Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Presidio, TX

This was a very nice campsites with distance between campsites. Each campsite had a covered table, lantern hanger, fire ring and convenient bathrooms. No water so bring your own and no cell service but the amazing night sky and spectacular drive from Presidio made up for it. We had site 16 in the back but the site had a lot of rocks so be aware

Nestled right next to the entrance of Big Bend Ranch State Park and only 8 minutes from Presidio, this park has tons of spaces with plenty of room to have your own little slice of the desert. We stayed in spot 69 because we are immature, but all of the spots offer great views and peace and quiet. Maxine was the one running the show when we stayed and she keeps the bath house and laundry room spotless. She knows a lot about the nearby area so be sure to ask if you have any questions. We stayed 2 non-consecutive nights and will be back again when we are in the area :)

This place was the crème de la crème imo. Nice big sites with full hookup, picnic table and fire ring. A really nice pool area with free towels provided and very nice bathrooms with hot showers. There was a huge laundry facility as well. The dog park has water and two picnic tables with sun shades. Multiple poo bag stations around the park and very clean. There’s a trail/dirt road to walk from the campground to the Lajitas General Store (very good breakfast sandwiches). You also get access to the golf resort amenities: fitness center, 3 restaurants, and spa. I treated myself to a Deep Tissue massage and it was incredible!

Big bend state park is the same terrain as the National except it is less landscaped. The campsites are rough ones that you have to hike to. No pets on those.

Up on a hill overlooking the town of Presidio and Mountain views surrounding the property. Designated sites with water and electricity. Bathrooms and showers. Super friendly. Close to Presidio downtown, not a far drive from the highway 170 scenic drive or from Marfa.

Guy Foli (owner of the property and the campsites) is a true jack of all traits! Him and his wife,Pat, own and run Rancho Topanga campgrounds. Every spring break me and a group of 8 friends go down to Big Bend for the week. We always stay at Guy's campground. It's an easy 20 minute drive into Big Bend and you hit the gas station and grocery store along the way.

You are aloud campfires as long as they are controlled. Drinking is fine as long as there is no public intoxication. Pets are welcome! And there are even showers and flush toilets.

You are staying in the desert, so expect strong winds during the night and scorching sun rays during the day. There is a near my plato that you can climd, we found several shell fossils and cool rock on one of our excursions to the top. Also, the sunsets and sunrises are beautiful!!!

Reserve campsites months in advance if you can. Rancho Topanga fills up quick!

I hope you enjoy this mom n pop campsite as much as I do! :D

The view of the Chisos Mountain is fantastic, especially at dawn. This RV Park includes 12 large pull-through sites and 17 back-in sites with 50/30-amp, water and sewage. The Recreation building has 3 complete washrooms with showers; a community kitchen with a fridge and microwave; a variety of cookware and dinnerware; and 2 sets of washers and dryers. The pavilion is also available and includes tables, chairs, a smoker/cooker and a community fire pit. There are pot lucks and other events to participate in and the atmosphere and terrain are unmatchable. They LOVE pets and well behaved ones are even allowed to play off leash. But at night there are desert creatures so keep them inside. Terlingua is a “ghost town” that is worth spending time in. There are cantinas and restaurants, there’s an eccentric trading post store, a famous cemetery, and an annual chili cook off. The community is quirky but it feels like home. I take an annual trip to this area and BJs has my business every time. PS: all the food in town is GOOD.

This campground is next to the Rio Grande. The night sky views are spectacular and the daytime views are just a beautiful. The site had a fire ring and picnic table. The site may require a high clearance vehicle depending on recent weather. FM 170 between Presidio and LaJitas has plenty of scenery, hiking trails and fishing opportunities.

Big Bend National Park had no open campsites, like none, but Big Bend Ranch State Park (right next door) had multiple options, all with good road access. We were surprised and delighted!

The information on the State Park website is confusing at best. Much of the park lies along poor dirt roads leading into the interior of the park. Backcountry campsites there are numerous and offer those willing to bounce along the 27 miles of dirt road exactly what they want, seclusion and beauty. This park is stunning. 

What the website doesn’t make clear, at least we couldn’t find it, is that several camping areas lie right off the perfectly paved road that follows the Rio Grande from Lajitas to Presidio, TX.  Just a note about HWY 170, there is one major incline and decline, just west of Madera Canyon at a 15% grade that is not for the faint of heart or an underpowered towing vehicle. 

We camped in site 6 of Lower Madera Canyon, and simply loved it. Each site has a picnic table, with sun shade, and a campfire ring. The composting pit toilets were well maintained, and didn’t smell at all. 

Hiking and biking options are close by, and Big Bend Ranch is a famous location for Mt. Biking and float trips down the Rio Grand. The campground has access to the river so be sure to plan a float trip. Permits are available at the park’s visitor’s center, or you could also go with an outfitter located in Terlingua. 

