Description

If you’re taking a trip to Big Bend Ranch with a bunch of your buddies, then Arenosa is your oasis. One of two group camping sites in the park, Arenosa is a “primitive” camping area, meaning that you will have access to a self-composting toilet, picnic table, and little else. That also means either bring your own fresh water or some form of water treatment (bleach, stove for boiling, UV wand, etc.). But what this campground lacks in man-made comforts it more than makes up for in natural wonder; you’ll be surrounded by the best that this park has to offer including sheer cliff faces and the Rio Grande only a stone’s throw away. Oh, and remember that this is the desert—you’ll be camping on sand, so don’t track any of it into the tent!
Campsite area
Tent or RV site
1 site
Up to 12 guests per site
Up to 6 vehicles
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Stretching along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, the Big Bend Ranch State Park is an amazing location for the adventurous. Th...Read more

Boating

The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area offers great day-use access where visitors can float and fish!

Fishing

Fishing is accessible for day use in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area. If you need it, you can purchase a fishing license inside t...Read more

Hiking

Big Bend Ranch State Park is the biggest Texas State Park—so there’s plenty to explore. Hike around the 238 miles of multiuse t...Read more

Horseback riding

In addition to riding on the trails, there are equestrian campsites available for overnight stays! There are a few rules you ha...Read more

Paddling

For a day trip on the water, visit the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo corridor to raft, canoe, picnic and fish. Several access points lie...Read more

Swimming

Although there isn’t a great place for swimming inside Big Bend Ranch State Park, on your way in or out, stop for a dip in the ...Read more

Whitewater paddling

For a day trip on the water, visit the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo corridor to raft, canoe, picnic and fish. Several access points lie...Read more

Wildlife watching

Big Bend Ranch State Park is the perfect location for beautiful geology, birds, animals, and plants. There are more than 300 bi...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Arenosa Campsite.

Cave
Desert
Lake
River, stream, or...
Waterfall

5 Reviews

750
No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
Drop some Arenosa Campsite knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Bobbi
Bobbi W.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 23rd, 2016

We stayed here two nights...LOVED IT!

Hipcamper Andrew
Andrew M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
March 4th, 2015

Bring your own water and skip trying to filter anything from the Rio, its not a good water source and is even recommended not to swim in for health reasons. But hey, it sure is pretty to look at!

These sites are great for car camping or tent camping. Bring your own wood as foraging for it isn't allowed. Also, don't be creeped out by the structure across the river, its just a horse barn :)

Hipcamper Lisa H.
recommends this listing.
December 20th, 2018
Hipcamper Andrew T.
recommends this listing.
January 29th, 2019
Hipcamper Bobbi W.
recommends this listing.
December 3rd, 2016
Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
State
Texas
Country
United States
Phone Number
(512) 389-8900
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
29.347° N, 104.08° W
$8/night
Tent / Van: 1 Site
(Up to 12 people per site)