If you’re looking for a quiet place to get away from the spring break crowds, Big Bend Ranch State Park is hard to beat. We just got back from a six-day trip to BBRSP, where we camped at the Chorro Vista, Los Ojitos and La Mota sites. Although the park was apparently at full capacity, we hardly saw anyone else besides a few people checking in at the ranger station.
(Several inches of snow fell just after we left, so be sure to check the long range weather forecast when visiting Big Bend Ranch State Park.)
Chorro Vista Campsite – Hiking to a Desert Oasis
Chorro Vista was our favorite site on this trip. Nice and private, it’s located at the end of a long four-wheel drive trail (about one hour’s drive from the ranger station.) The other two sites we stayed at, Los Ojitos and La Mota, are both accessible by high-clearance, two-wheel drive vehicles.
Chorro Vista campsite is near the Madrid Falls trailhead. Madrid Falls holds the title of the highest waterfall in Texas, at just over 100′. While there wasn’t any water coming over the falls when we hiked there, we did find flowing water and several pools near the base of the falls. The hike down to Madrid Falls takes about one hour from Chorro Vista. The trail is poorly marked and not very well traveled, so be sure to bring a GPS with you. A few cairns along the way – if you can spot them – will help you stay on the trail.
Near the Chorro Vista campsite we found the skull of an aoudad (Barbary sheep). We learned from the head ranger that this non-native species has been roaming wild in west Texas for many years now but is considered to be invasive, since they deprive native animals of food and water.
What is The Road to Chorro Vista Campsite Like?
From the Sauceda Ranger Station we took Javelin Road to Madrid Falls Road. At the turnoff to Madrid Falls road, a large sign warns visitors that it’s “four-wheel drive only”. There were a couple of spots where we switched to four-wheel drive low and engaged our lockers for more traction; however, most stock 4×4 vehicles should be able to make it to Chorro Vista, with skillful driving and the help of a good spotter in the more difficult spots.
Madrid Falls Road – Difficulty Level 4-5
The difficulty level of Madrid Falls Road is somewhere between 4 to 5 on a scale of one to ten, although heavy rains may increase the difficulty rating. Although the road is fairly wide and there are no extreme off-camber areas, there are a few steep sections with ledges and loose rock. Above is one example of some of the ledges found along Madrid Falls road which may prove difficult for some vehicles. (The park rangers regularly travel Madrid Falls road in a stock, full-size 4×4 truck.)
Chorro Vista is a walk-in site; however, we could park our truck (with rooftop tent) about 50′ away from the campsite. The campsite itself is very basic, with no shelter and only a fire ring and picnic table. Being near a steep drop-off, this site can get fairly windy at night, but the view from the ridge just above the campsite is well worth it.
Los Ojitos Campsite – Easy Access For Most Vehicles
The Los Ojitos campsite is located only about a half mile off of the main park road and about a mile and a half from the Sauceda Ranger station. This campsite is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicle and is very private. Because of its ease of access, this is an excellent site for either your first or last day in the park.
Below: Scarlet hedgehog cactus blooming near the Los Ojitos campsite.
The name, Los Ojitos – aside from the literal “the small eyes” means “little springs” in Spanish. The springs are located only about 50 yards west of the campsite.
The Los Ojitos campsite features a nice cedar framed sun shelter, picnic table and a fire ring surrounded by large rocks. When compared to sites like Ojo Escondido, this campsite is fairly out in the open, so it can be quite windy at certain times of the year.
Below: Bluebonnets blooming along the river road, just outside of Presidio.
Big Bend Ranch State Park – Well Worth The Long Drive
Big Bend Ranch State Park is Texas’ largest state park at 311,000 acres – or almost 500 square miles in size. It’s located approximately one hour from Presidio, Texas. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, there are may challenging off-road trails to explore, along with several back-country campsites that are ideal for overlanders. For more information you can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Related Posts: Camping at Guale #2 Campsite in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
