Papalote Encino Campsite

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Ok, we were confused by this site at first, because we could have sworn that Ayers Rock was in Australia, yet here it is, just a few dozen yards from Papalote Encino’s eponymous windmill (the name means ‘oak windmill,’ for those that no hablan español).

There was once a spring here that the windmill pulled water from, but it’s gone now, so make sure you bring lots of water. Despite the loss of the spring, the area around this site is still quite lush, especially considering this is a desert. A picnic table is about the only amenity you’ll find here, aside from the apparent rift in space-time transporting you to the Australian Outback.
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Available campgrounds nearby

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

  • The Bus Stop Camp Ground
  • The Bus Stop Camp Ground
  • The Bus Stop Camp Ground
99%
(254)

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX
Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more! Looking to stay inside our Bus Airbnb? Click here to find it and more: https://linktr.ee/BusStopCampground
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
  • Coyote Crossing
  • This canoe has the most incredible story behind it! Be sure to ask your host Rob to tell it
  • Coyote Crossing
99%
(612)

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..
Pets
Toilets
Trash
from 
$19
 / night
  • Ocotillos in bloom
  • New covered gathering area for group site
  • Ocotillos in bloom
96%
(1102)

Paisano Azul Ranch

14 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 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 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night
  • Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
  • There are parts of the desert that are composed of ancient volcanic ash
  • Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
98%
(1157)

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents600 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
  • Willow Creek Camping Company
  • Willow Creek Camping Company
  • Willow Creek Camping Company
98%
(20)

Willow Creek Camping Company

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Study Butte, TX
On the east side of highway 118 1.4 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) Bath house with hot showers and flush commodes Picnic table fire pit shade structure small campers up to 18' water and 30a power at each site This is a dark skies community. Please be mindful of your surrounding and limit your use of headlights and noise.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • Instructions and reccomendations
  • wake up to these mountains
  • Instructions and reccomendations
98%
(138)

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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$20.50
 / night
  • Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
  • Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
  • Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
93%
(55)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
  • You'll be perched on the edge (but a safe distance!) of a large arroyo between you and a grand desert mountainous view
  • Mel's Place
  • You'll be perched on the edge (but a safe distance!) of a large arroyo between you and a grand desert mountainous view
100%
(25)

Mel's Place

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Study Butte, TX
Mel's Place has been a favorite camp spot for many since we opened 5 years ago. Feels secluded and remote, yet only a mile or so from everything you might need and only 5 miles to the national park west (Maverick) entrance. 5 miles to the lively ghost town ofTerlingua with some great bars and restraunts. The views from camp are stunning with breathtaking sunrises over the Chisos mountains. Sunsets aren't too shabby either. We are an adults only retreat and hope to provide you the peaceful solitude with breathtaking stargazing you need to renew your spirit!! We are within a few miles of nearly all the local outfitters for your river trips, Jeep or ATV tours, etc. Come make memories!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$32.30
 / night
  • Rough Run Creek Campground
  • Boot Hill
  • Rough Run Creek Campground
87%
(31)

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.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
  • Sunset over the rolling hills and mountains.
  • Tierra del Sol Basecamp
  • Sunset over the rolling hills and mountains.
97%
(293)

Tierra del Sol Basecamp

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Alpine, TX
The Tierra del Sol Basecamp is an open desert camping area located within Terlingua Ranch, 3 miles off of Hwy 118, 19 miles north of Study Butte and 22 miles to the entrance to Big Bend National Park. This region of far west Texas is well known for its remote ruggedness and beauty rapidly becoming the go-to place for those wanting to get away from it all, without having to spend a fortune to do it. It’s one of the last frontiers of North America and One of the only two National Parks in Texas. The Basecamp will reside on the 40 acre property. In the center is an area of approximately 6 acres flat, with rising limestone ridge lines to the east and west, open skyline to south with a view of Bofecillos Mountains, an area characterized by volcanic deposits of lava and ash-flow tuff and sedimentary deposits of conglomerates and sandstones. The four mountain tops; Packsaddle, Hen Egg, Panther and Agua Fria Mountains provide an amazing view during the day and at night, breathtaking night time views of the Milky Way and the multitudes of stars to gaze upon unlike any other place in North America. The morning sunrise over the eastern mesa brings its own spectacular views. Surrounding the 40 acres are many things of archaeological wonder. A Rock Hounds dream of minerals, stones and fossilized prehistoric microorganisms, as well as, the potential of finding the fossils of large prehistoric aquatic mammals. Yes, you are free to take a small sample of the thousands of quartz and calcite stones found in huge abundance. As you come to then end of Mailbox Rd., you'll see a residence to your left. This is "The Field Lab", owned by the well know sustainable engineer John Wells. If you'd like to pay him a visit, please contact him in advance.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
  • The shelter makes for a cozy camping place
  • Sky Ranch Terlingua
  • The shelter makes for a cozy camping place
99%
(171)

