1 / 5

Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite

In

Big Bend Ranch State Park

·

100%

·

1 site · RV, Tent

Papalote Rancho Viejo is pretty much what you would get if you could average together every campsite in Big Bend Ranch, the Baby Bear of campsites if you will. There’s a little bit of history in the form of an old windmill, stone corral, and water tank; your amenities are a fire ring, a picnic table, and tent pads; and the area is pretty open so you have good views but there are enough nearby mountains and mesas that it is still fairly sheltered from desert gusts. It’s not too much or too little of any one element, it’s just right.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

1 site

RV, Tent

Explore 100 campgrounds near Big Bend Ranch State Park

Available campgrounds nearby

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

Willow Creek Camping Company

37mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX

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.

The Bus Stop Campground

27mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · Terlingua, TX

🌵 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.

Temple of the Bird

33mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Terlingua, TX

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, well appointed kitchen, maybe the nicest bathrooms/showers in the area, 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.

Big Bend Glamping

40mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging · Study Butte, TX

Big Bend Glamping – A Private Desert Escape Near Terlingua Welcome to Big Bend Glamping, a peaceful 5-acre retreat surrounded by wide-open desert skies and stunning views. Located just outside the town of Terlingua, you’ll enjoy quiet seclusion and brilliant night skies while still being only a short drive from restaurants, live music, and the local ghost town charm. Stay in one of our cozy cabins: 🌵 Prickly Pear Cabin – a spacious four-person bunkhouse perfect for families or friends. 🐻 Bear Cave Cabin – a comfortable two-person hideaway ideal for couples or solo travelers. On site, in the Lajitas Library, you’ll find books to borrow, glow-in-the-dark dice, and bean bag toss games. Several hammocks are also available in the library for you to use around the property. Guests have access to the nearby lodge, which offers hot showers, laundry facilities, a restaurant, and a swimming pool — the perfect way to refresh after a day exploring Big Bend National Park or Big Bend Ranch State Park. At Big Bend Glamping, you’ll find the perfect mix of privacy, comfort, and easy access to everything the Big Bend area has to offer.

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

33mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX

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.

Coyote Crossing

37mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 20 sites · Tents · Terlingua, TX

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..

Paisano Azul Ranch

37mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe camp; kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. DIRECTIONS: Once you are on Road Runner Circle, go past the house on the left with the Christmas lights on. Please continue down the road and follow the road around the curve to the left. The campsites will be on the left and side behind the rock walls. The campsite number that is booked is the campsite you will stay in. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available by the showers. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Non potable water is provided on-site. The showers and non potable water is located approximately 1/4 mile from campsites 1-7. -We have friendly, quirky miniature goats named Clyde and Stella to visit while up at the showers. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

43mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Alpine, TX

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.

Perdido Overland Overnight Camp

41mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Study Butte, TX

We bought our property in 2003. Built our completely off-grid cabin in 2009, and moved out here full time in 2015. Since 2015 we've been continually improving our property and in 2019 had the idea to start a small campsite on the backside of our property in a private valley. A valley that while private and secluded has excellent 360 degree views.

Big Bend Overland Adventure Camping

48mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 3 sites · Tents · Study Butte, TX

Big Bend Camp — Remote Overland Sites in the Wild West Texas Backcountry of the Big Bend Region If you’re looking for pavement, hookups, or cell service—you’re in the wrong place. Big Bend Camp is 100 acres of raw Chihuahuan Desert backcountry, deep in the West Texas wilds near Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This is true overland camping—primitive, remote, and as real as it gets. We’ve got three isolated backcountry campsites. No facilities. No distractions. Just you, your rig, and some of the most rugged, wide-open terrain in the Lower 48. Designated an International Dark Sky Reserve—Big Bend camp has some of the darkest skies in the US—with epic stars and the Milky Way blazing overhead. ⸻ Only high-clearance 4x4s belong out here—leave the soft-roaders behind. Sure, a 4x2 might make it, but 13 miles of rough desert track will test your rig. If it’s not built for it, don’t risk it. And make no mistake: this is wild country. You might spot javelina, aoudad, bobcats, bats, mule deer, foxes, rabbits, roadrunners, falcon and hawks riding thermals overhead. Even the occasional mountain lion roams these parts—though rarely seen, you may hear one in the distance. And yes, rattlesnakes and bear live here too. Stay alert. Respect wildlife. This is their home. ⸻ What You Get: • 3 primitive, private campsites on 100 acres of desert • Total off-grid experience—no water, no power, no cell • Between Big Bend NP, Big Bend Ranch SP, and Black Gap WMA • Vast views, rugged terrain, unbeatable stargazing • Common wildlife sightings (no people, just nature) ⸻ Seasonal Notes: • Spring (Mar–May): Best season—mild temps, blooming cactus, epic sunsets • Summer (June–Aug): Brutally hot—temps easily hit 100°F+. Travel early, rest mid-day, and carry extra water • Fall (Sept–Nov): Cooler days, crisp nights, great for hiking and long stays • Winter (Dec–Feb): Can get cold, especially at night—pack for wind and sub-freezing temps • Storms: Monsoon season (late summer) can bring flash floods—stay alert near washes and low spots ⸻ Big Bend Camp isn’t Glamping. It's an Adventure! If you’re experienced, self-reliant, and looking to get way out there—Big Bend Camp is your kind of place.

