Big Bend Ranch State Park: Texas's largest state park straddles two counties

Big Bend Ranch State Park spans the border of Brewster and Presidio counties along the Rio Grande. The park stretches from near Lajitas on the east to southeast of Presidio on the west, with Farm Road 170 (the Camino del Río scenic drive) connecting the two ends. Elevations range from 2,350 feet at the river to over 5,000 feet in the Bofecillos Mountains.

Activities include hiking and mountain biking on 238 miles of multiuse trails, horseback riding, four-wheel-drive touring on about 70 miles of unmaintained dirt roads, paddling and fishing along the Rio Grande, and stargazing. The park carries an International Dark Sky Park designation. More than 300 bird species have been recorded here.

The daily entrance fee is $5 per person (ages 13 and up); children 12 and under are free. No fuel is sold inside the park. Backcountry camping permits cannot be reserved in advance. The Sauceda Ranger Station provides showers and restrooms open around the clock. Be aware of extreme summer heat — temperatures can exceed 100°F by late morning in warm months. Check tpwd.texas.gov for current fees, camping availability, and permit requirements.