Escondido Campsite

50%

2 sites · RV, Tent

Calling Escondido Pens just a campground is like calling the Nestle Wonder Ball, that oh so coveted treat of the 90’s, just a chocolate. This site is actually multiple campgrounds in one. The Escondido Group Site is a large exposed area perfect for a grand ole desert dance party (or a family reunion, but we recommend the dance party). Ojo Escondido has various tent pad sites for smaller groups and is equipped with a spring-fed water trough for animals. Escondido Pens includes holding pens (hence the name) for horses and easy access to the Sauceda and Leyva Canyon Trailhead. This site is also very flat and open and is our recommendation in Big Bend Ranch for anyone requiring special accessibility accommodations. There’s no electricity here, though, and you should either bring some fresh water or find a way to treat the spring water that’s available.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

2 sites

RV, Tent

Explore 106 campgrounds near Big Bend Ranch State Park

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Big Bend Ranch State Park

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

94%

(161)

33mi from Escondido Campsite · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

10% SUMMER DISCOUNT CODE: UVTPEFCP Valid for Stays May 16- Sept 1, 2026 DIRECTIONS: Traveling to Terlingua Ranch Lodge: **DO NOT USE GPS** 1. Fuel up in Alpine or Study Butte, depending on which direction you are traveling from. -From Alpine: take HWY 118 South out of Alpine approximately 62 miles until you come to the only left turn lane. Turn left on Terlingua Ranch Road. You will see the large white Terlingua Ranch Lodge sign. -From Study Butte: take Hwy 118 North 16 miles from the ALON gas station, turn right at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge sign. 2. Follow Terlingua Ranch Road approximately 16 miles. The first 13 miles are asphalt. There is not a center stripe, please stay on your side of the road. THE LAST THREE MILES ARE ON A MAINTAINED DIRT AND GRAVEL ROAD. It can be wash-boarded in areas. Please drive slowly and observe speed limits to help protect our roads We are proud to be a part of The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. All guests are requested to keep their site as dark as possible between 10pm and 6am. Fire Ban: Due to extreme drought, only gas grills and propane burners are allowed. NO charcoal or wood fires. PARK INFO: While we are adjacent to Big Bend National Park, it is approximately 36 miles to the Maverick Junction entrance of Big Bend National Park and an additional 22 miles to Panther Junction Headquarters and Visitors Center. We are about 32 miles to Study Butte and about 37 miles to Terlingua Ghost Town area. Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Bus Stop Campground

98%

(624)

18mi from Escondido Campsite · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

🌵 Welcome to The at The Bus Stop Campground! 🌄 Your peaceful desert getaway nestled in the heart of West Texas! Our 12-acre campground is surrounded by stunning mountains, offering the perfect base for your next Big Bend adventure. 🏜️✨ 🏕️ What We Offer: We have 10 campsites ready to welcome you! Whether you're rolling in with a Sprinter van, a small RV (14ft or shorter), or just pitching a tent, we’ve got everything you need for a comfy, relaxing stay. 🌙 ✅ Each Campsite Includes: 🔌 Electric hookups 🚰 Running water 🪣 Wash tub (perfect for dishes!) 🍴 Picnic table 🪑 Seating area 🔥 Fire pit (bring the marshmallows!) 📶 Amazing Wi-Fi — yes, even out here in the desert! 🚿 Bathhouse Amenities: Our on-site bathhouse will keep you feeling fresh after a day of adventuring! 🚻 4 private bathrooms 🚿 2 double showers 🚿 Outdoor shower — perfect for rinsing off under the stars 🌌 🌟 Why Stay Here? 🧭 Our location is a gateway to adventure! Here are just a few epic activities nearby: 🌵 Big Bend National Park – Explore stunning landscapes, epic hikes, and endless stargazing. 🐎 Horseback Riding – Ride through the wild, open desert. 🏍️ ATV Tours – Get your adrenaline fix with off-road fun. 🌊 River Rafting – Experience the Rio Grande up close! 🥾 Hiking & Mountain Biking – Endless trails to discover. 🚌 Want to Stay in Our Famous Bus Airbnb? Our converted military bus offers a unique stay with all the comforts of home! Check it out on Airbnb by searching: "The Terlingua Bus Stop" 📋 Other Things to Know: We welcome RVs up to 14ft, Sprinter vans, truck/car camping or tent campers. Pets are welcome! 🐾 Just be sure to keep them leashed. Campfires allowed (as long as there’s no burn ban in effect). 🔥 🏜️ Come for the Adventure, Stay for the Stars! 🌌 Our dark sky campground is perfect for stargazing — bring your camera or just sit back and soak in the magic of the Milky Way. ⚡ EV Charging ⚡ Each site includes a standard 50-amp RV hookup, which may also be used for EV charging with your own adapters and equipment. EV charging is optional at $20 per night. Please note: power in Terlingua can be unreliable, and outages affecting the entire area are possible. Charging is not guaranteed and is offered at your own risk.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Temple of the Bird