Sky Ranch Terlingua

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Study Butte, TX
Sky Ranch is the result of a love for the desert and for 1980s post-apocalyptic movies. A place to step out of our busy lives and be still, gain a new perspective, and imagine a different way to live. Once the floor of a large inland sea, Sky Ranch Terlingua is covered with fossilized mollusk shells. After the water receded, the area was visited by various animal and human migrations. Today, Sky Ranch is a refuge for two native Texans with deep roots that predate Texas itself.  "Be friendly, but firm. But most of all, be yourselves."  - Lester, Cherry 2000
Pets
Campfires
from 
$19
 / night
  • BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
  • BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
  • BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
98%
(22)

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
Campfires
from 
$6
 / night

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The windmill and old water trough are just to the left of the fire pit and table.
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Access point from the main park road. Photo by Lisa Rawlinson.
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Fresno Vista Campsite

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from 
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Your guide to camping in Papalote Encino Campsite

Overview

Biking

Stretching along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, the Big Bend Ranch State Park is an amazing location for the adventurous. This remote park features rugged mountains, steep canyons, amazing views, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting. With 238 miles of multiuse trails, mountain biking is a great activity within the state park. Every February, the park helps host the Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest, so definitely check it out!

Boating

The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area offers great day-use access where visitors can float and fish!

Fishing

Fishing is accessible for day use in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area. If you need it, you can purchase a fishing license inside the park.

Hiking

Big Bend Ranch State Park is the biggest Texas State Park—so there’s plenty to explore. Hike around the 238 miles of multiuse trails. Most hiking trails are primitive, with rock cairns and few signs. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, take either the Cinco Tinajas or Ojito Adentro trail as you are exiting the park. The Cinco Tinajas Trail vistas of the inner reaches of the park are breathtaking.

Horseback riding

In addition to riding on the trails, there are equestrian campsites available for overnight stays! There are a few rules you have to follow within the state park: all pack-and-saddle stock users must obtain a backcountry use permit, whether for day use or overnight, equestrians must bring their own weed-free horse feed, and all horses must have documentation of a current Coggins test.

Paddling

For a day trip on the water, visit the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo corridor to raft, canoe, picnic and fish. Several access points lie along FM 170. Definitely expect a bit of a bumpy ride! The Colorado Canyon includes Class II and III rapids, however this section of the river is not dangerous except during floods.

Swimming

Although there isn’t a great place for swimming inside Big Bend Ranch State Park, on your way in or out, stop for a dip in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park.

Whitewater paddling

For a day trip on the water, visit the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo corridor to raft, canoe, picnic and fish. Several access points lie along FM 170. Definitely expect a little bumpy ride! The Colorado Canyon includes Class II and III rapids, however, this section of the river is not dangerous except during floods.

Wildlife watching

Big Bend Ranch State Park is the perfect location for beautiful geology, birds, animals, and plants. There are more than 300 bird species that live in the park’s various habitats. The landscape varies from river lowlands to deep canyons, from high plateaus to steep-sided mountains. In these landscapes, you can witness mountain lions, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Check out the available resources at the park for wildlife watching!

Top parks near Papalote Encino Campsite

Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area
Big Spring State Park
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Hill Country State Natural Area

Top cities near Papalote Encino Campsite

Alpine
Terlingua
Van Horn
Study Butte
El Paso
Roswell
Alamogordo
Del Rio

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