Desert camping in Texas with wildlife watching
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
92% (4061 reviews)
- Texas
92% (4061 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
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Available this weekend
12 top desert campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching
96%
(1059)
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
/ night
99%
(370)
Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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$12.75
/ night
93%
(45)
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
/ night
99%
(250)
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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97%
(29)
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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98%
(1136)
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
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100%
(29)
Ocotillo Acres
1 site · RV, Tent70 acres · Terlingua, TX
This is our piece of Desert. Come take a look!!
Learn more about this land:Is the journey half the fun? Do you dream of off-grid living or expedition camping? Do you enjoy shows like Naked and Afraid or Alone? If you said no to any of these questions we may not be the right Hipcamp for you; but if you said yes… you’ve found the right spot. Ocotillo Acres is a nudist friendly campsite and long term project that Molly and I have taken on which allows us a place to get away from quite literally everything about city life. We are remote and the drive out can be difficult. A 4wd vehicle can be required as the roads are rough and rocky, but the rewards are plentiful once you arrive. We are so remote in fact that in Feb 2021 we were happy to host “Alone: The Arctic” and “Alone: The Beast” contestant Donny Dust with Paleo Tracks Survival and Ryan Maguire with Wyld Ryde Outdoors as the location for a few of their Primitive Survival Workshops. Once arrived you will have 70 Acres of pristine Chihuahuan Desert to explore as you wish. We have cleared out a camping area, built a nearby rain catchment structure to provide shade, and have a tool box with emergency essentials if needed. Other than those items, there is nothing to facilitate a comfortable visit. If you're still reading this... the place is amazing. Stars fill completely dark skies, and coyotes howl to welcome you to their home. We've seen Tarantulas, Quail, Aoudad, Horny Toads, all types of cactus, fossils, and even if Molly doesn't believe me... a big freakin' rattlesnake. We do ask that there be no hunting and no killing of the wildlife, but you'll have all 70 acres to explore and we hope you see a bunch. While we like to think of our place as a destination, we are located about an hour away from both BBNP and BBRSP if that’s why you’re visiting the area. Feel free to set up your Basecamp here and daytrip to either park, or plan your visit on either end of your stay in the area. Due to our location Ocotillo Acres is a fair weather destination and if rain or snow occurs before or during your visit, your arrival or departure could be delayed by several days while the roads and river beds dry. There are only two routes to get to the property and they both go through areas that can flash flood during heavy rains. While there are not any bathroom or shower facilities, there is a portable toilet (Luggable Loo) and trash bags on site. If used we ask that you be prepared to haul out all waste. While our desert retreat is pet friendly, please clean up after them and dispose of properly. There is very limited cell signal. Satellite communication or emergency beacon is recommended. There are structures visible from some parts of our property, but do not rely on people actually being in those structures; especially in an emergency situation. Have an Instagram? Follow us @Ocotillo_Acres_TX for more info and to keep up to date on the progress.Search for Ryan's Youtube video titled "Primitive Skills Workshop // Chihuahua Desert // Epic Adventure" for some more insight of the location.
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$18
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88%
(118)
Lakefront Vineyard & Winery
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Millersview, TX
A true Texas inspiration! Began in 2007 as a hobby to make wine for personal consumption, this vineyard has evolved into an award-winning winery in a location uniquely suited for grape production, right on the border of the High Plains AVA & Hill Country AVA.
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$35
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100%
(16)
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.
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$6
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98%
(131)
Perdido Overland Overnight Camp
2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · 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.
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$20.50
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(173)
Rancho de los Arboles Muertos
9 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · TX
With 160 acres located just off Highway 118, two miles north of Study Butte, 7 miles from Terlingua Ghost Town, 7 miles from Big Bend National Park and 16 miles from Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arboles Muertos is a perfect place for tent campers, small trailers and Class-B RV's and digital nomads to set up a home base for all the many activities in the area.
Your privacy is our #1 priority, so our sites are spread out over the property and most are not in view of other sites, providing you with a backcountry camping experience, yet only a few minutes off the highway. For large groups, or those that are into a more social camping experience, we also have a cluster of three sites spaced about 150 feet apart. We have several spotlessly clean composting pit toilets on the property, all just a short walk from your site. All guests have access to our centrally located outdoor shower.
Rancho de los Arboles Muertos gets its name from the 25 foot tall Eastern Red Cedar trees that are being salvaged from land clearing operations near Austin and "planted" around the property. We're located directly across the highway from Willow Mountain, with 800 foot sheer faces and rising over 1000 feet above the highway, making it one of the most prominent features in the area next to the Chisos of Big Bend. The property is covered in Ocotillo, hidden arroyos, tall bentonite dunes, volcanic ridges, dry creeks and the occasional fossil. Trail runners can easily create 5 mile loop over ridges and in arroyos without leaving the property. For the burners out there, the place will have an unmistakable deep playa vibe once all trees have made it home )'(
Socialized dogs are allowed on leash, but we do have a high coyote population in the area, as well as other dangers to pets.
Large groups are welcome and we also rent the entire 160 acre property for private events. Please contact us for more info.
We are a completely off-grid property, so remember to bring water!
In the event of heavy rain, the roads could become impassible for a few hours to a couple days. If we see a major storm in the forecast, we will contact you directly to discuss options. The rainy season is late summer, however, and we are not taking bookings during that time, so this should not be an issue.
Check out our Instagram page for more about us @arboles_muertos
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$35
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93%
(22)
Camp Eldorado
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX
Just a little slice of desert heaven outside of Terlingua, Texas.
Learn more about this land:
***Glamping Coming Spring 2023***
Set your basecamp right under the Milky Way, between sprawling desert skies and rugged mountain peaks. Begin and end your days with some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Sleep peacefully in the stillness of the desert.
This is a must-stay destination for visitors of Big Bend and Terlingua. This campsite is centrally located, and just a short drive to Big Bend National Park, Big Bend State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Alpine and Marfa.
Pets
from
$12.60
/ night
Star Hosts in Texas
Under $50
Nearby parks
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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