Jackson Pens Campsite

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Jackson Pens is one of the five campsites in Big Bend Ranch with equestrian pens and is pretty standard compared to the others—fire rings, picnic tables, and an active water trough (unless you’re a horse, treat the water before drinking.

If you are a horse, get off the internet and go frolic). The difference with this site is that you can ride (or walk) to Solitario’s collapsed volcanic caldera. So if a collapsed volcanic caldera is a good enough X factor for you, stay at Jackson Pens. If it isn’t… who are you; it’s a freaking volcano.
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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
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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..
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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.
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  • You'll be perched on the edge (but a safe distance!) of a large arroyo between you and a grand desert mountainous view
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Your guide to camping in Jackson Pens 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 Jackson Pens 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 Jackson Pens Campsite

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

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