Rio Bravo Ranch

9.6mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Presidio, TX

Rio Bravo Ranch is a family owned ranch that borders the Rio Grande and Casa Piedra Road. We have cultured a love for camping and the outdoors on this ranch as children and young adults. One day we were sitting on "the backside," enjoying the amazing vistas, solitude and a campfire when the idea came to us that we should share this amazing place with others seeking this type of experience. We tried to think about what makes camping enjoyable to us - no immediately adjacent campers, a nice fire ring/shade structure, a nice, large tent site and vistas with unobstructed views. We have incorporated this into our campground design which, when completely finished, will encompass several hundred acres of Chihuahuan desert vistas. We are also fortunate enough to have a large riparian area on the property. It is in this area, amongst the 40ft tall cottonwood and willows, we often find Gambel's Quail, Scaled Quail, Javelina and numerous bird species including the occasional turkey. We would love nothing more than to share this wonderful place, where we grew up, with souls seeking solitude, adventure and inspiration. Our eastern entrance is just a few miles outside the Big Bend Ranch State Park boundary, conveniently located on Casa Piedra road about 1.6 miles north of FM 170.

Starry Night Retreat

39mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · Study Butte, TX

Come out to enjoy solitude at the Starry Night Retreat! Pitch your tent in your very own desert escape with 360 degree Mountain View’s and soak up some of the best views of the stars in all of the United States! You will have this entire 5 acre lot all to yourself which allows for extremely peaceful solitude! You will be only 25min~ from both Big Bend national Park and Terlingua Ghost town!

More to explore nearby

100%

1 ratings · 1 review

Recommends

· November 2020

Beautiful campsite! It has a covered picnic table, flat openings for tents and a good fire pit. The skies are gorgeous and it’s fully remote. The dirt road in wasn’t that bad- no issues in a Volvo XC60- about 30 min from 170. WARNING: There are bears in this area. A black bear came to our campsite at 8pm, but it was easily scared off. There happened to be a carcass in the old water trough that attracted it, but that wouldn’t normally be an issue. Keep dogs leashed- we saw a pack of 20 javelinas! Like they say, bring tons of water. We didn’t see water refill stations in Presidio. The only place that sells firewood in Presidio is True Value hardware- open limited hours. Terlingua has more firewood, but 1.5 to 2 hours away.

N

Natasha N.

5 years on Hipcamp

LocationPapalote Rancho Viejo Campsite, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas, United States

Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

Other campgrounds in Big Bend Ranch State Park

The windmill and old water trough are just to the left of the fire pit and table.

Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite

1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Vista de Bofecillos Campsite

Vista de Bofecillos Campsite

1.8mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Agua Adentro Pens Campsite

Agua Adentro Pens Campsite

5mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Yedra Campsite

Yedra Campsite

5.4mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Papalotito Colorado Campsite

Papalotito Colorado Campsite

6.1mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Las Burras Campsite

Las Burras Campsite

6.9mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Los Cuates Campsite

Los Cuates Campsite

8.7mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Los Ojitos Campground

Los Ojitos Campground

9.1mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

La Mota Campsite

La Mota Campsite

9.3mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Guale Campsite

Guale Campsite

9.9mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Set up just about anywhere - we were only campers in park

Rancherias Campsite

10mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Tascate Campsite

Tascate Campsite

10mi from Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Top parks near Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite

Big Bend National Park

Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Blackwell School National Historic Site

Rockhound State Park

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Lincoln National Forest

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me

Explore
/
United States
/
Texas
/
Big Bend Ranch State Park
/
Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite

1 siteRV, Tent