The Jewels of Big Bend National Park
Everyone has heard the old saying, “Go Big…Go to Texas”, and Big Bend National Park is no exception.
Big Bend sits just 50 miles outside of Terlingua, in the South West of Texas. At 1252 square miles and a varied landscape, this National Park has a lot to offer both RVers and tent campers—and any nature, adventure lover.
In fact, you’ll need at least a week to experience all of its bounties.
Big Bend is not just for adventure lovers; it’s also for history and archeology lovers. Here’s an excerpt from the National Park’s website:
“Big Bend is famous for its natural resources and recreational opportunities, the park is also rich in cultural history. Native peoples lived in and/or passed through this area for thousands of years. Their presence is evidenced by pictographs and archeological sites.”
Planning Your Visit to Big Bend
From desert wildlife to canyons carved by the Rio Grande and hot springs near the Mexican border, your outdoor options are limitless.
You can explore by foot; hiking in the Chisos mountain range or the Chihuahuan Desert. Enjoy the varied geography and the over 450 species of birds that call the park home. At night, you will be in awe of the starry nights.
PRO TIP: If you want to explore by foot, bring along this Big Bend National Park Hiking Guide. There’s barely any cell connectivity inside the park. Having a hard copy book will come in handy.
If you like to shop for unique finds and souvenirs, consider a visit to La Harmonia Store at Castolon, where shoppers have found uncommon goods for over 80 years. Or, stop by the National Park book store.
Camping Jewels at Big Bend National Park
Enjoying Big Bend is all about the planning; so, here are our five Camping Tips.
Free Camping Near Big Bend. We enjoyed the Indian Head Camp, and we think that you will too. This free campsite wins 5-star reviews and even has room for larger rigs. Plus, off-road ATVs are allowed. Stay at Indian Head Camp and enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Visit Ghost Town Texas in Terlingua. You will want to keep your camera handy in the National Park and in Terlingua, TX. Fun photo opportunities abound in this town. Visit The Terlingua Trading Company and sit on the front porch with a refreshing drink. Photograph the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company and purchase local arts and crafts.
Try your luck at Cottonwood Campground. They do not take reservations, first-come/first-served. Within the National Park, this camp is open year-round. At $18/night, it is a great bargain, but make sure to read all of the information about generators, pit toilets, etc. Cottonwood Campground is a quiet, shady desert oasis located between the Castolon Historic District and scenic Santa Elena Canyon.
Need Full Hook-Ups? Consider a stay at Stillwell Store & RV Park. This is a camp that prides itself on a quiet and relaxing stay. Visitors love the stunning sunsets that make this camp popular. It is also only 8 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are also hundreds of acres to explore, live music events, and a museum.
Give yourself multiple days to explore the region, and maybe even cross into Mexico. Activities that we enjoyed include hiking, kayaking, and stargazing. If you are looking for a unique stop that includes beautiful scenery and history, this is the National Park for you.
Discover the Best Free Camping in the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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