You must have a permit to camp at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Check to see if your site is accessible by two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle before reserving. 

Get park information and permits daily, in person, at two locations:

• East entrance: Barton Warnock Visitor Center in Terlingua, (432) 424-3327
• West entrance: Fort Leaton State Historic Site in Presidio, (432) 229-3613

Camping information

Highway-access camping areas are along River Road (FM 170) at Arenosa, Lower and Upper Madera Canyon, La Cuesta, and Grassy Banks. One campground is on the north side of FM 170 at the Contrabando West Trailhead; it does not have river access.

Place tents in designated areas only. Desert resources are fragile.

You must haul out both your human waste and trash. Buy a portable toilet at all permit-issuing stations. Self-composting toilets are at Colorado Canyon, Madera Canyon, Grassy Banks and the Contrabando Movie Set site.

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. Campsites have an eight-person and two-vehicle limit. Park excess vehicles at one of our visitor centers with a valid permit displayed. 

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 areas. 

Resources

• Get information on commercially guided tours and outfitters.
• Learn more about individual campsites in our Campsite Guide | PDF.
• Find campsite locations on our Discovery Map.
• Read our Policies on Dogs at Big Bend Ranch State Park before bringing your dog.