Big Bend Ranch State Park offers primitive camping experiences in the Chihuahuan Desert, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,800 feet. The area experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter overnight lows that can drop below freezing. The desert environment requires careful water planning, as most primitive sites have no water sources and require visitors to carry in all supplies needed for their stay.
What to do
Explore Closed Canyon: A popular slot canyon trail accessible from FM 170 (River Road) within Big Bend Ranch State Park. One camper at Upper & Lower Madera Campground shared, "We hiked Closed Canyon and off-roaded at Las Burras Canyon. We all had a great time and are planning on going back next year."
Off-road adventures: Navigate remote terrain with appropriate vehicles for accessing secluded sites. At Interior Primitive Sites, a camper noted, "We decided to take our off-road pull along trailer down to Las Burras 3. Let me tell you. I have never underestimated a challenge so thoroughly... If you choose to accept the challenge, don't get too attached to your paint, drive slow, and most importantly, have fun."
Rio Grande activities: Take advantage of river access points for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the water. A visitor to Upper & Lower Madera explained, "My brother and I layed our sleeping bags under the big sky stars after an evening dip in the Rio Grande at the 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."
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The region's minimal light pollution creates exceptional night viewing conditions. A visitor at Rancho Topanga remarked, "The night sky is unbelievable. The campgrounds are very well maintained and spaced out. Good bathrooms and showers that are very sustainable."
Wildlife encounters: The desert ecosystem supports diverse animal species visible from camp. One camper at Interior Primitive Sites observed, "The hiking is incredible & the wildlife is amazing, back bears, mountain lions, javelinas, coyotes, big horn sheep, rattle snakes, are just some of the wildlife you might encounter."
Yurt camping Redford, Texas: For those seeking comfort with wilderness proximity, furnished structures provide a glamping alternative. Space Cowboys offers yurt accommodations with amenities like drinking water, toilets, and trash service to enhance the desert camping experience near Redford.
What you should know
High clearance vehicles required: Many sites have challenging access roads that demand appropriate transportation. A camper at Interior Primitive Sites advised, "If you are looking to get out into the backcountry of Big Bend and truly experience it's vast remoteness & beauty, then this is one of the best places to do just that... bring a 4x4 and head into the open country."
Limited connectivity: Prepare for complete digital disconnection in most areas. A reviewer at Upper & Lower Madera warned, "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."
Water management: No potable water exists at most primitive sites. At Rincon 1, visitors must bring all necessary water supplies, as the campsite is deep within Big Bend Ranch State Park with limited facilities beyond a shade-covered table and shared toilets a short walk away.
Extreme temperatures: Summer heat can be dangerous without proper preparation. A camper at Interior Primitive Sites cautioned, "Very hot in the summer. Visit in the late fall or early spring."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade structures: Look for established campgrounds that offer protection from intense sun. At Interior Primitive Sites, one camper shared, "Great site tucked in-between foothills. Nice sized space with picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of room for multiple tents and additional vehicles."
Plan logistics carefully: Facilities are limited and distances between services can be substantial. A visitor at Upper & Lower Madera noted, "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."
Consider alternative lodging options: Traditional tent camping near Redford, Texas can be challenging for families during extreme weather. Yurt camping provides a middle ground between tent camping and cabins. Rancho Topanga offers cabins with amenities that families appreciate, including "hot showers, toilets, large sinks for washing dishes, and electrical outlets where you can charge your phone."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations are real: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate large rigs. At Interior Primitive Sites, a reviewer noted, "Could bring small camper but one washout in road could prove challenging unless have short tongue and higher clearance."
Prepare for boondocking: No hookups exist at most sites, requiring self-sufficiency. One camper at Upper & Lower Madera shared, "Our Rig is a Truck camper on a one ton truck" – demonstrating the type of compact setup that works best in these remote locations.
Research routes carefully: Road grades can be extreme and unsuitable for trailers. A visitor cautioned, "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."
