Desert camping in Texas with horseback riding
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
93% (3423 reviews)
- Texas
93% (3423 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
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12 top desert campgrounds in Texas with horseback riding
99%
(194)
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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from
$25
/ night
98%
(1129)
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-
Pets
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$40
/ night
96%
(1050)
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.
Pets
Potable water
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from
$39
/ night
98%
(366)
Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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from
$15
/ night
100%
(14)
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
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$12
/ night
99%
(230)
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
/ night
95%
(262)
Jackass Flats Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX
Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access.
The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies.
Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS.
Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving.
NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area.
Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters.
We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items to meet your needs.
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$25
/ night
100%
(14)
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
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$28
/ night
99%
(170)
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
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$19
/ night
99%
(128)
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
/ night
91%
(27)
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
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$30
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95%
(515)
Smiling Dog Ranch
21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Alpine, TX
Formerly known as Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living, new hosts assumed the ranch on February 1, 23 and look forward to hosting you.
The Smiling Dog is a remote property located on 20 acres close to both the National and State Parks. With unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and arroyos, the property offers guests a chance to unplug and enjoy exploring unique terrain on site.
The Big Bend region is a certified dark sky community and is recognized as the darkest park/community in the lower-48. With no light pollution on the ranch, the stargazing is spectacular. Guests are encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights with red filters to allow you to safely see your surroundings while preserving the darkness for your eyes to adjust.
The ranch is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy. Water is collected through rain catchment and is pumped into filtered tanks which provides the majority of our water supply. At times during drought conditions we do have to bring water in from Study Butte or Alpine so we ask all of our guests to conserve whenever possible.
Wildlife is in abundance in the desert, our naturally created water reservoir often brings in a variety of animals in the evenings. Guests could expect to see coyotes, rabbits, foxes, mule deer, aoudad sheep, and even elk. There is also a large drove (herd) of wild donkeys that roam freely and are beloved by the community. There are also predators but they are rare in the area. Mountain lions and bears do live in the area, but stick closer to the mountains instead of open areas like the ranch. Insects and snakes can be found throughout the desert as well as migratory butterflies and birds.
Guests have several options for their stay- there are 16 dispersed campsites that can accommodate a single camper to large groups with multiple vehicles. Each site has fire rings for campfires dependent on weather conditions. During periods when there is a high fire danger, ground fires are not allowed. Guests can bring above ground fire rings, or small propane grills and provide their own wood. There are also 2 small, basic rooms with full size futons that can house 2 adults or 4 if you are really good friends. A communal area houses a small kitchen area with a propane powered camp stove, mini-fridge, sink with basic cookware and utensils. In addition there are two restrooms, one with a shower, and both with sinks and flush toilets. There is a third bathroom located near our largest camping area. You are free to use the restroom outside, our plants love the extra water, but you are asked to pack out any toilet paper and use the restrooms for solid waste.
We do offer all guests free Wi-Fi internet access but we cannot guarantee the strength and availability, though we do find most guests can connect. We have upgraded to Starlink which we hope will offer more stability and stronger signal. There is absolutely no cell signal once you turn off of the highway and at the ranch- we use Wi-Fi calling and texting to reach the outside world.
We are located just under 5 miles from 118, though it takes 15-20 minutes to reach the ranch on dirt roads. Most vehicles can safely make the drive but high clearance vehicles are strongly encouraged. For the most part the road is smooth but you should pay close attention as their are ruts- take your time and watch the road. We strongly recommended that you download directions before arriving.
Any rain, even small amounts make the roads impassable due to bentonite clay which becomes thick mud which guarantees the need to be towed out. If the forecast calls for rain you should be prepared to make plans for other accommodations or you will be risking getting stuck. Rain is not common outside of the late summer months but should you need to cancel due to weather, you will be fully refunded. This should not discourage anyone, 99% of the time there is no rain to be concerned about, but as your hosts, we care about your comfort and safety and feel obligated to make all guests aware.
A few other things about the ranch- we live on site in the main house (as of March 1, 23) and are in the process of renovation. We are also upgrading guest rooms and communal areas, as well as working on projects throughout the ranch. We have a small flock of chickens and sell their eggs when available. There is a large greenhouse with an aquaponic system that is a work in progress, the heat over the summer made it hard for any plants to survive. Check in is located at the main house, at times we will not be immediately available but you will find your information and a map outside the main door. We will come greet you as soon as we are free. Because we live on site and this is our home, we ask that guests do not explore the main house, livestock pens, greenhouse or covered work areas without permission. We welcome your friendly and well-behaved pets, we have pets of our own who love guests. We ask that you leash them when near the house and watch them when at your campsite or exploring. Please pick up after your dogs if they use the bathroom in common areas, or near campsites. Any waste in the arroyos can stay where it is.
You will be expected to pack your trash out, there is no trash service for the ranch.
Safety information: This is the desert and you are responsible for your own safety at all times. There is absolutely no swimming in the catchment reservoir and you should not drive anywhere outside of the defined roads. The nearest hospital is located in Alpine, a 70 mile drive north, so drink lots of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and don't touch anything pokey or that has a face. We do have first aid supplies available and you'll find commonly used supplies in the communal area. All food and drinks should be securely stored and under no circumstances should you feed the wildlife, with the exception of birdseed for our resident birds. If you have food scraps that are safe for the chickens, they will be more than happy to handle that for you.
We look forward to the opportunity to host you, and welcome you to enjoy the desert we love so much. One sunrise or sunset and we are certain that you will also love it here. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.
-Ashley and Raymond
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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Trash
from
$30
/ night
Under $50
Available this weekend
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Desert camping in Texas with horseback riding 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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