Big Bend Ranch State Park offers primitive glamping close to Presidio, Texas, across 311,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness. The park sits at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 5,100 feet, creating diverse desert ecosystems and dramatic temperature variations. Most campsites require permits from visitor centers, with backcountry sites priced at $10 per night and limited to six people per site.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: The Rancherias Loop Trail provides access to multiple ecosystems within Big Bend Ranch State Park, from desert brush to mountain flora and ocotillo forests. "On route to this site you will pass through desert brush, see a variety of high mountain flora and weave your way through ocotillo forest," notes a visitor at Seep Spring, a dispersed primitive campsite on the trail.
Rio Grande access: Many campsites offer access to the river for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. At Upper & Lower Madera Campground, "the river was about waist high at the boat ramp when we visited but if you walk about 100 yards upstream, there is a grassy bank along gentle rapids with boulders," writes one camper about their March visit.
Wildlife viewing: The park hosts diverse desert wildlife throughout its various ecosystems. "We saw horses drinking from the river as well as ducks swimming. We hiked Closed Canyon and off roaded at Las Burras Canyon," reports a visitor at Lower Madera Camping.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities thanks to minimal light pollution. At Rancho Topanga, campers rave about the celestial views: "The night sky is unbelievable. The campgrounds are very well maintained and spaced out," shares one reviewer.
Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of many sites provides peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. "We went out here for a four day primitive site stay in Javelin. If you love solitude this place is right up your alley," writes a camper at Interior Primitive Sites.
Unique desert landscapes: The park's varied terrain creates distinctive camping settings from river canyons to mountain views. "The tent camping area is huge and spread out... The views here are amazing," notes a visitor at Rancho Topanga, which offers luxury glamping near Presidio compared to more primitive options.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many backcountry sites require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. "Once you leave normal roads at the La Posta site. After the first descent on a very rocky ledge, its mostly managing to keep on the path and navigate a few obstacles," explains a camper at Rincon 1, one of the more accessible glamping options near Presidio.
Water access: Potable water is limited to visitor centers and select campgrounds. "Purchase gas and supplies in Fort Stockton, Alpine or Terlingua before entering the park because there are no supplies within the park," advises a Seep Spring camper.
Reservations system: Sites must be reserved in advance but specific site selection happens on arrival. "You make a reservation on line for a site, but you are not assigned one; you simply show up and pick one," explains a visitor at Upper & Lower Madera Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Campgrounds vary widely in bathroom amenities from full facilities to primitive options. "The bathhouse has hot showers, toilets, large sinks for washing dishes, and electrical outlets where you can charge your phone," notes a visitor at Rancho Topanga.
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds have more seclusion between sites than others. "We stayed at #10 and the only downside was that there was a trail up to the ridge right by our site so other guests were walking by our site at all hours," shares a Rancho Topanga camper.
Kid-friendly activities: Plan for accessible outdoor experiences that work with children. "2 of us kayaked the river down to the next camp site and had a good time. We saw horses drinking from the river as well as ducks swimming," writes a visitor at Upper & Lower Madera Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many glamping sites near Presidio have limited RV accessibility. "There are various places to camp along the highway. Some may be accessible to RVs but I understand the road becomes very steep in spots," notes a camper at Upper & Lower Madera.
Hookup availability: Most sites have minimal or no hookups for RVs. Interior Primitive Sites offer more isolation but without amenities, while Rincon 1 provides water and electric hookups for those seeking upscale glamping near Presidio.
Tent pad options: Many sites include designated tent pads. "Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad," reports a visitor at Rancho Topanga, making it suitable for small campers and tents.
