If you're looking for glamping near Terlingua, look no further. Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping near Terlingua.
Big Bend State Park interior sites are and along the River Rd., and allow a max. of 8 people per site. These sites are, Casa Ramon, Chorro Vista, Fresno Canyon, Fresno Vista, Guale 1 and 2, Javelin, La Monilla, La Mota 2, La Posta, Las Burras 1 and 3, Los Alamos, Los Cuates, Los Hermanos, Los Ojitos, Lower Alamito, McGuirks Tanks, Mexicano 1 and 2, Ojo Escondido, Papalote de la Sierra, Papalote Encino, Papalote Llano, Papalote Llano Nuevo, Papalote Nuevo, Papalote Rancho Viejo, Papalotito Colorado, Paso al Solitario, Pila Montoya 2 and 3, Pila de los Muchachos, Rancherias, Rincon 1 and 2, South Leyva, Tascate 1 and 2, Vista del Bofecillos, Vista del Chisos, and Yedra 1 and 2.
Picnic table Fire ring You must have a permit to camp at primitive road and front country campsites, and in the backcountry zone. Day-use visitors must obtain a permit before entering the park. If you plan to use the 4X4 unmaintained road, pick up and sign an Acknowledgement of Use of Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Motorcycles.
Get park information and permits for day use and camping daily, in person, at three locations:
Sauceda Ranger Station - (432) 358-4444 - in the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park Barton Warnock Visitor Center - (432) 424-3327 - in Lajitas, TX Fort Leaton State Historic Site - (432) 229-3613 - in Presidio, TX
Place tents in designated areas only. Desert resources are fragile. You must haul out both your human waste and trash. You can buy a portable privy at all permit-issuing stations. Downed wood is critical to desert ecology. Gathering firewood is prohibited; you must bring your own. Charcoal cooking fires and containerized fuel stoves are allowed. Pack out your ashes or deposit them in the fire ring. The maximum stay per permit is 14 nights. Individual campsites have an eight-person and three-vehicle limit. Group campsites have a 12-person and five-vehicle limit. Equestrian staging campsites have a 24-person and 12-vehicle limit.
Highway-access camping areas are along River Road (FM 170) at Arenosa, Lower and Upper Madera (Monilla) Canyon, and at Grassy Banks River Access. One campground is on the north side of FM 170 at the Contrabando West Trailhead; it does not have river access or a toilet facility. Self-composting toilets are at Colorado Canyon, Madera Canyon, Grassy Banks and the Contrabando Movie Set site.
No other facilities, water/electrical hookups, or dump stations are available. Due to road conditions, motor homes and large recreational vehicles may not be able to enter backcountry park areas. The Visitor’s Center at Sauceda Headquarters has shower and restrooms..
$12 / night
$10 - $35 / night
This site is Rincon 1. Located in the Southeast Zone. Must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access this site. Our 4WD roads are not suitable for most All-Wheel drive vehicles; clearance needs to be above 8''.
There is a walk in of about 75 yards. It has a picnic table, 2 tent pads and a grill. The site is in an open area with a view of Solatario Peak. This site is good for families. There is no water on this side of the canyon, so campers must bring plenty of water. This site also gets very hot in the summer.
This site requires a toilet system to occupy. No composting toilet is available. No ''cat-holing'' is allowed. Toilet systems can be purchased at a visitor center. Capacity 8.
$12 - $35 / night
The space
Our launch pad 🚀 is located directly on Hwy-118 just 10 minutes away from Big Bend National Park ⛰ and 15 minutes away from the ghost 👻 town.
In the middle of our site there is a large hill consisting mostly of volcanic rock 🪨 giving you a 360 degree view of Big Bend National Park, State Park and surrounding mountains ⛰
Your space comes fully equipped with electrical outlets 🔌, fridge, fan and nebula lasers to light 💡 up your ceiling with moving nebulas.
Your comfortable memory foam queen size bed comes with a plush comforter and a warm Sherpa Fleece blankets.
You will have access to a very nice outdoor toilets and showers with hot water 🚿 🚽. The water comes from a 750 foot deep aquifer and is soft and clean. We will provide you with a set of white towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. 🧼 🧴 🧽 . Please remember that water 💧 in the desert is very scarce, please limit your showers to 5 minutes.
