Click here for more information on other guided First Day Hikes.

Facilities & Driving Directions

• Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
• Individual camp sites for each family
• Clean Composting Toilets
• Restrooms with hot showers (on nights 2 and 3)
• Overnight State Park Staff providing public safety and security

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  Click here for a suggested packing list, agenda, and FAQs: TOF Big Bend Prep Sheet 

Agenda

Download the TOF BIG Bend Prep Sheet for detailed agenda, packing list, and FAQs!

• TOF Big Bend Prep Sheet 

Activities

Planned activities for the weekend include:

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
• Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Experience Required?

Meals

• You will need to provide your own food for all meal, except 1 dinner that will be prepared for you for a small fee.
• A suggested shopping list, meal ideas, and dutch oven recipes will be made available to all participants after making a reservation.
• Instructors will teach you how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $110 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.
• You will be asked to bring your family's food for the three night event and a suggested list of items will be provided via email.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have.
• You will receive a confirmation packet with directions and more details will be sent to you via email after you are registered for a Texas Outdoor Family workshop.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least three business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.
• Space is very limited on this trip. We suggest making a reservation soon!

Pre-workshop Materials

• TOF Big Bend Ranch Prep Sheet 

Additional Questions?

• You can contact the Texas Outdoor Family by emailing tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us
• or Calling (512)389-8903

 

Big Bend Rock Art

 

   Sunrise Over Camp

Kayaking the Rio Grande

Facilities & Driving Directions

• Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
• Individual camp sites for each family
• Clean Composting Toilets
• Restrooms with hot showers (on nights 2 and 3)
• Overnight State Park Staff providing public safety and security

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  Click here for a suggested packing list, agenda, and FAQs: TOF Big Bend Prep Sheet 

Agenda

Download the TOF BIG Bend Prep Sheet for detailed agenda, packing list, and FAQs!

• TOF Big Bend Prep Sheet 

Activities

Planned activities for the weekend include:

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
• Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Experience Required?

Meals

• You will need to provide your own food for all meal, except 1 dinner that will be prepared for you for a small fee.
• A suggested shopping list, meal ideas, and dutch oven recipes will be made available to all participants after making a reservation.
• Instructors will teach you how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $110 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.
• You will be asked to bring your family's food for the three night event and a suggested list of items will be provided via email.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have.
• You will receive a confirmation packet with directions and more details will be sent to you via email after you are registered for a Texas Outdoor Family workshop.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least three business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.
• Space is very limited on this trip. We suggest making a reservation soon!

Pre-workshop Materials

• TOF Big Bend Ranch Prep Sheet 

Additional Questions?

• You can contact the Texas Outdoor Family by emailing tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us
• or Calling (512)389-8903

 

Big Bend Rock Art

 

   Sunrise Over Camp

Kayaking the Rio Grande

Happy New Year! Come out New Years Day and celebrate it with us at Fort Leaton State Historic Site. We will be conducting a guided First Day Hike on our Nature Trail at Fort Leaton. Cost of the hike is included in the entrance fee, $5.00 for adults and free for children and Texas State Pass Port holders. We will meet at 1:00 at the Fort Leaton SHS Office. The Nature Trail Hike will be about ½ mile over some uneven terrain so please wear good walking shoes and sun protection. No pets please. After the hike, come stroll through our Museum and the Fort to experience life in 1848 on the Chihuahua Trail. Fort Leaton State Historic Site is located about 3 miles east of Presidio, Texas on FM170. Reservations are not necessary.

Sunrise over camp at Big Bend Ranch

Facilities

• Big Bend Ranch State Park - Sauceda 
• Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
• Individual car camping sites for each family
• Clean Restrooms Facilites - hot showers available on Days 2 and 3
• Overnight State Park Ranger presence, public safety, and security

Dates

Please notice that there are 3 separate trips to Big Bend Ranch during Spring Break. They will be identical in programming. Please note a preference before calling to make a reservation.

• (BRR I) 1st workshop: Saturday March 9th through Tuesday March 12th 
• (BBR II) 2nd workshop: Monday March 11th through Thursday March 14th 
• (BBRIII) 3rd workshop: Thursday March 14th through Sunday March 17th

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  A suggested packing list will be sent to you as part of our welcome packet.

Trying to Decide if Big Bend Ranch is right for you?

• Read over our Big Bend Prep Sheet: Click Here to read over Frequently Asked Questions, links for mapping your drive, an extended look at the agenda, and many more helpful pieces of information to help you decide if the Big Bend Trip is right for your family.

Attendees:

• Big Bend Presents New Challenges for Families: We encourage our attending families to have some comfort in the outdoors and children to be 5 years of age or older. Due to the remote nature of Big Bend, this is not the ideal trip for beginners. Have you put up and spent a night in a tent before? Are you okay using a clean, composting toilet? Then this trip is right up your alley!  Read the Prep Sheet to help you decide.

