BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK Information

	BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK
	Equestrian Trail Information
	Canyons, Waterfalls, Desert		Current Weather
	Texas Trails Main

Big Bend is the largest State Park in Texas and only 5 miles east of Presidio. The park has been a working ranch for a hundred years and horseback is a great way to experience the area.

You’ll be able to explore over 480 square miles, and many miles of horse trails, of beautiful Chihuahuan Desert landscapes – from mountains to canyons, waterfalls to scrublands, cottonwood groves to cactus flats.

Equestrian activities are allowed in backcountry areas unless specifically excluded.
All pack and saddle stock users must obtain a backcountry use permit, whether for day or overnight use.
Weed-free horse feed is required as well as documentation of a current Coggins test.

Six equestrian-oriented campsites are available, most of which offer corrals and water.

Agua Adentro Pens is located along Camino a la Sauceda, the 2WD main road that accesses the park. The site consists of three large shade shelters, several livestock pens with an active water trough, three fire rings, picnic tables, and a dry, vault toilet. The area is so large that it easy to move any horse or travel trailer around to make camp more comfortable. Located close to the center of the park, the equestrian has unlimited access to miles and miles of ranch roads and trails to explore.

Botella Pens is a located near the park entrance, just off of the main park road. The large area provides plenty of camping and parking space but users need to bring their own water. The site offers easy access to Terneros Creek and its scenic landscapes.

Escondido Pens is located near Sauceda Ranger Station and is approximately 2 miles off of the main park road on a 2WD high clearance road. The site consists of woven wire pens, an active, spring-fed water source, two shade ramadas, picnic tables, a dry, vault toilet and two fire rings. The upper Leyva watershed and its many wonderful features are easily accessed from this campsite.

Fresno Canyon Campsite, located in the bottom of Fresno Canyon, is accessible by 4WD road. It is necessary to ride saddle stock to the campsite, but camping gear can be hauled in with a 4WD vehicle. The site consists of 2 hitch rails, 2 picnic tables, and 2 fire rings. No holding pens are available. Seasonal water is located approximately ¼ mile from the campsite where livestock can be watered. Otherwise, water would have to be hauled to the stock. The grandeur of the west side of the Solitario and the historic Fresno Canyon are at your tent’s doorstep.

Jackson Pens is located on the 2WD high clearance road that accesses the Solitario area. It consists of woven wire pens, an active water trough, a fire ring and picnic tables. From here, one can ride into the collapsed volcanic caldera of the world-famous Solitario.

Javelin Pens is located on the 2WD high clearance road known as the Madrid Road. A ranch residence, now in ruins, is located at the site and is surrounded by the remains of pump jacks and other ranching artifacts. The site also consists of woven wire pens, 2 picnic tables, and a fire ring. All water must be hauled in. The Rancherias trail and the heads of several canyons are convenient to the pens.

Special Notes:

Fires may be built in fire rings only, and the collection of fire wood is prohibited. Firewood should be hauled in or purchased at Sauceda.
Be sure to bring drinking water. Potable water is not available in all campsites; all water must be treated.
This country is hard on horses and horseshoes. Make sure your horses are fit and that you have spare shoeing equipment.

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Presidio TX 79845

29.5277, -104.1018

Horse Camp Directions:

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Information on horse trails, horse camps and camping and hiking paths for horseback riders, and hikers at Big Bend Ranch State Park near Presidio, Texas

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