Located in Southwest Texas, Big Bend National Park spans the entire Chisos mountain range and much of the Chihuahuan Desert. It’s vast, rugged, and one of the wildest places in North America. Offering massive canyons, stunning mountain ranges, vast desert, and diverse wildlife (over 4,000 different species), the park is the perfect destination to explore by RV. There’s a number of RV campsites available along with fun outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, stargazing, and horseback riding. Ideally, you should plan to visit the park between November to April to avoid the hot summer weather.
Where to camp
Big Bend National Park offers three developed camping areas, which all need to be booked in advance. If you want to see as much of the park as you can, it makes sense to switch up your campsites and stay in different locations during your tour. In particular, Rio Grande Village RV Park offers 25 sites with full hook-ups, including electric, water, and a 3-inch sewer connection. In fact, it’s the only campground within the park to offer full hook-ups. It’s a popular campground and the nearest one to both the Boquillas Crossing and hot springs.
Alternatively, you can also stay at Cottonwood Campground, which offers 22 sites (no hook-ups or generators are permitted). Located between the Santa Elena Canyon, Castolon Historic District, and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Cottonwood is a convenient yet quiet campground in Big Bend’s western corner. And, there’s also the Chisos Basin Campground, which offers 56 campsites. However, the narrow, twisty road leading up to the campground means it isn’t a suitable site for RVs over 24 feet or trailers over 20 feet. Chisos Basin also doesn’t have any hookups. Nevertheless, it’s a scenic campground and convenient for visiting nearby areas like the Window and Lost Mine Trails.
Camping outside Big Bend
Outside of Big Bend National Park, Study Butte RV park is the closest RV park to one of the Park’s entrances (it’s about a mile from the west entrance). It offers full hook-ups and wifi. In addition to amenities, you’ll get to enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery. There’s even a great little grocery store across the street. Study Butte is particularly convenient for visiting Lajitas, Terlingua, and Santa Elena Canyon on Big Bend’s west side.
Exploring Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park being no exception, the whole of Texas is home to an abundance of beautiful land, ranches, and waterfront estates. Making the decision to purchase your own land in Texas can provide you with a unique, safe, and rewarding opportunity for investment in one of the top growth areas in the country, explains brokerage TexasLand. When exploring Big Bend National Park, hiking is a great way to do so with a number available to suit all abilities and fitness levels. In particular, the Lost Mine Trail is one of the most popular hikes. It spans 4.8 miles, is relatively easy, and will reward you with gorgeous views along the way. Alternatively, the Window Trail is another popular and enjoyable route that takes around two to three hours to complete. It’s downhill all the way to the “window”, which rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
The Boquillas Crossing and Langford Hot Springs
Boquillas Crossing, near the Boquillas Canyon, lets you cross from the Rio Grande to the small and charming Mexican town of Boquillas. After arriving at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry, you walk to the Rio Grande River and cross either on foot or by boat. Once across, it’s only a ½ mile walk (or taxi ride) into town. In Boquillas, you can spend the afternoon browsing the various souvenir shops featuring plenty of one-of-a-kind local handicrafts and grab a bite to eat at one of the town’s only two restaurants. A few miles upriver from Boquillas, you’ll also find Langford Hot Springs, a series of thermal springs next to the Rio Grande and one of Big Bend’s most famous attractions. Spend time relaxing in the clear, warm waters, renowned for their healing powers.
The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Officially named one of the best drives in Texas, the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive spans 40 miles and offers some of the park’s most spectacular views. You’ll pass by the Chisos Mountains and up onto the Sotol Vista before descending down to the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District. The drive ends at the breathtaking Santa Elena Canyon. There’s plenty of pullovers along the route, giving you the chance to admire scenic vistas or venture out on short or long hikes.
Big Bend National Park is undoubtedly an unmissable destination to explore by RV. With a range of campsites and unique natural attractions, you’re bound to have an amazing time adventuring in this beautiful part of Texas.
