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Big Bend State Park interior sites are and along the River Rd., and allow a max. of 8 people per site. These sites are, Casa Ramon, Chorro Vista, Fresno Canyon, Fresno Vista, Guale 1 and 2, Javelin, La Monilla, La Mota 2, La Posta, Las Burras 1 and 3, Los Alamos, Los Cuates, Los Hermanos, Los Ojitos, Lower Alamito, McGuirks Tanks, Mexicano 1 and 2, Ojo Escondido, Papalote de la Sierra, Papalote Encino, Papalote Llano, Papalote Llano Nuevo, Papalote Nuevo, Papalote Rancho Viejo, Papalotito Colorado, Paso al Solitario, Pila Montoya 2 and 3, Pila de los Muchachos, Rancherias, Rincon 1 and 2, South Leyva, Tascate 1 and 2, Vista del Bofecillos, Vista del Chisos, and Yedra 1 and 2.
Picnic table
Fire ring
You must have a permit to camp at primitive road and front country campsites, and in the backcountry zone. Day-use visitors must obtain a permit before entering the park. If you plan to use the 4X4 unmaintained road, pick up and sign an Acknowledgement of Use of Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Motorcycles.
Get park information and permits for day use and camping daily, in person, at three locations:
Sauceda Ranger Station - (432) 358-4444 - in the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park
Barton Warnock Visitor Center - (432) 424-3327 - in Lajitas, TX
Fort Leaton State Historic Site - (432) 229-3613 - in Presidio, TX
Place tents in designated areas only. Desert resources are fragile. You must haul out both your human waste and trash. You can buy a portable privy at all permit-issuing stations. Downed wood is critical to desert ecology. Gathering firewood is prohibited; you must bring your own. Charcoal cooking fires and containerized fuel stoves are allowed. Pack out your ashes or deposit them in the fire ring. The maximum stay per permit is 14 nights. Individual campsites have an eight-person and three-vehicle limit. Group campsites have a 12-person and five-vehicle limit. Equestrian staging campsites have a 24-person and 12-vehicle limit.
Highway-access camping areas are along River Road (FM 170) at Arenosa, Lower and Upper Madera (Monilla) Canyon, and at Grassy Banks River Access. One campground is on the north side of FM 170 at the Contrabando West Trailhead; it does not have river access or a toilet facility. Self-composting toilets are at Colorado Canyon, Madera Canyon, Grassy Banks and the Contrabando Movie Set site.
No other facilities, water/electrical hookups, or dump stations are available. Due to road conditions, motor homes and large recreational vehicles may not be able to enter backcountry park areas. The Visitor’s Center at Sauceda Headquarters has shower and restrooms..
It was a beautiful, expressive trip as usual. The state park seems wilder than the national and more open to bringing your own unique experience of the wilderness to the fore. Our campsite was by the river and there were a couple of hiking sites we made it to in less than an hour that provided us with some good exertion. I would not choose a campsite so close to a main road next time, but the traffic died down around midnight and didn’t really become obtrusive again until daylight.
This was a great drive in a vehicle. Not a good place to be in a large motorhome or truck & trailer. About 1 1/2 hours to Presidio from Lajitas, TX. Both Ft. Leaton & the BB Rand Headquarters are very interesting to go thru.
My family and I recently had the opportunity to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park, and although our initial plans to book an RV campsite were thwarted due to its newness, we decided to explore the park's other offerings. Despite the scorching heat reaching 110 degrees Fahrenheit, we made the most of our time and had a memorable experience.
We were initially disappointed to learn that RV spots were unavailable at Big Bend Ranch State Park, as well as at the neighboring Big Bend National Park. This made our accommodation search quite challenging. However, we didn't let this deter us from visiting the state park altogether. We opted to drive around and explore the park's Scenic Overlook areas and points of interest instead.
Due to the extreme temperatures, it was not feasible for us to embark on the park's walking trails. Our family's safety was paramount, and we decided to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity. Nonetheless, we did manage to explore an old movie set near the Rio Grande River. This unique location allowed us to take some captivating photos and engage our children in a fun educational lesson about the border between Mexico and Texas.
Continuing our drive, we ventured further and enjoyed breathtaking views from the Scenic Overlook. The natural beauty of the park left us in awe, and we couldn't help but appreciate the stunning landscapes that surrounded us.
Although our visit lasted only about an hour, we were captivated by the park's beauty and potential for exploration. We intend to return when the weather is cooler to fully immerse ourselves in the park's walking trails and delve deeper into its wonders.
Overall, Big Bend Ranch State Park left a positive impression on us. Despite the challenges of finding suitable camping options and the intense heat, the park's scenic beauty and the opportunity to experience the Rio Grande River firsthand made our visit worthwhile. We highly recommend planning a trip to this park, ensuring to choose a time when temperatures are more favorable for extensive exploration.
Note: Due to our limited experience within the park and our inability to partake in all activities, we have assigned a rating of four stars. We anticipate that upon returning for a more extensive visit, our rating may be subject to change.
Don't overlook this very large, lesser traveled state park, I enjoy it more than Big Bend NP. I cover this 300,000+ acre park in my book "TEXAS BADLANDS: The Ultimate Black and White Journey" (available on Amazon) extensively in Chapter 4 "The Other Side of Nowhere."
Be sure to purchase a Big Bend Ranch SP Topo Map at the Visitors Centers for precise location/navigation. The drive from Presidio, Texas to Lajitas, Texas on TX FM 170 is one of the most underrated drives in the United States.
This park is a hidden gem! One of the best state parks I've been to and we have hit a bunch! Primitive camping here is fantastic as the ones up in the high clearance 4 wheeling areas are by themselves and with some incredible views. Loved hiking here. Those dark skies are something else and those sunrises are just as amazing. The people at the visitors centers are so helpful. I can't say enough about it! I would say it's just as good as the National Park