100%

(124)

22mi from Escondido Campsite · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Terlingua's only Hostel. Walking distance to all things in the Historic Ghost Town. We offer private rooms, a bunk room, primitive campsites and small motorhome sites. Huge communal area with a large bar (BYOB), well appointed kitchen, very nice bathrooms/showers, as well as frequent live music. Focusing on creating a strong community, social gatherings, including pot luck and fundraisers, and celebrating music, Willie Nelson and all things middle fingered. As we tell everyone, no need to wave with all your offensive fingers when it only takes 1 finger to say "I Love You!" We have a lot of fun here and have become a real social spot in this incredible community. When staying here you can expect to meet other travelers and locals alike. If you play music, all the better, as music usually fills the air here. From the house piano to any number of friends who stop by just to jam for a while. We are 21 and up, due to having a bar (BYOB) and just want adults to feel comfortable being adults . So bring an instrument, a sense of humor and a middle finger and come experience the magic that is Terlingua, Texas.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Lone Star Observatory | Off-Grid

24mi from Escondido Campsite · 1 site

Lone Star Observatory is a private patch of off-grid Chihuahuan Desert deep within Big Bend's Terlingua Ranch, with one of the darkest night skies in North America directly overhead. There is nothing for miles to dim the stars. This is open desert with a small footprint: a solar-powered cabin with a real bed for when you want walls and a roof, a rock fire ring for relaxing evenings, and plenty of land to spread out and enjoy. Camp the way you like, then sleep in comfort. There is also a one-of-a-kind painted school bus on the property—a long-running art project that adds to the character of the place. It is not part of the guest space, but it photographs beautifully against the desert landscape and endless sky. You'll be surrounded by some of the region's most iconic destinations, including Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Terlingua Ghost Town, and miles of untouched desert with hardly another soul in sight. Return each evening to a warm fire and a sky so full of stars it hardly looks real. Wide open, genuinely private, and truly dark. Bring plenty of water and supplies from Alpine on your way in (about an hour away, and the nearest full-service town), then let the desert do the rest.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Willow Creek Camping Company

99%

(479)

26mi from Escondido Campsite · 13 sites · Tents, RVs

Tucked away in the rugged desert landscape of Terlingua, Willow Creek Campground offers a peaceful, off-grid camping experience just minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. Set on 20 private acres, this small, rustic campground provides a quiet, scenic base for exploring the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding mountains. Guests can choose from a mix of tent and small RV sites, some equipped with water and 30-amp power hookups. The campground features clean bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, and a community sink for dishwashing. Fire rings and shade structures are available at select sites, and the wide-open skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing in this official dark skies region. Willow Creek is known for its laid-back atmosphere, desert views, and proximity to hiking, river access, and the quirky charm of the Terlingua Ghost Town. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and easy access to West Texas’ wildest places. On the east side of highway 118 1.3 miles from Study Butte (grocery store, gas station) 4.3 miles from big bend national park west entrance 6.0 miles from Terlingua ghost town 17 miles from Barton Warnock Visitors Center (tx state park) shade structure site 1-2 small campers up to 22' water and 30a power site 1-5 This is a dark skies community. Please be mindful of your surrounding and limit your use of headlights and noise.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Ocotillo Flats Camping

97%

(15)

29mi from Escondido Campsite · 5 sites

Howdy Hipcampers! Welcome to Ocotillo Flats, a serene 20-acre haven just 30 minutes from Big Bend National Park and the historic Terlingua Ghost Town. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, perfect for stargazing and unwinding. With convenient cell service on the south side of the property, stay connected while you savor the tranquility of nature. You can bring your own bucket bathroom or utilize the facilities at Terlingua Ranch Lodge for free. Showers are also available there for just $2. We’ve recently added a horseshoe game area, located on the right-hand side of the road near campsites 4 and 5. Stakes and horseshoes are already set up and ready for friendly competition - just walk across from your campsite and enjoy! The road into the property is an all-weather dirt road. Embark on an unforgettable adventure, where the vast expanse of the desert meets the starlit Texas sky!

