Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park

This primitive backcountry campground requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough desert access roads that become impassable when wet. Terlingua Abajo sits in Big Bend National Park's remote southwestern section, offering three dispersed sites spread across the desert landscape with views toward Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande.

The campground provides bear boxes at each site but no water, restrooms, or hookups. Campers must bring all supplies including sufficient fuel, as the nearest services are miles away at a visitor station with limited hours. A small hill behind the sites allows for elevated views of the surrounding canyon country. "Loved the rough ride in. The site was level. Great views," notes D C..

Road conditions present the main challenge here. Rain can strand visitors for extended periods, and the remote location means help may be days away. Cell service is available, and pets are permitted. The campground works well as a base for river activities or desert exploration, though the difficult access limits its appeal to experienced backcountry campers with appropriate vehicles.

Plan for self-sufficiency and check weather forecasts carefully before attempting the drive in.

Suggest an Edit
Big Bend National Park - The Complete Guide

Get the guide now

View Guide

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsTerlingua Abajo is located in Texas near Terlingua

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

29.19856246 N
103.60463397 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Terlingua Abajo

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the stunning desert scenery and peaceful remote location perfect for stargazing. The primitive camping requires bringing all supplies with no hookups available. Access roads are challenging and require high clearance vehicles.

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2020

Stunning and remote

This breathtakingly beautiful backcountry campsite is surrounded by Texas desert and has incredible views of the Santa Elena Canyon (where the Rio Grande divides Texas and Mexico).

We camped there in April 2018 and loved every moment. It’s a great spot to pitch a tent if you are planning to do some paddling on the river, or if you just want to be out (WAY OUT) in the middle of nowhere. There are three sites available at this location but they are spread out. Bear/mountain lion boxes are also provided - although I can’t imagine a bear would be that far out into the desert.

You can climb a small hill behind the campsite and watch the prettiest sunset over the canyon that you’ve ever seen.

Make sure to take everything you need. There are no hookups, no water, toilets, etc... there is a small visitor station with limited hours (even pre-COVID) just a few miles away. But no gas, so make sure to come on a full tank.

Take a couple of days and enjoy the beautiful scenery and nice hiking trails nearby.

This is ONLY a four star review simply because the access roads are AWFUL! You might could reach this in a high clearance 2WD, but if a rain shower pops up, it could be a while before you find your way out. And it could be days before anyone comes that far out. Come prepared! Other than this, the site is an easy 5 stars!

  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Sam W., October 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Sam W., October 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Sam W., October 13, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Big bend resort and campground.

Kinda of a chill base camp. Mainly rvs, but perfect for a base camp. Buffet breakfast every morning. Laundry and TV showers. Was very windy in Valley so be prepared.

  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Chris M., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Chris M., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park by Chris M., August 27, 2016
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Terlingua Abajo — Big Bend National Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.