To this day, Big Bend is still one of our favorite places we have ever been.
Some parks you visit and check off a list. Big Bend was not one of those. It is so vast, and so many different worlds live inside it, rocky desert, deep canyons, real mountains, and the Rio Grande winding right along the edge of Mexico. We came for a few days and left already wanting to go back.
Big Bend at a glance
- Where we stayed RoadRunner Travelers RV Park, Terlingua
- Hookups Full hookups, and worth every bit
- The skies Dark Sky certified, we saw everything
- To the park Just a few minutes to the west entrance
Where we stayed: RoadRunner Travelers in Terlingua
We stayed at RoadRunner Travelers RV Park in Terlingua, and we loved this campsite. Full hookups, a little dog park for Oaklee, big Jenga for the kids, and views that stopped us in our tracks. The sunsets out here are divine. And because it is a certified dark sky area, the stars at night were unlike anything we had seen. We would just sit outside and take it all in.
The best part is how close it is to everything. It is only a few minutes to the west entrance of the park, so we could be hiking in Big Bend in no time and back at camp by dinner.
Terlingua itself became part of the fun. We ate at the Starlight Theatre, where the food was good and the drinks were even better, and wandered the trading post nearby. There is so much culture and heritage packed into this little corner of Texas, and it made the whole stay feel special.
A rowboat into Mexico
One of our favorite half-day adventures was crossing into Mexico right from the park. There is a port of entry in Big Bend, and from there we took a little rowboat across the Rio Grande, rode donkeys into town, and had dinner in Boquillas del Carmen.
It was such a fun, unexpected thing to do with the kids, and a real lesson in culture and heritage that no classroom could match. This is exactly the kind of day that reminds us why we roadschool through places instead of textbooks.
The hikes and the views
We loved the hiking in Big Bend. The trails were beautiful and, best of all, they were easy enough for the kids. Nothing too long, nothing too hard, just gorgeous views around every corner, and the weather while we were there was absolutely perfect.
What made it so special was the variety. One trail felt like a canyon, the next felt like the mountains, the next opened up into wide desert. The kids never got bored, and honestly, neither did we.
Big Bend with kids: quick answers
Is Big Bend good for families?
It is one of our favorites. The trails are manageable for kids, the landscapes keep everyone curious, and staying in Terlingua puts you minutes from the park with dark skies and easy days.
Where should you stay near Big Bend?
We stayed at RoadRunner Travelers RV Park in Terlingua and loved it. Full hookups, a dog park, big Jenga, incredible sunsets, and dark-sky stargazing just minutes from the west entrance.
Can you go to Mexico from Big Bend?
Yes. From the Boquillas port of entry you can take a small rowboat across the Rio Grande, ride into Boquillas del Carmen, and have dinner. It is a fun, easy half-day trip. Bring your passports and check crossing hours.
Big Bend gave us big skies, easy hikes, a taste of another country, and some of the best nights under the stars we have ever had. It is still one of the places we talk about most.