Agenda & Activities

Day 1

• Credible Campers & Campsites:

Adults: Desert Leave no Trace principles, Welcome and orientation to the Big Bend Region 
Junior Rangers:  PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no trace

• Building Base Camp in the Desert: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend. A few handy tips will be included that are specific to desert camping.
• Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at  State Parks
• Scorpion Search: Using a UV light, we'll safely search for natures glow-in-the-dark friends

Day 2

• Kayak the Rio Grande: A beginner friendly, 3 hour paddle trip will show your family the beauty of Big Bend from the middle of the international boundary. 
• Break Camp and Travel into the Ranch: The most beautiful drive in Texas will take you 26 miles into the desert where you will find your next accommodations. Running water, restrooms, and a meal will be waiting for you!
• Ranch History: Visit with TOF staff as they explain the rich history of the land where we'll be camping.

Day 3

• Rock Art Hike: Take a morning hike to a beautiful area of the Ranch. Along the way we'll learn some amazing history of this difficult landscape and find ourselves at a location that tells its own story.
• Geocaching Adventure: Find yourself among the cacti and arroyos looking for hidden treasure!

• Nature Crafts & Nature Photography: In the heat of the day we'll find some shade. Jr. Rangers and parents with both have an opportunity to have some hands on fun!
• Star Gazing: Using our telescope we'll have a look at the most beautiful night sky that Texas has to offer!

Day 4

• Pack for the trip home: Families are not required to leave the park, but the campsites will be needed for incoming families.

Additonal Site Specific Activities

• Dutch Oven Cooking:  Along with a demonstration and instruction, a Dutch Oven will be provided to each family on evening 3 of the workshop. A cast iron pot allows your personal campfire to become an oven for baking. Suggested recipes will be provided or can be found on the internet.

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices

Meals

• Families are required to bring their own food. One buffet dinner will be provided on Day 2 at a cost of $12 per person. Details will be provided after signing up for the program.
• Instructors will share with you some tips of how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $110 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry, activity, and camping fees.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have and also can provide the contact number for partner site workshops.
• You will be e-mailed a confirmation packet with directions and additional items.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least four business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

Pre-workshop Materials

• Click here for our Prep Sheet. A welcome packet with more details will be sent to you via email after your reservation has been made. 

More Questions?

• Did our prep sheet not cover your questions or concerns? Email tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us for timely assistance. Please include your phone number if you would prefer a call back.

Sunrise over camp at Big Bend Ranch

Facilities

• Big Bend Ranch State Park - Sauceda 
• Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
• Individual car camping sites for each family
• Clean Restrooms Facilites - hot showers available on Days 2 and 3
• Overnight State Park Ranger presence, public safety, and security

Dates

Please notice that there are 3 separate trips to Big Bend Ranch during Spring Break. They will be identical in programming. Please note a preference before calling to make a reservation.

• (BRR I) 1st workshop: Saturday March 9th through Tuesday March 12th 
• (BBR II) 2nd workshop: Monday March 11th through Thursday March 14th 
• (BBR III) 3rd workshop: Thursday March 14th through Sunday March 17th

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  A suggested packing list will be sent to you as part of our welcome packet.

Trying to Decide if Big Bend Ranch is right for you?

• Read over our Big Bend Prep Sheet: Click Here to read over Frequently Asked Questions, links for mapping your drive, an extended look at the agenda, and many more helpful pieces of information to help you decide if the Big Bend Trip is right for your family.

Attendees:

• Big Bend Presents New Challenges for Families: We encourage our attending families to have some comfort in the outdoors and children to be 5 years of age or older. Due to the remote nature of Big Bend, this is not the ideal trip for beginners. Have you put up and spent a night in a tent before? Are you okay using a clean, composting toilet? Then this trip is right up your alley! Read the Prep Sheet to help you make your final decision.

Agenda & Activities

Day 1

• Credible Campers & Campsites:

Adults: Desert Leave no Trace principles, Welcome and orientation to the Big Bend Region 
Junior Rangers:  PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no trace

• Building Base Camp in the Desert: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend. A few handy tips will be included that are specific to desert camping.
• Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at  State Parks
• Scorpion Search: Using a UV light, we'll safely search for natures glow-in-the-dark friends

Day 2

• Kayak the Rio Grande: A beginner friendly, 3 hour paddle trip will show your family the beauty of Big Bend from the middle of the international boundary. 
• Break Camp and Travel into the Ranch: The most beautiful drive in Texas will take you 26 miles into the desert where you will find your next accommodations. Running water, restrooms, and a meal will be waiting for you!
• Ranch History: Visit with TOF staff as they explain the rich history of the land where we'll be camping.

Day 3

• Rock Art Hike: Take a morning hike to a beautiful area of the Ranch. Along the way we'll learn some amazing history of this difficult landscape and find ourselves at a location that tells its own story.
• Geocaching Adventure: Find yourself among the cacti and arroyos looking for hidden treasure!

• Nature Crafts & Nature Photography: In the heat of the day we'll find some shade. Jr. Rangers and parents with both have an opportunity to have some hands on fun!
• Star Gazing: Using our telescope we'll have a look at the most beautiful night sky that Texas has to offer!