Potable water was only available at the Park’s Visitor Center, so plan accordingly.  No electrical hook-ups, so bring your solar panel!

The towns of Terlingua and Study Butte offer options for groceries, gas and restaurants. Just outside the park there are a few options in Lajitas, or TX as well. To the west lies the larger town of Presidio which has the normal selection of services of any good-sized town, USA.

I would have given a 5 but for that we can't run our quiet genny during the day to charge batteries and cook, and campsites are pretty snug to each other... But it's a beautiful setting, they let you charge up from the outlets in the bathhouse, nice patio to chill on while you do so... Hard packed road, nice views, dog friendly!!! This is our 3rd night here!!! Super close to Terilingua...

Stayed at Grassy Bank (this is not an “interior primitive site”)off and on over a three weeks period in mid to late Feb. 2021. There are 17 designated sites and several dispersed. All numbered sites are large, offer moderate to total privacy, and all have cabanas, picnic tables, and fire rings. #15 is the only camp site directly on the River. Síť there in total privacy and watch canoers maneuver the little rapids, turtles sunning on River rocks, birds and ducks coming and going and a few hundred feet across in Mexico see three horses and a donkey grazing or javelinas coming to drink at the river’s edge. It’s paradise. There’s a canoe launch or go tubing or take a dip. There are two separate but adjacent very clean pít toilets and plenty of open space to walk the dog.

Cost is $12 pěr day plus $5 park entry fee which unfortunately has to be paid every day you camp. There is no cell service or WiFi. Closest access is seven miles away in Lajitas at the market. The woman Ranger who manages the Bartoň Warnock Center during weekdays where you register should not be dealing with the Public. There’s water and a dump station at the Center.

We stayed at Rancho Topenga for 2 nights during our week long trip at Big Bend National Park(we also stayed in the park for 2 nights). We wish we would have stayed at Rancho Topenga for more nights than we did. It's only about 20 minutes to the park entrance from the campground. Guy, the owner, takes such good care of his campground. The showers and bathrooms are amazing and meticulously clean (sorry I didn't take any pictures, you'll have to trust me). Some of the campsites are a little close together but have more space than the established campgrounds within the park would have. In addition to having showers and flushing toilets, you can have a fire which is a huge bonus for us. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. You can hear a little road traffic(depending on what site you get, some might have more noise). The sunsets were amazing here and we liked walking around the property to say hi to his dogs and horse. We would definitely recommend Rancho Topenga for camping while in BBNP.

We have recovered from our shake out trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Chorro Vista Camp Site. Yes we did a shake out in the most remote camp site, in the most remote State park in Texas. Texas Parks& Wildlife Dept calls this"the other side of No Where" and says bring TWO spare tires and they mean both. The 4x4 trail to get to the camp site was exhilarating, both the scenery and driving what they call maintained road. Want some real fun try the unmaintained 4X4 roads....we had a mountain goat tell us we were crazy for drive up there. If you care about your paint don't drive these roads, but if West Texas Pin Striping is a badge of honor this is for you. The Falcon Pro was awesome, if we would have had the old truck bed tent, it would have been in Mexico after the winds Friday night, as it was I was trying to figure out self rescue when the winds blew the truck over....but we made it. Then Saturday night the temps dropped to 15 degrees and us without a heater again did OK. We got some sleep Sunday night. The days were great some of the most rugged hiking ever...and the views, AMAZING. What a great experience, cant wait to get back out there.

We have recovered from our shake out trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Chorro Vista Camp Site. Yes we did a shake out in the most remote camp site, in the most remote State park in Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept calls this"the other side of No Where" and says bring TWO spare tires and they mean both. The 4x4 trail to get to the camp site was exhilarating, both the scenery and driving what they call maintained 4X4 road. Want some real fun try the unmaintained 4X4 roads....we had a mountain goat tell us we were crazy for drive up there. If you care about your paint don't drive these roads, but if West Texas Pin Striping is a badge of honor this is for you. The Falcon Pro was awesome, if we would have had the old truck bed tent, it would have been in Mexico after the winds Friday night, as it was I was trying to figure out self rescue when the winds blew the truck over....but we made it. Then Saturday night the temps dropped to 15 degrees and us without a heater again did OK. We got some sleep Sunday night. The days were great some of the most rugged hiking ever...and the views, AMAZING. What a great experience, cant wait to get back out there.

