Desert camping in Texas with wildlife watching
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
94% (4319 reviews)
- Texas
94% (4319 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
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Under $50
12 top desert campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching
98%
(1128)
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
50 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Terlingua, 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.
**New This Winter**
Rachel Wey Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
Please contact us about hours and availibilty
Rachel.wey.ranch @faceboook.com-
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$40
/ night
98%
(22)
Mountain View Lodge
3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX
Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm/
We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com.
We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more.
Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!
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$39
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99%
(582)
Coyote Crossing
26 sites · Tents21 acres · 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..
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$25
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100%
(13)
BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX
Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain.
Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property.
Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles.
To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way.
Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience.
When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist.
Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.
Pets
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$12
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96%
(1048)
Paisano Azul Ranch
11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · 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 & 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.
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 on our property. 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.
- Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
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$39
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100%
(2)
The Oupost
2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Jonestown, TX
Whether you are looking for adventure or prefer to retreat from the world, The Outpost is the place for you! Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this multi-acre property features 2 private tiny cabins, on-site hiking trail, and a huge community fire pit where you can make s'mores, make new friends, or make time to reconnect with nature. Our themed cabins were designed to remind you of the joys of being carefree!
With the best views of the Texas hills, The Outpost is the perfect place to host your next vacation or small retreat! Our cabins boast:
☆ Full kitchen with mini stove/oven, and fridge
☆ Propane grill and outdoor dining area
☆ Deck with a private hot tub
☆ Premium hybrid Queen size mattress
☆ Smart 4K TVs with Netflix, Hulu and more!
☆ Super cold AC and cozy heating
☆ On-site hiking trail (1/4 mile loop) and Community fire pit; multiple hammock areas available
☆ Shared laundry area with full size washer and dryer
☆ Easy self check-in
There is plenty to explore in the area:
Enjoy boating and water sports on Lake Travis. There are plenty of boat ramps & chartered boat companies in the area!
If brewery hopping is more your thing, Lago Vista Brewery is 5 miles from the property. Flat Creek and Bent Oak wineries are in nearby Marble Falls, about a 15 min drive.
Tons of shopping and dining options are available in Cedar Park, a 15-mile drive from the property.
Local grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and coffee shops are approximately 5 miles from the property.
Lago Vista, Lake Travis, and Point Venture golf courses are all easily accessible & open year round!
If you want to explore everything the big city has to offer, Austin is only 35 miles away (about an 50 min drive).
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$165
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99%
(230)
Coyote Breaks Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX
The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!
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$30
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98%
(366)
Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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$15
/ night
93%
(35)
Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · 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.
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$18
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91%
(27)
Rough Run Creek Campground
44 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX
The name says it all!
'Rough Run Creek Campground:
is conveniently located downtown Study-Butte 1000 feet West of Cottonwood General Store.
Just 2 miles before the western entrance to Big Bend National Park
We have 10 acres of room for tent camping and boondock RV camping-only spots in the roadside spot in downtown Study-Butte Texas.
Come and stay near the Big Bend National Park!
An intimate campsite (not too far off the grid)
A campground just outside Big Bend National Park where you can relax and recharge.
Short walk to Cottonwood grocery ONLY 1000 FEET TO WALK East crossing over the bridge to mile marker 538 just 1000 feet walking distance from Rough Run Creek Bridge to Cottonwood grocery store and supply.
The camping area is about one mile past the intersection of Highway TX-170 and TX-118 approximately one mile South on the left at the Rough Run Creek Campground.
Heading only 3 miles further to the gateway into Big Bend National Park, Texas at the Western entrance following on State Highway TX-118 South.
Big Bend State Park is to the West on Highway TX-170 approximately 29 miles from Rough Run Creek Bridge past the town of Terlingua, Texas 79852
Rough Run Creek Bridge Camping 53737 TX-118, Study Butte, Texas 79852 -
Ten 10 acres of creekfront property
This campground is a roadside camping area, directly on Highway TX-118 at the Southeast end of Rough Run Creek Bridge
On the East side of the highway.
Enter the property between the Rough Run Creek Bridge and the large black mailbox which also marks the South property line of the camping area.
The South property line runs 800' feet deep from the roadside of highway TX-118 along the creek bed of Rough Run Creek.
At the East end of the campground, you will find an old camper shell near the Southeast end of the campground and the property corner.
