Just off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive are the ruins of the Sam Nail Ranch. Dating back to the early 1900s, this old adobe house has a haunted appeal, although there is little left of the rancher's home bar walls and an old windmill. Another big draw to Big Bend National Park is the Castolon Historic District. This former small desert community is on the way to Santa Elena Canyon. It has a visitor center with some curious exhibits depicting life on the frontier. Or you could just grab some ice cream or a drink at La Harmonia General Store.
Roughly the size of Rhode Island, the Southwest's Big Bend National Park is a popular destination for the active set. Book a Big Bend National Park vacation rental and have dozens of rugged hiking trails and biking tracks for every level of expertise right on your dusty doorstep. If you prefer a damper experience, rent a kayak or join a whitewater rafting excursion down the Rio Grande, the river between Mexico and the US. After an active day, head back to the ranch and kick back with a cool beer and watch the sun set over Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend National Park is a year-round destination. The busiest time to visit is during spring and fall, when milder temperatures draw the crowds and Big Bend vacation rentals can get booked up in advance. It's not afraid to rain, however, so pack an umbrella. The quietest time is during the summer months, when blazing temperatures regularly smash the 100 degree mark. Winter is another great time to visit, but pack well, because when the mercury drops in the desert there's a chance of frost and even snow.
Big Bend National Park sprawls between the southwest plains of Texas and the border of Mexico. The nearest big town is Presidio, on its western flanks. Although big (it's over 1,200 square miles) you can manage to see a lot in 2 or 3 days. One of the more popular trails is the Chisos Mountains hike, a 5-mile trek which climbs to 1,000 ft and has incredible views over the Sierra del Carmen. Another big draw is its natural wildlife. It's home to black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, as well as the hairy pig-like javelinas.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 64 vacation rentals around Big Bend National Park. From 13 cabin rentals to 49 house rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.