The Ultimate Big Bend Travel Guide

Happy Tuesday Friends!

We are kicking off 2022 with our first travel guide for Big Bend National Park. Kyle and I took a week’s vacation here just before Christmas and y’all… I truly had no idea something so beautiful existed in the United States! We experienced everything from hiking, to stargazing, to even crossing the Rio Grande for some authentic Mexican food (insert drooling emoji lol).

This was probably one of the best vacations I have ever taken and I am so excited to share all the details of this trip!

When to Go

Ahhh probably the number one important thing when deciding to go to Big Bend. We went the week of Christmas and it was probably the best weather you could ask for on a trip. With it being close to Christmas and being in the mountains, I anticipated it would be fairly cold. It was indeed fairly cold but the sun was beaming allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature when hiking.

Overall, the weather was fantastic during the day with chilly evenings. Making it perfect camping weather for us travel trailer peeps. Many suggest going during the summer allows you to see the milky way but we were able to see it and capture photos of it during our trip.

I truly think winter is the best time to hit up Big Bend. If you are looking for summer, I would encourage you to explore all options as Texas gets HOT!

Where to Stay

We took the travel trailer and stayed in a campground in Terlingua which is 15 minutes outside the entrance to the national park. Personally thought it was a great location at a great rate.

There are so many other options for staying in Big Bend:

• Camp in Big Bend – there are campsites, lodges, and cabins throughout the park.
• Book an AirBnb – so many dreamy looking options!
• Stay in Terlingua
• Stay at Lajitas Golf Resort

We stayed at BJ’s RV Park which was perfectly located just outside of Big Bend near the heart of Terlingua.

There were lots of tents and camping options available but I do not know the extent of heat sources for those. So if you are interested in tent camping, check the weather during the time you are looking.

What to Do

Surprisingly for Big Bend being in the middle of nowhere, there was so much to do the entire trip! I rounded up my top activities but I encourage you to explore the Big Bend website to find items that may interest you!

• Go Hiking
• Enjoy the Hot Springs
• Drive on Backroads
• Explore Terlingua & It’s History
• Visit Lajitas Golf Resort
• Take a Day Trip to Marfa
• Capture Photos at Prada Marfa
• Attend a Star Party at the McDonald Observatory
• Take a Day Trip to Fort Davis

Where to Eat

While there is SO much to do in Big Bend there are hardly any locations to eat and rarely any stores to get groceries from! We hit the few restaurants around but thankfully we brought food to make dinners! The few places you have to eat are located in Terlingua.

• Starlight Theatre – This is a must in my opinion because you HAVE to try authentic beanless chili! For those of you who will argue beans are a must, chili origniated without beans and you can get yourself a hot bowl at Starlight Theatre. Be sure to get there early or youll be stuck in a 2-hour line!
• Espresso Y Poco Mas – THE BEST BREAKFAST EVER! Honestly there was such a great breakfast place but what stole my heart was their fresh squeezed orange juice… not even in Florida can you get it that fresh!
• Rio Grande Hot Springs Food Vendor – If you visit the Rio Grande Hot Springs, you will notice a pop-up food vendor across the river. This family is selling some of the best tamales, tacos, and mexican rice youll find in Texas. Step out of your comfort zone and cross the rio for a chance to try a bite. If you are really living on the edge, give their Atole a try!

How to Get Around

I am gonna keep this one short. You NEED a vehicle. It takes at least an hour to get anywhere in Big Bend so I would encourage you to drive or rent a vehicle if visiting. Thankfully we had our truck so we were able to take the backroads as well.

I would also encourage you to ensure you have at least half a tank of gas. It is pricey and limited in Big Bend.