Terlingua, Texas sits at an elevation of approximately 2,950 feet in the Chihuahuan Desert, where daily temperature swings can exceed 30 degrees between day and night. This remote area receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, creating a harsh but uniquely beautiful camping environment. Most camping locations lack cell service and have limited water access, making advance planning essential.
What to do
Hiking at Big Bend Ranch State Park: The Rancherias Loop Trail offers a challenging but rewarding 19-mile route with primitive camping opportunities. "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 Troy W. about Seep Spring on the Rancherias Loop.
River access: Lower Madera campground provides access to the Rio Grande for swimming or kayaking. "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," shares Victor G. about his stay at Upper & Lower Madera Campground.
Mountain biking: Trails near Terlingua offer excellent terrain for cyclists. "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," explains Russ H. from his experience at Rancho Topanga.
Wildlife observation: The desert environment hosts diverse wildlife. "We saw wildlife and amazing sunsets during our visit," reports Kristin K. after staying at Rancho Topanga, where you might spot javelinas, coyotes, and various desert species.
What campers like
Remote desert campsites: Primitive camping allows for solitude and connection with the desert landscape. "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 the Interior Primitive Sites, adding "In four days we saw no one."
Unique yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Terlingua, Texas offers alternative shelter with desert views. Space Cowboys provides 16 sites including yurts with comfortable amenities. "The sites are spread out so you're not looking directly into your neighbor's window but instead at the immaculate unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains," describes Devon M. about Tin Valley Retro Rentals.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds with bathrooms and showers enhance desert camping comfort. "The bathhouse has hot showers, toilets, large sinks for washing dishes, and electrical outlets," notes Wendy J., who appreciated these amenities at Rancho Topanga.
Night sky views: Minimal light pollution creates prime stargazing opportunities. "Awesome Views of The Night Sky...The site has awesome views of the night sky and of the surrounding mountains," shares Rick G. about his experience at K-Bar 2.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. "After the first descent on a very rocky ledge, its mostly managing to keep on the path and navigate a few obstacles," warns Drew T. about reaching Rincon 1, adding "Once you get there, a great site with a shade-covered table etc."
Extreme weather preparation: Weather changes rapidly in desert environments. "The site is exposed to wind and dust storms so a lower profile tent would be a good idea," advises Rick G. about camping at K-Bar 2.
Limited services: Stock up before arriving. "Purchase gas and supplies in Fort Stockton, Alpine or Terlingua before entering the park because there are no supplies within the park," recommends Troy W. regarding camping at Seep Spring.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require permits while others use online bookings. "Prior to visiting this site it is required that you check in to the Barton Warnock Visitor Center from 8am to 4pm and secure a backcountry permit," explains Troy W. about backcountry camping in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade structures: Protection from sun improves comfort for children. "Each site has a canopy, picnic table and a metal pole to hang a trash bag," notes Victor G. about Lower Madera campground, which provides crucial shade during hot days.
Sites near bathroom facilities: When camping with children, proximity to toilets matters. "The sites are close to the toilets," reports Jacob W., who stayed at Lower Madera campground and found the layout convenient for families.
Bring extra water: Children may need more hydration in the desert climate. "West Texas is a desert - Big Bend NP only allows 5 gallons of water per person per day at potable spigots. Please be sparing and conserve where you can," advises Chelsey D., who camped at Tin Valley Retro Rentals.
Wildlife awareness: Educate children about desert wildlife safety. "West Texas is home to Mexican black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, javelinas, every variety of venomous snake that lives in the United States, and more," Chelsey D. warns from her experience camping in the area.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger RVs may struggle to access remote sites. "The road getting here is very rough. 4x4 recommended. High clearance needed," cautions Kristen M. about accessing Telephone Canyon 2.
Charging options: Limited electricity requires planning. "The rental included the free use of the (hot) showers at nearby (5 minute drive) Terlingua Ranch Lodge, where there is also a restaurant," shares Chelsey D. about amenities available to campers at Tin Valley.
Site selection: RV spots vary significantly in quality and access. "Could bring small camper but one washout in road could prove challenging unless have short tongue and higher clearance," notes Neal L. about the Interior Primitive Sites at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Water conservation: Limited water supplies require efficiency. "Each site has potable water and a fire pit," reports Kristin K. about Rancho Topanga, though most other campgrounds require bringing your own water supply.