Day 4

• Pack for the trip home: Families are not required to leave the park, but the campsites will be needed for incoming families.

Additonal Site Specific Activities

• Dutch Oven Cooking:  Along with a demonstration and instruction, a Dutch Oven will be provided to each family on evening 3 of the workshop. A cast iron pot allows your personal campfire to become an oven for baking. Suggested recipes will be provided or can be found on the internet.

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices

Meals

• Families are required to bring their own food. One buffet dinner will be provided on Day 2 at a cost of $12 per person. Details will be provided after signing up for the program.
• Instructors will share with you some tips of how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $110 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry, activity, and camping fees.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have and also can provide the contact number for partner site workshops.
• You will be e-mailed a confirmation packet with directions and additional items.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least four business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

Pre-workshop Materials

• Click here for our Prep Sheet. A welcome packet with more details will be sent to you via email after your reservation has been made. 

More Questions?

• Did our prep sheet not cover your questions or concerns? Email tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us for timely assistance. Please include your phone number if you would prefer a call back.

Sunrise over camp at Big Bend Ranch

Facilities

• Big Bend Ranch State Park - Sauceda 
• Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
• Individual car camping sites for each family
• Clean Restrooms Facilites - hot showers available on Days 2 and 3
• Overnight State Park Ranger presence, public safety, and security

Dates

Please notice that there are 3 separate trips to Big Bend Ranch during Spring Break. They will be identical in programming. Please note a preference before calling to make a reservation.

• (BRR I) 1st workshop: Saturday March 9th through Tuesday March 12th 
• (BBR II) 2nd workshop: Monday March 11th through Thursday March 14th 
• (BBR III) 3rd workshop: Thursday March 14th through Sunday March 17th

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  A suggested packing list will be sent to you as part of our welcome packet.

Trying to Decide if Big Bend Ranch is right for you?

• Read over our Big Bend Prep Sheet: Click Here to read over Frequently Asked Questions, links for mapping your drive, an extended look at the agenda, and many more helpful pieces of information to help you decide if the Big Bend Trip is right for your family.

Attendees:

• Big Bend Presents New Challenges for Families: We encourage our attending families to have some comfort in the outdoors and children to be 5 years of age or older. Due to the remote nature of Big Bend, this is not the ideal trip for beginners. Have you put up and spent a night in a tent before? Are you okay using a clean, composting toilet? Then this trip is right up your alley! Read the prep sheet to be sure.

Agenda & Activities

Day 1

• Credible Campers & Campsites:

Adults: Desert Leave no Trace principles, Welcome and orientation to the Big Bend Region 
Junior Rangers:  PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no trace

• Building Base Camp in the Desert: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend. A few handy tips will be included that are specific to desert camping.
• Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at  State Parks
• Scorpion Search: Using a UV light, we'll safely search for natures glow-in-the-dark friends

Day 2

• Kayak the Rio Grande: A beginner friendly, 3 hour paddle trip will show your family the beauty of Big Bend from the middle of the international boundary. 
• Break Camp and Travel into the Ranch: The most beautiful drive in Texas will take you 26 miles into the desert where you will find your next accommodations. Running water, restrooms, and a meal will be waiting for you!
• Ranch History: Visit with TOF staff as they explain the rich history of the land where we'll be camping.

Day 3

• Rock Art Hike: Take a morning hike to a beautiful area of the Ranch. Along the way we'll learn some amazing history of this difficult landscape and find ourselves at a location that tells its own story.
• Geocaching Adventure: Find yourself among the cacti and arroyos looking for hidden treasure!
• Nature Crafts & Nature Photography: In the heat of the day we'll find some shade. Jr. Rangers and parents with both have an opportunity to have some hands on fun!
• Star Gazing: Using our telescope we'll have a look at the most beautiful night sky that Texas has to offer!

Day 4

• Pack for the trip home: Families are not required to leave the park, but the campsites will be needed for incoming families.

Additonal Site Specific Activities

• Dutch Oven Cooking:  Along with a demonstration and instruction, a Dutch Oven will be provided to each family on evening 3 of the workshop. A cast iron pot allows your personal campfire to become an oven for baking. Suggested recipes will be provided or can be found on the internet.

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices

Meals

• Families are required to bring their own food. One buffet dinner will be provided on Day 2 at a cost of $12 per person. Details will be provided after signing up for the program.
• Instructors will share with you some tips of how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $110 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry, activity, and camping fees.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have and also can provide the contact number for partner site workshops.
• You will be e-mailed a confirmation packet with directions and additional items.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least four business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

Pre-workshop Materials

• Click here for our Prep Sheet. A welcome packet with more details will be sent to you via email after your reservation has been made. 

More Questions?

• Did our prep sheet not cover your questions or concerns? Email tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us for timely assistance. Please include your phone number if you would prefer a call back.

A easy hike of about .5 mile with a little bit of elevation change. Bring some shade; a good hat works good, sunscreen if you need it and don't forget water and good hiking shoes.