tent sites. Some popular options include Big Bend Resort & Adventures Big Bend Motor Inn and Study Butte RV Park. These campgrounds offer amenities such as full hook-ups laundry facilities and Wi-Fi.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in Big Bend Ranch State Park with a permit. There are several designated backcountry campsites as well as opportunities for dispersed camping. Backcountry camping requires a permit which can be obtained at the park headquarters.

BLM Land

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages several areas near Big Bend Ranch State Park that are open to dispersed camping. These areas offer a more primitive camping experience as there are no amenities or facilities. Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

  • General activities

When it comes to outdoor adventures Big Bend Ranch State Park is a haven for RV campers who love to get their hands dirty. Hiking is the most popular activity here with over 230 miles of trails that wind through canyons along rivers and up mountains. The park’s signature hike is the Closed Canyon Trail a 1.4-mile loop that takes you through a narrow slot canyon with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.

Mountain biking is also a favorite pastime in the park with over 200 miles of rugged terrain to explore. The most popular trail is the Fresno-Sauceda Loop a 17-mile ride that takes you through the park’s scenic desert landscape.

Fishing is another popular activity in the park with the Rio Grande and its tributaries teeming with bass catfish and trout. The best spot to cast your line is at Lajitas Crossing a popular fishing access point along the river.

River trips are also a must-do for RV campers with the Rio Grande offering some of the best white-water rafting in the country. The most popular route is the Lower Canyons a 33-mile stretch of river that takes you through some of the park’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Cycling is another great way to explore the park with several scenic routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountain landscapes. The most popular ride is the River Road Loop a 51-mile ride that follows the Rio Grande through the park’s most scenic areas.

  • Alternative activities

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace Big Bend Ranch State Park also offers plenty of alternative activities that are perfect for RV campers. Sightseeing is a popular pastime here with several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. The most popular drive is the River Road a 51-mile route that follows the Rio Grande through the park’s most scenic areas.

Nature watching is another great way to experience the park’s natural beauty with several species of birds mammals and reptiles that call the park home. The best spot for wildlife viewing is at the Lajitas Crossing where you can often see deer javelina and even the occasional mountain lion.

Photography is also a popular activity in the park with several instagram-worthy photo opportunity spots that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The most popular spot is the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook which offers breathtaking views of the Rio Grande and the towering cliffs that surround it.

Stargazing is another must-do activity in the park with some of the darkest skies in the country. The park’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it the perfect place to see the stars planets and even the Milky Way.

Finally for those who want to learn more about the park’s history and culture there are several museums and interpretive centers that offer exhibits and programs on the park’s natural and cultural heritage. The most popular is the Big Bend Ranch State Park Visitor Center which offers exhibits on the park’s geology wildlife and history.

Season-specific experiences in Big Bend Ranch State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring in Big Bend Ranch State Park offers a plethora of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular landmark is the Closed Canyon Trail which features a narrow slot canyon with towering walls of limestone. This hike is best enjoyed in the spring as the temperature is mild and the vegetation is lush. Another must-see spot is the Fresno Canyon Overlook which provides breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. For history buffs the Rancho Estelle Historic Site is a must-visit showcasing the ruins of an old ranch house and offering insight into the area’s ranching history. Additionally the park is home to numerous hot springs such as the Burro Mesa Pour-off which makes for a relaxing soak after a day of exploring. Lastly birdwatching is a popular activity in the park during the spring as migratory birds make their way through the area.

  • Summer activities

Summer in Big Bend Ranch State Park offers a unique set of recreational activities for RV campers. For thrill-seekers the park offers numerous opportunities for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande with rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. Another popular activity is horseback riding which allows visitors to explore the park’s vast terrain and take in the stunning views. For those interested in history the park offers guided tours of the Hot Springs Historic District which showcases the remains of the old Hot Springs Resort and provides insight into the area’s mining history. Additionally the park is home to numerous hiking trails such as the Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail which offers panoramic views of the Rio Grande and the surrounding mountains. Lastly stargazing is a popular activity in the park during the summer as the area’s remote location and lack of light pollution make for incredible views of the night sky.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a fantastic time to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park and RV campers have plenty of recreational activities to choose from. One popular option is hiking the Closed Canyon Trail which offers stunning views of the canyon’s steep limestone walls. This trail is best hiked in the fall when the temperatures are cooler and the foliage is changing colors.

Another must-see landmark is the historic Lajitas Trading Post which dates back to the late 1800s. Here visitors can learn about the area’s rich history shop for unique souvenirs and even grab a bite to eat.

For those who enjoy birdwatching the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is a must-visit. This easy one-mile trail takes visitors through a variety of habitats including wetlands desert scrub and riparian areas making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity consider taking a guided horseback ride through the park. These rides offer a unique way to see the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Finally no trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park would be complete without a visit to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. This exhibit features fossils from the park’s rich prehistoric past including dinosaur tracks and petrified wood.

  • Winter activities

Winter is an excellent time to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park and RV campers have plenty of recreational activities to choose from. One popular option is hiking the Rancherias Canyon Trail which offers stunning views of the canyon’s steep cliffs and rock formations. This trail is best hiked in the winter when the temperatures are cooler and the foliage is more sparse allowing for better views.

Another must-see landmark is the historic Hot Springs which are located near the Rio Grande. These natural hot springs have been used for centuries by the Native Americans and early settlers in the area for their healing properties.

For those who enjoy stargazing Big Bend Ranch State Park is an ideal spot. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the country for stargazing.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity consider taking a guided ATV tour through the park. These tours offer a unique way to see the park’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Finally no trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park would be complete without a visit to the Sauceda Ranger Station which offers a variety of interpretive exhibits and programs including guided hikes and birdwatching tours.

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