Big Bend Ranch State Park terrain encompasses 311,000 acres of rugged Chihuahuan desert landscape along the Mexico border west of Redford. Elevations range from 2,300 feet along the Rio Grande to nearly 5,000 feet in the higher peaks. Winter temperatures often drop below 32°F at night while daytime temperatures remain mild, creating ideal camping conditions from October through April.
What to do
Dark sky stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities at Interior Primitive Sites — Big Bend Ranch State Park. "Stare up into the beautiful night sky to view more stars than you've ever seen. Very hot in the summer. Visit in the late fall or early spring," notes reviewer John N Liz P.
Kayaking and river recreation: The Rio Grande offers excellent paddling routes for experienced boaters. At Upper & Lower Madera Campground — Big Bend Ranch State Park, "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," according to Victor G.
Mountain biking: The park maintains over 70 miles of designated biking trails ranging from moderate to extremely challenging. Routes require preparation and proper equipment. "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," explains Karen T.
What campers like
Remote solitude: The lack of crowds creates truly private camping experiences. "If you love solitude this place is right up your alley. We chose Big Bend Ranch over the National park primarily for an adventure and the fact that they allow camp fires. It was a long drive out in the desert," writes Summer H. about River District Arenosa — Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Rustic amenities: Sites offer basic facilities like picnic tables and fire rings. "Great site tucked in-between foothills. Nice sized space with picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of room for multiple tents and additional vehicles," notes Neal L.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to see native desert wildlife. "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," shares Matt T.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require high clearance 4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers. "Unless you have a vehicle that is 4x4 and high clearance, absolutely don't try this. We manage many 4x4 roads in 2 wheel drive…not this one. If you choose to accept the challenge, don't get too attached to your paint, drive slow," warns Katherine R.
Water scarcity: Potable water access is extremely limited. "When we stayed at Big Bend Ranch, we stayed at the Escondido Pens camp site. There was no water on site, we had to bring it from the ranger station," explains Brian V.
Bathroom facilities: Most sites have minimal or no facilities. At Seep Spring on the Rancherias Loop, "There are no facilities nor amenities at this campsite. Leave No Trace principles should apply. Purchase gas and supplies in Fort Stockton, Alpine or Terlingua before entering the park because there are no supplies within the park," notes Troy W.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select sites closer to park entrances. "The main attraction of this site is that it is relatively close to the trailhead entrance. Also, camping in the river wash on soft sand with high bluffs surrounding us was a fun experience," explains Troy W.
Pack sufficient supplies: No services exist within the park boundaries. At Casa Reza Farmhouse and Creek on the Rancherias Loop, "When we visited the water was freely running and we were able to collect and filter water easily," reports Troy W., but this cannot be relied upon year-round.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Redford: Most sites accommodate pets with proper management. "If you wanna place where you're not gonna have phone service, or you'll hear coyotes in the middle of the night, wake up to the most beautiful views, and a well set up site. This is a place to go," writes Elise A., highlighting the importance of monitoring pets.
Tips from RVers
RV-friendly alternatives: For full hookups near dog friendly camping options at Redford, consider staying at Loma Paloma RV Park. "All sites appear to be FHU. Rates are extremely reasonable. Laundry has decent size machines and are paid by the honor system. Not much to do here in Presidio so we'll just be passing through, wish we had reason to stay longer. But this makes a great stop over for heading to/from Big Bend NP," advises Chip K.
Know your rig limitations: Many interior roads are impassable for larger rigs. "Could bring small camper but one washout in road could prove challenging unless have short tongue and higher clearance," warns Neal L.
Electrical considerations: Power fluctuations can occur at developed campgrounds. "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. Once we got down to the campsite, the views were like a postcard, and we were the only ones there," shares Katherine R.