See you @ Space Cowboys 🌎 🪐 👽
$40 - $330 / night
$10 / night
Scout
Have not been yet but here is their website:
Scout
Incredible location deep within BBRSP. The majority of the route is straightforward until you deviate from regular roads near the La Posta site.
cotton candy t shirt full sleeve
ScoutDiscover the extraordinary at this hidden gem in BBRSP! The journey is a breeze until you diverge from the regular roads at La Posta site. Navigating rocky ledges and overcoming obstacles leads to a rewarding destination. Enjoy the fantastic site featuring a shaded table and more. the impossible quiz
Ranger
Pretty close to the highway but mostly quiet . Many coyotes and javelina . Lajitas is just down the road with a good store . The state park is less traveled than Big Bend National Park . The view from this campsite was quite nice . Overlooks the Rio Grande and Lower Madera campsites . Pit toilets were new down low and the upper one was under construction , no water .
GuideAwesome site deep in BBRSP. Most of the path is easy until 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. Once you get there, a great site with a shade-covered table etc. Shared toilets short walk away.
Guide
We stayed on the ridge top. It had one bathroom for about 5-6? Spots. There are many more camp spots below the hill and plenty of other bathrooms. The bathrooms were very nice. Clean and garbage and recycling next to camp. Nice camp host and she was very busy! I think there were 80 other tents spreading out down below. We never heard anyone. I think the ridge top site is more expensive. We payed $20 per person. I would stay here again. If you have a small group the ridge would be ideal. Private, Your own bathroom and Beautiful views.
Guide
The site has awesome views of the night sky and of the surrounding mountains. The road is passable if you drive slowly. Plenty of room to park. The site is exposed to wind and dust storms so a lower profile tent would be a good idea.
Traveler
You definitely need 4x4 to get there but the site itself is clear and pretty level. Very rocky, but no problem if you have a decent sleep mat. Great for kids because it is fairly clear, no sharp drop offs, has fire pit, and a picnic table. No shade cover. Watch for cactus.
RangerMy 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 in March 2022. There are about 17 sites that you must reserve at one of the 3 visitor centers in the park. You cannot reserve a specific site in the campground—just a space generally and then you go select your site. We stayed at site 17–closest to the “boat ramp” but shielded by a sandy berm. The campground is on the US-Mexico border but it feels safe because there are cliffs on the Mexico side with no sign of people. 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. There is a bathroom at the entrance. Good times.
ScoutWe 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. It was awesome. 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, and most importantly, have fun.
GuideWe 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.
GuideIf 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.
TravelerGreat campsite! Site is located 1.3 miles off the main road. High clearance needed. Site has a table and near box. No cover for shade. Great views - definitely recommend this site.
TravelerI 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...
TravelerA remote campsite at the end of the road. Its accessible by most vehicles. You can see the mountains all around you but this site is flat with no shelter or windbreaks of any kind.
TravelerNice and quiet at the end of the road. There will be no thru traffic here. It's less sheltered than telephone canyon #1 however. The road getting here is very rough. 4x4 recommended. High clearance needed
GuideThere's a little confusion when you drive in to this campground. As another reviewer states, the entrance into Lower Madera is not clear although Upper is well marked.
The lower campground has a loop of sites #1 to 15 and then 2 separate, much larger sites #16 and #17. You make a reservation on line for a site, but you are not assigned one; you simply show up and pick one. We felt like surely #16 and #17 must be specially reserved as why would anyone want to be in the loop of 15 if one of these others were available!! We ended up taking #16 as it was empty and the people in #17 later told us the previous campers had just left when we pulled in thus its availability.
The drawback to 16 and 17 is there is a constant parade of canoe outfitters coming in and out to drop off and pickup canoes which is why I took one star off for this review and why the loop may be preferred. However the sites are so much bigger with more privacy and close to the toilets'. Not sure why there are two toilets' down here and none on Upper Madera. Be sure to bring plenty of water. We came here after leaving Tascate in the Interior of the BBRSP so after leaving there we went to Fort Leaton and checked in for Lower Madera instead of going all the way over to Barton Warnock.
