Big Bend Ranch State Park, An Introduction for Overlanders

An information-rich look at Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas, for overlanding and camping visitors. This film answers most questions that new visitors will have before visiting the park. It has been three years in the making.

0:00 Introduction
1:34 History of the Land
3:55 Native American Sites
4:44 Accessing the Park
7:02 Driving Time in the Park
7:58 Visitor Centers
10:41 Entrance and Camping Fees, Vehicle Limits
11:55 Camping and Lodging Options
14:53 4-Wheel Drive Exploring
17:28 What to Bring
18:23 Challenging Roads
19:28 Hiking and Biking
20:57 Nature Viewing and Activities
21:17 Geology
21:58 Wild Animals
23:13 Birds
24:43 Vegetation
26:06 Hazards
27:11 Stargazing and Astrophotography
27:44 Horseback Riding
28:24 River Access and Activities
29:35 Pets
30:24 Seasons
32:07 Communications
33:18 Drone Restrictions
33:43 Conclusion

All aerial photography is FAA rules compliant and is by Big Bend Ranch SP permit. Drone use is only by permit, well in advance, from the park superintendent and is subject to special rules.

Additional photography and video by Mike Smith, Chris Spyer, Mike Brumleve, Mike Leary, Greg Lari, Frank Albarado, and Laud Maroney.
Wild animal video courtesy Rey Muniz.
Special Thanks to retired Superintendent Keith Kinnard.
Special Thanks to Sara for the inspiration.

Barton Warnock Visitor Center Phone: 432-424-3327
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, year-round, Closed Christmas Day

Fort Leaton State Historic Site Phone: 432-249-1801.
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, year-round, Closed Christmas Day

Sauceda Headquarters Phone: 432-229-3613
Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, year-round, Closed Christmas Day

Campsite Reservation Phone: 512-389-8900 (Austin)
Big Bend Ranch SP Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bi...
Campsite Availability and Reservations: https://texasstateparks.reserveameric...
What to do: http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pw...
Campsite Guide: http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pw...
Road Guide: http://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pw...
Dog Policy: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bi...
Swimming Safety: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pa...
Map Page: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bi...

Other resources:
Texas Overland on FB:   / texasoverland  
Big Bend Chat Forum: http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/for...
Big Bend Repeater System: https://www.bigbendarc.com/repeaters/
Please practice Tread Lightly principles to keep our public lands accessible to motorized recreation: https://treadlightly.org

Gaia GPS Phone and Tablet app: http://gaiagps.com
OnX Offroad Phone and Tablet app: https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app

Camping outside the park:
Los Alamos Ranch: https://abnb.me/tSHRMIHXd3 (Camping not currently available. Sorry!)
Mel's Place: http://Bit.ly/cabinandcamp
River Rafting:
Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company: 469-607-9869 http://HikingBigBend.com
Far Flung Outdoor Center: 432-371-2633 http://bigbendfarflung.com
Horseback rides:
Lajitas Stables: 800-887-4331 http://lajitasstables.com