Rio Grande RV Park Campground

The Great Outdoors

Set up your base camp in one of the campsites at Rio Grande RV Park, and you’ll be next door to one of the most famous natural areas in Texas, Big Bend National Park. Spanning for more than 800,000 acres across the Mexican-US border, this unique park offers a contrast to the predominantly flat land of West Texas. Here you’ll find peaks to traverse, extensive prairie, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. This national park is home to over 1,200 plant species as well as rare bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Aside from wildlife spotting, Big Bend offers a plethora of hiking routes that range from short and gentle to long and strenuous. During the hot summer months, you might prefer a multi-day river trip to one of the park's canyons or a scenic drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Route.Another highlight for nature lovers is Big Bend Ranch State Park. It’s just a short drive away when you’re RV camping at Rio Grande RV Park. Not only does the park offer white water rafting on the park’s rivers, but there are also opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and land-based expeditions. With over 280 miles of trails, you won’t cover all corners of the park on a single vacation. Instead, you can choose to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride through the park’s diverse scenery. The trail network includes long and remote backcountry stretches, primitive areas, and front country. Discovery doesn’t end after sunset either because Big Bend Ranch State Park is an official International Dark Sky Park and an idyllic spot for stargazing.For those who like to leave the beaten path, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area is a gem. This 103,000-acre WMA is located east of Big Bend in the Chihuahuan Desert. It receives far fewer visitors than its famous neighbor. Over half of the area is open for hiking, with access to steep trails in the mountains. There are also 200 miles of primitive roads that are great for mountain biking. While you explore, remember to look out for black bears, coyotes, and ring-tail cats. Bird watchers can set up at Brushy and Maravillas Canyons, two of the best spots in the area for birdwatching.

Explore the Area

While you’re in the area, schedule a day or two to visit some of the nearby attractions. If you camp in an RV near Terlingua, you can start with a visit to the fabled Ghost Town. It may look like a Western movie set, but the crumbling houses and dusty mine shafts are actually the remains of a former mining camp. It was once one of the largest in Texas, but when the mercury market collapsed, most miners abandoned Terlingua. Nowadays, you can wander through the part of Terlingua that’s been dubbed the "ghost town." A former mining store has been converted into an arts and handicrafts market while the old prison is where you’ll find the restrooms.The urban center of Terlingua is a little livelier as travelers typically stop in town en route to Big Bend. If you’re hungry, get a bite to eat in one of the locally-owned eateries. You won’t find any franchises here. Instead, there’s a handful of independent cafes, hot dog stalls, and mini-markets. A favorite among tourists and locals is the town’s traditional saloon and restaurant, which offers gourmet food, alcoholic beverages, and live music.Aside from the Ghost Town, Terlingua is well known for its chili, and the first weekend of November is dedicated to the Chili Cook-Off Championships. During the festivities, it’s common to see people in elaborate costumes and apparel. There’s also live music, family-friendly games, and plenty of chili eating involved. It’s the most unique event you’ll find while motorhome camping in Brewster County.