There are 10 acres in the "dispersed" #BYO everything camping area, #BYO Sleeping bags, #BYO Tent Shades, and #BYO Gas grills, unfortunately, for now, you have to #BYO toilet.
Rough Run Creek Bridge camping area includes the creek bed itself, with beachfront camping.
The best location to stage an early morning hiking trip from locations for campers visiting Big Bend National Park which is only 2 miles away.
Please leave nothing but your tracks when camping or leaving the area for the day.
Each night campers must make bookings by 11:00 AM for check-in and out on a ticketed day pass.
For showers and bathroom facilities, we recommend the bathroom showers provided at the Big Bend Motor Inn where they have coin-operated shower facilities for visiting tourists.
If you need to dump any trash the Big Bend Motor Store and gas station will let you pay $5.00 to use their dumpsters.
Please honor the BURN BAN (no open fires). Propane cooking stoves are okay.
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$30
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67%
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Peter's Place, Study Butte
3 sites · RVs2 acres · Study Butte Terlingua, TX
Just a relatively flat plot of land in Study Butte, near Terlingua. Close to everything, especially the National Park. Super easy to get to, a quarter mile of two wheel drive easy gravel road from the highway. Just minutes to food, grocery, showers, toilets, gas, etc... Not the most beautiful spot, neighbors in sorta run down houses, but there are $150 rental cabins a block away,.
A great place to book up for a group of friends. I take 15 to 20 buddies each March. Please note there are no toilets or showers on site, but 24 hour free toilets and $3 pay showers are only a 2 minute drive away at Big Bend Resort and Adventures.
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$10
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99%
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Cieloscuro
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua, TX
IF YOU WILL BE STAYING 3 NIGHTS OR LONGER, ASK ME FOR A DISCOUNT CODE!! 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!
We may eventually add a few more sites and expand our amenities, but our intention is always to provide remote, low-density accommodation for folks who are respectful of the land.
Potable water
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from
$44
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Desert camping in Texas with wildlife watching guide
Overview
They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and that includes the variety of options for campers, whether you're looking for an RV park, tent camping, or a primitive camping backcountry adventure. Beat the summer heat on sandy Gulf beaches, or head inland to the arid deserts of Big Bend Country in winter for some of the nation’s darkest skies and best nighttime views. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for wine tasting in Texas Hill Country, hiking the canyons of the Panhandle, or paddling the bald cypress forests of the Texas Pine Curtain.
Big Bend Country
Remote West Texas boasts some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. Explore the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend national parks, raft through narrow canyons along the Rio Grande River, go rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park near El Paso, or hit the dunes in Monahans Sandhills State Park. The quirky communities of Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon serve as convenient gateways to desert adventure.
Texas Hill Country
Known for its wineries, whiskey distilleries, swimming holes, and rich German heritage, the rolling hills of this central Texas region extend between Austin and San Antonio, with plenty of small towns to explore along the way. Springtime brings bluebonnets to the roadsides of the region. In fall, head to Lost Maples State Park for some of the state’s best leaf peeping. Soak up panoramic views from Enchanted Rock, venture deep into the Caverns of Sonora or the Cave Without a Name, or take a leisurely float along the Guadalupe River.
Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for more than 600 miles along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Padre Island National Seashore. Sun seekers will find plenty of sandy beaches with warm Gulf waters (plus opportunities for beach camping), while the natural areas along the coast feature some of the best birdwatching in the nation. Houston, Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi are among the most popular areas to stay.
Panhandle
The plains of the Texas Panhandle comprise one of the largest regions in the state. Here you’ll find America’s second-largest canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as the iconic Cadillac Ranch car sculpture along road trip-worthy Route 66.
Pine Curtain
Lakes, forests, and swamps dominate the landscape of the lesser-known Piney Woods of East Texas. Step back in time at Mission Tejas State Park, straddle the state line in Texarkana, pitch a tent among the gargantuan pines of Daingerfield, or make the 835-mile camping trip along the Texas Forest Trail. If you want to get out on the water, it's hard to beat a kayak in Caddo Lake State Park.
Prairies and Lakes
This region sweeps down through the center of the state from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco, Bryan, and College Station (home of Texas A&M University). You don’t have to drive far to find a lakeside campground or on-the-water activity, thanks to the area’s 17 Texas state parks and one national wildlife refuge.
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