We were here 2/26/21 until 3/5/21 Daytime highs anywhere from 60 to 90 and lows mid 30 to mid 50 at night. Always Windy.
Our Rig is a Truck camper on a one ton truck
GuideWe 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
ScoutThis place was home for 4 nights of our Big Bend trip and Im so glad we chose this place. Showers and bathrooms nice and clean and very welcome after a day on the trails. $10 a person per night.
Guide
We drove in after dark and were greeted and driven around by the amazingly friendly Megan. She got us set up in our spot in no time. We brought our own camper van to stay in buy they also offer extremely unique trailers and tents to rent. Waking up to the views of the mountains was an unforgettable experience and we are truly envious of those that get to live in them. We will definitely be back for a more lengthy visit :)
GuideIf 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. 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. Remember to follow the “ leave no trace” principle when visiting. We only have one world, let’s keep it beautiful.
GuideTin Valley Retro Rentals is a diamond in the rough! Owner Ronda has transformed Airstreams, buses, retro RV’s, and even a VW Beetle (the Cuddlebug) and Land Yacht into amazing places to stay. At Tin Valley you’ll share your stay with a donkey, some pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. It’s a pet friendly atmosphere. Along with the retro rentals and tent sites there’s amazing RV parking and new to Tin Valley, Van Lifer parking spaces. This is not your standard RV park, the RV parking spaces are spread out not packed in tightly. 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. Two of the tent sites have their own artistic touch complete with A-Frame style lodging so you can leave the tent home if you’d like. The Land Yacht site is the only clothing optional site here as well, where you can feel free to feel free. Each site has it’s own fire pit and charcoal grill. There’s an outdoor shower here, or nearby showers, laundry, pool and cafe at the neighboring Terlingua Ranch. Artist Jules Muck has put her own touch on Tin Valley transforming what would normally be just a renovated RV into a work of art. Stars will shine brighter here than you’ve ever seen before without the city light pollution nearby and it’s an amazing sight. You can hike up the two mountains closest or take a walk around Tin Valley. Take time to head to Big Bend national or state parks in the Terlingua area. The center of Terlingua also has a ghost town complete with walking tour. In that area you’ll find bars and restaurants, Cottonwood, the nearest grocery store, or the closest place to fill up on gas. A visit to Terlingua and Tin Valley Retro Rentals won’t disappoint. You won’t’ find another place this original, or with this much space to rent to call your own as an RV’er, camper, or retro renter. Check out tinvalleyretrorentals.com or Tin Valley Retro Rentals on Facebook.
LegendBig 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.
RangerStayed 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.
GuideWe went out here for a four day primitive site stay in Javelin. 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. The main road is well maintained. Once you hit the side roads to your campsite you need to pay attention to what vehicle they tell you, you need to get to the campsite. They aren’t fooling around😆we had two wheel drive high clearance and it is exactly that. One thing we didn’t realize was that the brush grows close into the road so if you go out to Javelin you will scratch your vehicle. But you are rewarded with the solitude and beauty of the area. In four days we saw no one. We heard wildlife (coyotes) but never saw anything. It had plenty of trails close by to explore if you want to stay put. They require your own waste disposal. The site includes tent sites (they are rocky), picnic table and a fire pit/grill. Just a beautiful awesome place that I hope to return to soon.
GuideThe first time I stayed in Tin Valley was in July a few years ago. Not many folks were there, and we stayed in Pancho Villa, a refurbished Airstream that was wonderful. We had a perfect view of the Milky Way at night, and spent our days in Big Bend - and had both places almost to ourselves. This week we returned to Tin Valley prepared to camp, but then a record-breaking snowstorm settled in. Rhonda moved us to a converted trailer with room for the four of us, heat, and a kitchenette.
Rhonda is a wonder. The place is pretty much off-the-grid, so don’t go if you want to be pampered and online. Go if you want a taste of independence, to hear coyotes howling at night, and zero light noise to see the sky. Can’t wait to return.
GuideRanch 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Terlingua, TX is Rancho Topanga with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Terlingua, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
