Texas
Big Bend Ranch State Park Contrabando Movie Set
Point of Interest
The weathered remains of a fake Wild West town built for various movies in the 1980s and ’90s, including parts of ‘Streets of Laredo.’ Adobe-style facades and wooden buildings slowly crumble back into the desert, creating an authentic ghost town atmosphere that ironically feels more real than when it was a set. The site sits in a natural amphitheater of desert hills about 10 miles from the Rio Grande.
Reach it via the Contrabando Road from the state park’s Sauceda Ranger Station — a rough 4WD track that requires high clearance and careful navigation. No shade or facilities, so bring water and plan for the heat. The road can be impassable after flash floods.
Crumbling movie set in the desert
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Buena Suerte, Texas Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Lajitas, Texas |
| Miles from pavement | 18.5 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Best season | October-March |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |