Big Bend Ranch State Park

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Big Bend Ranch State Park

  • River at Big Bend Ranch SP
    The largest state park isn’t just grand in size, it’s full of grand adventure.
  • Biking at Big Bend Ranch SP
    Challenge yourself with a bike ride through the Chihuahuan Desert.
  • Rafting the Rio Grande at Big Bend Ranch SP
    Raft or paddle the Rio Grande on the border between Texas and Mexico.
  • BBRSP Cowgirl
    Explore what used to be a working ranch on horseback.
  • Camping at Masada Ridge
    Set up your tent in perfect solitude.
  • Ranch House
    Park headquarters was once ranch headquarters, complete with the owner's home.

Welcome to the Other Side of Nowhere!

Big Bend Ranch State Park offers outdoor recreation for the truly adventurous. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting. The park stretches along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Things to Do

Visitors can hike, mountain-bike, backpack, paddle, ride horses or explore by vehicle (the park has two- and four-wheel-drive roads). The park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park; learn more about stargazing here. This is Texas’ biggest state park, so there’s a lot to explore!

Extreme heat warning

In warm weather months, be prepared for extreme summer heat. Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees by late morning and can reach as high as 130 degrees in the sun. They remain at dangerous levels even after sunset.

Carry plenty of extra water on the trails, and stay off trails in the afternoon. 

Explore trails & roads

The park has 238 miles of multiuse trails (for hiking, biking and riding horses). Explore 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads in high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area offers great day-use access. Float, fish and hike, or drive the scenic Camino del Rio (FM 170). Visit our Park Activities page to learn more.

Stay overnight

Campers can choose from drive-up or hike-in primitive sites, or equestrian sites. All sites (except backcountry) can be reached by vehicle. Some roads require four-wheel-drive or high clearance. Campsites offer solitude and great vistas; all (except backcountry) offer some camp amenities. Lodging is available at the Sauceda Bunkhouse.

Fly in

The park also has a 5,500-foot paved airstrip. If you plan to fly in, read the park's airstrip and aircraft guidelines (PDF), and be sure to call ahead to get up-to-date information and let park staff know when you will arrive.

Pick up permits

Pick up backpacking, camping and river-use permits at the following places. You can also purchase maps and hunting and fishing licenses, as well as find information about the Big Bend region.

For more information on visiting the park: 

Shop

Shop at our park store for books, souvenirs and other items.

Get involved

Volunteer at the park, online, or join the Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Donate to the Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Ranger Programs

Check the Events page for upcoming programs.

Ask about the Junior Ranger Explorer Packs and Night Sky Explorer Packs available for free checkout at the park!

Guide Service Providers

Commercial outfitters lead guided tours and rent sports gear. They rent kayaks, canoes and mountain bikes, as well as other camping equipment. Outfitters lead horseback rides, river rafting trips, 4x4 tours, mountain bike tours, camp-outs, nature and birding hikes, and art and photography classes.

Are you uneasy about tackling this rugged park on your own? Do you want to try a new activity, like mountain-biking? An outfitter may be able to help. Visit our Guide Service Providers page for contact information.

Area Attractions

On your way in or out, stop for a dip in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park.

Near Fort Davis, you can visit Fort Davis National Historic Site or Davis Mountains State Park. Learn about desert plants and animals at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Enjoy a solar viewing or star party at the McDonald Observatory. You can also tour museums and art galleries, and road bike and hike through scenic areas.

If you like desert quirky, check out Terlingua. Tiny Marfa offers art galleries, mystery lights, and more.

graphic Dark Sky Park logo


East entrance | Barton Warnock
21800 FM 170
Terlingua, TX 79852

Latitude: 29.269902

Longitude: -103.757351

(432) 424-3327

West entrance | Fort Leaton
16952 FM 170 East
Presidio, TX, TX 79845

Latitude: 29.542511

Longitude: -104.326348

(432) 229-3613

Sauceda Ranger Station
1900 Sauceda Ranch Road (Check in first at east or west entrance)
Marfa, TX, TX 79845

Latitude: 29.470458

Longitude: -103.957922

(432) 358-4444

Entrance Fees
  • 13 years and older: $5 Daily
  • 12 years and under : Free
Hours

Open daily.


We often reach capacity; reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use. To guarantee entrance reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Office Hours

East entrance:
Barton Warnock Visitor Center

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Closed Dec. 25.

 

West entrance:
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
 
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Closed Dec. 25.

 

Interior:
Sauceda Ranger Station  
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily 
Closed Dec. 25.

 

Note: The Sauceda Ranger Station is 27 miles of rugged, dirt road from FM 170. This is the only way in or out of the interior of the park. Motor homes and trailers are not recommended.

Climate

Prepare for extreme summer heat. Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees by late morning and can reach as high as 130 degrees in the sun. They remain at dangerous levels even after sunset. 

Elevation

2,350 to over 5,000 feet