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Papalote Rancho Viejo Campsite

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

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1 ratings · 1 review
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Natasha N.recommends
November 29, 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.

Other campgrounds in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Your guide to camping in Papalote Rancho Viejo 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!

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