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.

• Make Interior District reservations.
• Make River District reservations.
• Call (512) 389-8900.

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.

• East entrance, near Lajitas: Barton Warnock Visitor Center
• West entrance, near Presidio: Fort Leaton State Historic Site

For more information on visiting the park: 

• What to do in one day, three days, or one week!
  
• Policies on Dogs at Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Swimming Safety Tips

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.