Fort Leaton State Historic Site
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Imagine life on the Texas border in the mid-1800s when you visit Fort Leaton. -
Walk through the living quarters of Ben Leaton and his family. This was likely a parlor. -
Oxcarts, or carretas, carried goods between Mexico and San Antonio, passing near Fort Leaton. -
See how early artisans constructed the building here from local materials. -
Walls at the fort range from 18 to 22 feet tall.
Historic Trading Post
Travelers in far West Texas stopped at Fort Leaton to buy supplies and fortify themselves for the rest of their journey. Explore the restored buildings and grounds to glimpse life on the border in the 1800s.
Things to Do
Tour the fort and learn about life here. We offer seasonal guided tours or you can pick up a self-guided tour brochure. Take a scenic drive along the Rio Grande, which marks Texas’ border with Mexico.
The fort also serves as the western entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park. Check in for your visit here or at Barton Warnock Visitor Center. In the park you can hike, bike or ride horses on remote trails; paddle, fish or swim the Rio Grande; camp in the Chihuahuan desert and enjoy the dark night skies; or reserve a bed at the bunkhouse.
Obtain backpacking, camping and river-use permits, licenses and information about the Big Bend region at either park entrance.
Camping & lodging
The fort is a day-use site. However, Big Bend Ranch has a bunkhouse and drive-in or hike-in campsites in the park’s interior and along the river. Campsites are primitive with no water, electricity or bathrooms. You will need four-wheel drive vehicles to access some sites. Read site descriptions carefully so you will be prepared.
- Make Interior District reservations.
- Make River District reservations.
- Call (512) 389-8900.
Plan your visit
The fort is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visit the Big Bend Ranch State Park website to learn about exploring the park.
Please read our Policies on Dogs at Big Bend Ranch State Park before bringing your pet.
Extreme heat warning
In warm weather months, be prepared for extreme heat. Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees by late morning and can reach as high as 130 degrees in the sun. Temperatures remain at dangerous levels even after sunset.
Carry plenty of extra water and stay off the trails in the afternoon.
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
Self-guided tours of the fort are available year-round. We lead guided tours November through April.
Programs on topics such as archeology, nature, dark skies and more are offered here and at other areas of the park complex.
Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
Learn more:
- Nature
- History
- Interpretive Guide to Fort Leaton State Historic Site | PDF
- Fort Leaton State Historic Site Self-Guided Walking Tour | PDF
- Interpretive Guide to Big Bend Ranch State Park | PDF
- Big Bend Region Coloring Book | PDF
- Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram!
Junior Ranger
Become a Junior Ranger:
- Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools for exploring the park.
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at the park. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
Area Attractions
- Big Bend National Park
- Presidio
- Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico (gateway to Copper Canyon).
Learn more about visiting this region on the Texas Mountain Trail.
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