Barton Warnock Visitor Center Campground — Big Bend Ranch State Park Eastern Trailhead

Barton Warnock is where you check in for Big Bend Ranch State Park before heading west on the River Road. The campground here is a developed facility with water and restrooms — nothing fancy, but after the backcountry, a functioning spigot feels like a luxury. It sits on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert with views toward the Mesa de Anguila and the Rio Grande corridor. Small capacity, so don’t roll in expecting a wide open field on a winter weekend.

Located right in Lajitas on FM 170, this is the logical overnight before or after running the River Road. Rangers staff the visitor center daily and can give you real-time road conditions for the dirt sections heading west toward Presidio. Busy November through March — the shoulder of winter is prime time in this country. Cell signal is marginal at best. Confirm current rates and availability directly with Texas Parks and Wildlife before departure.

Eastern gate camp before the River Road.