RV Rental Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX

You'll probably never run out of things to do in Big Bend Ranch State Park. There are over 238 miles of multi-use trails to explore. You can spend days hiking through the park and enjoying the untouched beauty of this hostile terrain. The trails are marked and range from easy to strenuous. Hikers are encouraged to hike in pairs when planning to trek the more strenuous trails. Camping at Big Bend Ranch State Park is a great way to get an early start on exploring the trails before the heat of the Texas sun hits you full blast.

Plan on motorhome camping so you can sit outside and enjoy stargazing with family and friends. The International Dark Sky Association has dubbed these skies as some of the darkest in Texas. The best places for stargazing at the park are along River Road, Big Hill, West Contrabando Trailhead, and Hoodoos. All of these places are accessible by any vehicle, or you can simply sit out near your campsite and enjoy the stars.

Many visitors to Big Bend Ranch State Park bring their horses and explore the 238 miles of multi-use trails which head into the Chihuahuan Desert and backcountry areas. An equestrian fee applies when you bring your own horse. When camping at Big Bend Ranch State Park with your horse, you'll need to have a backcountry use permit. You'll be expected to properly care for your horse, including carrying water for them when needed. There are separate pens set up for equestrians to use and four equestrian campsites that have water and corrals.

Some state park RV campgrounds come equipped with all the modern conveniences of home, but the campgrounds at Big Bend Ranch State Park are primitive. Amenities include a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets or self-composting toilets are within walking distance, and potable water is available. No electric or water hookups are available. The visitors' center at the Sauceda Headquarters does have showers and flush toilets.

If primitive RV camping at Big Bend Ranch State Park isn't your ideal accommodation, you can check out the Tumble In RV Park in Marfa. This RV park offers a lounge with a full kitchen and laundry facilities. Modern restrooms and showers are available within walking distance of the campsites.

Check out the Last Alaskan RV Park in Alpine for a more comfortable RV camping experience. Some RV hookups are available as well as spaces for longer RVs; make sure you reserve your spot early if you need electric. A pool, recreation room, and gift shop are a few extras available at the RV park. Campers can also use the on-site laundry facilities.

Take a slight detour and stop in to visit Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale and take a dip in one of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pools. People from all over the country flock to Balmorhea State Park to swim or scuba dive in the large crystal clear pool or just dip their toes in and cool off. While at the park, do a little birdwatching, explore the cienegas, or partake in geocaching.

Visit the MacDonald Observatory and enjoy a tour where you can learn more about research telescopes and the role astronomers play in science. The MacDonald Observatory hosts star parties and special viewing nights where you can look at the start through some of the largest telescopes in the world. The visitors' center has a gift shop, theater, and café for visitors to relax.

The Museum of the Big Bend is located in Alpine on the Sul Ross State University campus. You can wander through the exhibits that bring the history of the Big Bend region of both Texas and Mexico to life. These exhibits have been carefully collected and preserved by faculty, staff, and students of the university and focus on the historic and cultural diversity of the area.