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

97%

(1302)

23mi from Escondido Campsite · 50 sites · Tents, RVs

This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions. The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events. The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's. Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Hobo Hacienda

94%

(16)

16mi from Escondido Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV

Elevated high desert hideaway . Private shack with panoramic view of the mountains. Just one campsite, you would have the whole place to yourself. Located 10 mile north of the town of Terlingua Texas. Access property via South County Rd next to Terlingua. Refer to Hobo Hacienda, Terlingua, Texas on Google maps Update: the property location has been updated on Hipcamp App. (But you can also find it on Google maps ). from the turn off on the paved road it takes 50 minutes down a dirt road ..up and down and bumpy. Don't need 4wd , but must have higher clearance like a SUV or truck. It's worth the drive!! Campfire is allowed Plenty of roads to explore.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Coyote Crossing

99%

(740)

26mi from Escondido Campsite · 9 sites

Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks. Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend. Traveling highway 118 you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station. Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others. When arriving at night it will be very dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly on the highway on the west side of 118. Trash Dumpster up front for your use. No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE, leave it as you find it..

Pets

Toilets

Cieloscuro

98%

(196)

22mi from Escondido Campsite · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We offer a uniquely secluded setting with stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Located just 7 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park, and 10 miles from the visitors' center at Big Bend Ranch State Park, it is a perfect base from which to explore all the hiking, boating, and scenic beauty that West Texas is known for. The arts, history, and entertainment of Terlingua Ghost Town are less than 2 miles away. Like most ruins in the Ghost Town, my stone house was built in the early 1900s to house a miner’s family from the nearby Rainbow Mine. I bought the property in 1986 and began restoring and rebuilding. In 2019 I retired here from NYC and began exploring possibilities for sustainable tourism. West Texas is one of the best places in the United States to view the Milky Way (both Big Bend parks are certified as International Dark Sky parks). We use shielded LED lighting around buildings and pathways to cut down on light pollution and optimize stargazing opportunities for our astrotourists. And we are applying for dark sky certification from the Texan By Nature program. Bear in mind that this is the desert, in all its rugged glory. There are critters, rocks, plants with thorns, slippery slopes, sink holes, rusted artifacts and broken glass from decades long past. Bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight, and stay on the paths! Our intention is to provide remote, low-density accommodation for folks who are respectful of the land.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Casa de Keaveny Cabin and Campsite

100%

(17)

29mi from Escondido Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Beautiful land in the Chihuahua desert north of the Christmas mountains and south of the famous 9 point Mesa. Just north of Mexico and 30 min from Big Bend National park and The Terlingua ghostown . West Texas. Off grid small house running on solar power and rain water catchment. Very cozy. Plenty of land for camping also, discuss with Jim for pricing, if interested. Mr. Keaveny built the house himself over a 15 year period. Very private, although Mr. Keaveny lives on the property in his Jayco most of the time, and sometimes a camping site is rented ----however always giving the house lots of space. Great place for long term rental, see discounts.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Terlingua GhostTown RV Park

95%

(21)

23mi from Escondido Campsite · 28 sites · RVs, Lodging

Your Gateway to Big Bend Country! Perfect place for dark sky camping. Welcome to The Terlingua Ghost Town RV Park at the entrance to The Terlingua Ghostown. Spacious RV Sites with Full Hookups Breathtaking Desert Views Easy Access to Big Bend National Park Starry Nights and Quiet Surroundings An Array of Inspirational Resources Dan and Jay are putting together a diverse habitat for life in the West Texas Desert. Attention to detail, you will find something in every nook and space on the property. Comfortable Private Spaces Collaborate or Isolation, it is up to you! Create music or read a book Experience the world of desert architecture.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups