South Leyva Campsite

7 sites · RV, Tent

Travelling with a big crew? Tend to be late or forget to book in advance? Have a chronically late, forgetful, big crew? Try camping at South Leyva. This group campsite can accommodate lots of people and is only a quarter mile from the visitor’s center. The campsites themselves are only unassuming plots of sandy desert, but a short hike will put you atop a ridge with one of the best views in the park-- we recommend rising before the sun to see La Mota Mountain in the northeast silhouetted in stunning colors. There are plenty of small but very cool canyons to explore in the immediate area as well. Just be sure to bring fresh water, as the campground is rather primitive and has only an outhouse for amenities.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

7 sites

RV, Tent

Explore 109 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

99%

(468)

27mi from South Leyva 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

The Bus Stop Campground

99%

(619)

18mi from South Leyva 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

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

95%

(156)

33mi from South Leyva Campsite · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

10% SUMMER DISCOUNT CODE: UVTPEFCP Valid for Stays May 16- Sept 1, 2026 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

Green Dreamers Off-Grid Retreat

28mi from South Leyva Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to Green Dreamers Off-Grid Retreat! We are a private 20-acre primitive desert camp in Terlingua Ranch near Big Bend National Park. This is raw, quiet, off-grid Chihuahuan Desert land for campers who want space, stars, solitude, and a true backcountry-style experience. For now, we are offering the entire property to one group at a time. There are no neighboring campers on-site, no crowded campground feel, and no built infrastructure yet. Expect wide-open desert views, cactus, rugged terrain, wildlife, big skies, sunsets, and excellent stargazing on clear nights. This is a primitive, pack-in/pack-out camping experience. There is currently no water, electricity, bathroom, trash service, shade structure, or developed road/pad on the property. Guests must bring everything they need, including drinking water, food, lights, power banks, shade, trash bags, and an approved portable toilet or self-contained toilet setup. Please pack out all trash and waste. No burying waste or leaving toilet paper on the land. Access is via dirt roads in Terlingua Ranch. The main ranch roads are maintained, but conditions can vary with weather. Most of the time the area may be reachable by a regular vehicle, but high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and 4-wheel drive may be needed during or after rough weather. Once on the property, the land is raw desert terrain, so drive slowly and carefully to avoid cactus, rocks, soft soil, or tire damage. This is a great fit for self-sufficient campers who want a peaceful desert basecamp near Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the surrounding dark-sky country. It is not a good fit for guests looking for amenities, hookups, restrooms, showers, or a polished campground. Green Dreamers is a long-term regenerative desert project in its earliest stage. By staying here, you are helping us slowly grow this land into a low-impact desert retreat rooted in nature, simplicity, and respect for the land.

Pets

Coyote Crossing

99%

(737)

26mi from South Leyva 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

Temple of the Bird

100%

(114)

22mi from South Leyva 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

Paisano Azul Ranch

95%

(1253)

26mi from South Leyva Campsite · 11 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Rancho de los Arboles Muertos

100%

(238)

26mi from South Leyva Campsite · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

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 17 miles from Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arboles Muertos is a perfect place for tent campers, small trailers, Class-B RV's and digital nomads to set up a home base for all the many activities in the area. Your privacy and personal space 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. 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 hot/cold shower. Some of our sites have shade, and all have fire pits and level tent sites. 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 an 800 foot sheer face 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 has an unmistakable deep playa vibe. Welcome home )'( Socialized dogs are allowed on leash. Large groups are welcome and we also rent the entire 160 acre property for private events. We also have cabins and safari tents available on our website. 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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

97%

(1301)

23mi from South Leyva 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

Perdido Overland Overnight Camp

98%

(168)

31mi from South Leyva Campsite · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

Cieloscuro

98%

(196)

22mi from South Leyva 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

Yaqui Moon Ranch

97%

(15)

36mi from South Leyva Campsite · 1 site · Tent, RV

Come enjoy Mountain View’s from both sides of this mini ranch located just 30 minutes off a paved road. We have just one tent site & stone fire ring set up at the moment so the entire property would be yours to enjoy. Our property includes the base of a large hill, seasonal river/ ravine and a large plateau area with ample parking, road and level Rv turn around.

Pets

Campfires