This is a great location to mountain bike in Big Bend Ranch State Park and on the Lajitas trail system, but also you’re only an hour away from sitting in the Big Bend National Park Chiso basin parking lot to do great hiking. Terilinga Texas is a fun town nearby and there’s a place to buy groceries called the Cottonwood general store in Study Butte. I am a single camper and Rancho Topango is only $15 a night and you get hot showers and flush toilets and some of the sites have a roof built over the picnic tables to help keep the searing Texas Sun at bay

This is one of my favorite Texas campsites. If you love the desert and big Texas sunsets this is the place to camp. You will need a high clearance vehicle and experience camping in dispersed desert sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, otherwise you need to bring everything including water and a toilet. The ranger station is about 25 miles off the highway on a rough washboard road. Sections of the smaller roads which lead to campsites required 4x4 vehicles. Our Sprinter 4x4 has no problem making it to our site which was about 12 miles off the highway. The variety of desert cactuses was amazing. We visited in April and it was very hot in the day. So, you will need to time the visit carefully has the summer temps can exceed 100 most days. We also experienced a lot of bees in the spring from the flowers Ocotillo plants.

We were here 2/20/21 to 2/26/21. Weather was great, mid 70's during the day, 40 to 50 at night. 

Horrible roads, takes forever to get anywhere! We loved the Isolation, saw very few people unless we went into the Ranger Station. Bathrooms and showers very clean, although never used showers. Bring tons of water! Can get more at Ranger station and also decent WIFI there. Free Ice is a huge bonus!

Had Texas Longhorns in camp. We have a Truck Camper on a Silverado 3500 and originally reserved Yedra 1. We were talked out of that site by a ranger and ended up in Tascate 1 instead which was just fine. We tried driving into Yedra later in our stay and turned around, so glad we didn't end up there.

Trails are plentiful and fantastic. The scenery fantastic. Be sure to bring everything you need food and alcohol wise!

Also, if you have the Texas state park pass, you don't pay the daily fees and you get discounted camping on at least one night plus discounts on gift store items. Was well worth it

BBRSP is quite possibly our favorite park in Texas. The draw is that there is far fewer foot traffic than BBNP - so much solitute. We camped at Fresno Vista and backpacked the Rincon Loop from the Barton Warnock Station... about 30 miles in 3days/2nights. Wifi at the Ranger stations and a shower at the Sauceda Station. If you have any questions don't hesitate to call the Ranger stations. Water near the Crawford Smith house.

Perfect RV park in a remote part of Texas. WONDERFUL staff and amenities. Everything you need. It's a dark camp so if you have issues turning off your camper lights before 9 or 10 depends on the season this isnt your place. Best stars and moon viewing you'll experience! Close to Big bend and terlingua and all of that area. I will be back and cant say enough good things!!

Ranch Topanga Campgrounds

A good place to camp if you want a quiet, secluded spot, lovely views, close to both the National and State Parks. Reasonably priced. The managers take great care of the place and have a great camping spot with all the amenities needed. The bathhouse has hot showers, toilets, large sinks for washing dishes, and electrical outlets. I camped in Site#1 February 2020. I had my camp set up in the back of my truck topper, and I was attending an annual 4 day motorcycle rally in the Big Bend region of Texas.

Rancho Topanga is located on the North side of Highway 170, approximately 11 miles West of Study Butte and 7 miles East of Lajitas.

I will definitely come back.

This pin is actually across the road from where the Upper & Lower Madera campgrounds are. As the name suggests, one is on a plateau and one is on the ground/ river level. There is a clearly marked sign for Upper Madera, but the sign to turn for Lower Madera is simply a “river access” sign. The Lower Madera sign is visible only once you turn onto the road.

I stayed for a few nights at Lower Madera because it’s the closest thing I could find to Big Bend National Park, which is still about an hour drive away. Luckily the drive up and down River Road is absolutely stunning!

I stayed in site 10, which was a bit set back from the road and could have easily fit another tent or two. I also prepaid/ reserved my stay through the Texas SP website for $12 a night.

Lower Madera is fairly desolate, there were only three other campers that I spotted throughout my two nights there. The highway was not heavily trafficked to begin with, but the plateau of Upper Madera blocks any sound that might come through. The river gurgling in the short distance is nice. This is a GREAT place for stargazing as this and the surrounding area is a designated dark sky.

Speaking of the Rio Grande, most of the shoreline is covered in brush, with an opening for boat access. From what I could tell, this boat access ramp is really the only place you can truly get to the river’s edge at the campground.

Wildlife spotting: skunks and javelinas. You can hear the coyotes yipping and howling in the middle of the night or early in the morning, but I didn’t actually see any. The skunk and javelina both went on their way when I shined my flashlight on them.

There is absolutely ZERO cell service. You may be able to pick up some phone calling service or even 3G data around Lajitas, but LTE is nonexistent out there. There is WiFi at the visitor centers within the national park.

The picnic table is metal, easy for cleaning! The fire ring was in great shape too, but there was a burn ban in effect when I came through a few days ago. There is a lot of brush to separate the campsites, but not really much for shade trees.

I would stay here again, but no longer than two nights, with a tight activity plan in place.

Very nice place, plenty of room, nice owner and camp host, will definitely stay here again