Big Bend Ranch State Park may not be as popular as Big Bend National Park, but it has pretty much the same charm. Its landscape is dominated by a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, interrupted by rock formations like Solitario Peak. The massive Colorado Canyon looms over the park’s Rio Grande section, while the Madrid Falls is a sight to behold. Herds of free-roaming cattle from the parkland’s ranches are a sight as common as encounters with the area’s diverse wildlife. At night, the dark, unobstructed sky makes the park a popular stargazing spot. Needless to say, the whole place is a haven for tourists, campers, and nature lovers alike, and is there any better way to enjoy it than camping? Read on to discover the best camping spots in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas.
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RV campgrounds & RV site
1. Arenosa Campsite
Primitive lifestyle enthusiasts will love this site, but you can always bring your RV along if you like modern conveniences. The camp only features a self-composting toilet and picnic table. That said, you will need to bring your own drinking water and other necessities, or live off the land if you please. The site makes up for this lack, however, with the lovely natural features surrounding the area, which includes the graceful Rio Grande and high cliffs.
Arenosa Campsite
Address: Farm to Market 170, Redford, TX 79846 (map)
Website: Arenosa Campsite
2. Madera Canyon Campsite
This site has plenty of adventures to offer, including golfing, ATV drives, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. There are several scenic hiking trails nearby, such as Boot Canyon Trail and Lost Mine Trail. A quick drive in your RV will take you to some amazing bodies of water, including Langford Hot Springs and Santa Elena Canyon River.
Formations like Casa Grande and Lost Mine Peak surround the campsite, providing campers with great geologic views. A self-composting toilet and picnic tables are available on site.
Madera Canyon Campsite
Address: Redford, TX, United States (map)
3. Los Ojitos Campground
This campground is situated in an open valley, a short distance away from the south side of the road, just west of Sauceda Headquarters. It lies close to the Los Ojitos Spring, where you can relax by its cottonwood grove and enjoy watching birds and the rest of the area’s diverse fauna. The gently rolling desert terrain is great for RV camping while offering relaxing views of the area. The best time to visit this site is the spring season; the weather is pleasant, and you’ll find desert plants all around.
Los Ojitos Campground
Address: Unnamed Road, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Los Ojitos Campsite
4. La Monilla Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
La Monilla is as straightforward as any campsite can get. It has a picnic table, and a campfire ring surrounded by flat grounds interrupted only by the derelict remains of an old ranch. It can fit RVs of all sizes and allows for plenty of space for a maximum of eight campers. It is pet-friendly and ideal for RV adventurers who would like to camp in the solace of the Texan wilderness.
The site lies close to one of the park’s most difficult biking trails. Campers can also enjoy water adventures like fishing, boating, and swimming in the nearby Rio Grande.
La Monilla Campsite
Address: Unnamed Road, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: La Monilla Campsite
5. Papalotito Colorado Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Papalotito Colorado Campsite has plenty of RV parking space and features a wooden shelter where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. You get to watch the sunrise over La Mota Mountain at the eastern horizon and see it set behind Bofecillos Vents at the end of the day. There is also a picnic table where you can hang out and have some coffee or snacks while immersing yourself in Chihuahuan Desert views.
Papalotito Colorado Campsite
Address: Big Bend Sp Main Rd, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Papalotito Colorado Campsite
6. Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This pet-friendly campsite is founded around the remains of an old ranch, which includes an old stone corral and a windmill. There is abundant space to park RVs to sit on, and campers will find themselves comfortable around the fire ring or the picnic table, both of which are sheltered underneath a stone water tank. The flat open space makes the campsite ideal for wildlife watching and stargazing.
Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite
Address: Main Rd, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite
7. Tascate Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tascate was a haunt of cowboys, who used to maintain the area’s windmills and water tanks. Today, this open space surrounded by rugged hills is an ideal location for an RV getaway. The site also has several tent pads for those who prefer to sleep in tents. Accessible through a tall and narrow rock canyon, a journey to this site is an adventure in itself.
Tascate Campsite
Address: Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Tascate Campsite
8. Rancherias Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This campsite is located deep within Big bend Ranch State Park, right on the 4x4 Rancherias Trail. Hills surround a flat open space that can accommodate multiple RVs. Its table and fire ring are both situated near a high bluff, which provides a scenic backdrop for campfires and picnics. Various canyons and rock formations are nearby, with hiking trails that adventurers of all skills can enjoy.
Rancherias Campsite
Address: Redford, TX, United States (map)
Website: Rancherias Campsite
9. Vista de Bofecillos Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Vista de Bofecillos is just near the main road, which means easy access to RVs. Small trailers and tent trailers are allowed here. The camping spot is surrounded by mountains and lies near the Portal del Presidio entrance.
The site is part of a vast flat expanse, where campers can easily get an authentic desert camping experience. You may light campfires and bring pets to the area, and a picnic table and toilets are available for your convenience. The best time to visit this site is fall and early spring.
Vista de Bofecillos Campsite
Address: Unnamed Road, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Vista de Bofecillos Campsite
10. Yedra Campsite
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yedra has two campsites that lie in a protected area and are only accessible by hardy 4x4 trucks and RVs. Yedra #1 is a secluded camp surrounded by large boulders and is located to the east of Cueva Larga. Yedra #2, meanwhile, is accessible via a rough road and features a sheltered table and fire ring. Both camps offer amazing views of the Chihuahuan Desert and nearby peaks and can accommodate up to eight guests in tents or RVs.
Yedra Campsite
Address: Unnamed Road, Redford, TX 79846, United States (map)
Website: Yedra Campsite
Experience the wild beauty of the Lone Star State
Regardless of how you want to enjoy your visit to Big Bend Ranch State Park, your choice of camping location directly impacts your experience. You will need a spot that best suits your preferences and the purpose of your visit if you are to make the most of your stay. So, check our above list of the best camping spots in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas.
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