We’ve camped at the Guale #2 campsite in Big Bend Ranch State Park on several occasions, most recently this past November and March of 2023. It’s quite remote and is one of our favorite campsites in this 311,000 acre space. The road to Guale #2 campsite is rough and only four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance are allowed, but the view from the designated campsite is well worth the time it takes to get there. On our fall trip, we got lucky, arriving between cold fronts and enjoying amazing weather and clear night skies, which also made for some good night photography.
Views of Mexico and The Bofecillos Mountains From Guale #2
The Guale #2 campsite is on the edge of a steep cliff, with a drop-off a few yards away, which is why it’s not suggested for families with small children. The views toward Mexico and the Bofecillos Mountains are spectacular; however, it can be breezy here at times, especially late at night when winds come up from the desert below.
What is The Road Like Going to Guale #1 and #2 in Big Bend Ranch State Park?
The first couple miles of road into the Guale campsites along the Oso Loop isn’t that bad; however, we encountered a lot of encroaching mesquite and creosote bush, so full-sized vehicles will get some natural pin striping on this part of the route. From Oso Loop to Guale Mesa road, the path gets a bit rougher and narrower, with a few small ledges and large loose rocks along the trail.
The roughest part of the road to Guale 2 is probably the last little stretch as you’re heading down toward the campsite at Guale #2. This part is steep and full of loose rocks, along with a couple steep but semi-rounded ledges where locking your rear differential helps with with traction on the way back up.
If you’re looking for a slightly more accessible site but one still requiring a high clearance 4×4 vehicle, consider Los Cuates campsite, where the pin is below
Overall, the four-wheel-drive road into Guale #2 is probably somewhere between a four and five on the Peter Massey/Adler Publishing scale, which goes all the way to ten (extreme). It was no big deal for our full-sized truck with a 3″ lift and full skid plate.
Lots of Interesting Things to See on The Way to Guale #2
On the way to Guale campsites #1 and #2 you’ll come across some interesting old machinery which was abandoned in the desert long ago, along with several large stone water storage tanks which must have taken early day workers weeks to construct. The old machine below featured a rusted name plate indicating that it was a “#7 Silage Cutter”, which seems very out of place here, considering these were used to chop corn stalks and other vegetation to make animal feed. Most likely these were used by early day wax collectors, who harvested the candelilla plant, a desert succulent whose natural oils were used to coat army tents during WWII.
Below is one of the old stone water storage tanks that were used by early day ranchers, long before this area became Big Bend Ranch State Park
What’s at the Guale #2 Campsite?
There was a new picnic table at Guale #1, along with a fire ring. There are no vault toilets in this area and “cat holing” or burying your waste is not allowed. Visitors are required to pack out all human waste or face steep penalties, along with having to come and physically remove their own poop. You can rent a portable toilet at the park headquarters, if you don’t have your own.
The best thing you’ll find at Guale #2 are the great, wide-open views to the south and west, which were spectacular. We loved spending two days here and hope to come back again next year.
Precautions For Camping at Guale #2 Campsite
There’s no cell phone reception in Big Bend Ranch State park, except for one spot near a plaque along the main road commemorating the donation of part of the park to the state by the estate of Beryl Lowe and John Rice, and at the La Mota #3 campsite. For your own safety, be sure to bring a satellite messenger, such as the Garmin InReach we use, or a similar device such as a Spot or Zoleo. There are no GMRS repeaters in this region, but ham operators will find a couple of two meter repeaters that can be reached throughout much of the park. See the Big Bend ARC website for more info on the two meter repeaters in this area.
If You Bring your Dog to Big Bend Ranch State Park
While dogs are permitted in BBRSP, they’re not allowed on any of the hiking trails, with the exception being the Hoodoos trail along the river and the Closed Canyon trail. Pets must be kept on a leash and are only allowed 1/4 mile from camp, along the established roads. For more, see our article about Bringing Dogs to Big Bend Ranch State Park.
This is not a pet friendly place and there are many things here which can harm them, including rattlesnakes (we saw two on this trip), mountain lions, bears, scorpions, and countless thorns. Keep your dog with you at all times and never let them out of your sight. Bring plenty of water and be aware that leaving either human or pet waste in the park is a punishable offense.
Other Safety Tips For Big Bend Ranch State Park
Vehicles traveling off-road in Big Bend Ranch State Park are advised to carry two full sized spares, extra fuel, water and food. For more on the 4×4 trails in the park, be sure to download the PDF file Roads to Nowhere for more info. See our post about Rincon #2 for info on that off-road campsite. Be sure to check in at the Sauceda Ranger Station (phone (432) 229-3613) or the Barton Warnock Visitor Center (432-424-3327), before heading on to your campsite.
