Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Star4.24
21 reviews
2800 S. BENTSEN PALM DRIVE, MISSION, Texas, 78572, United States

Quick Facts

121 ft

Price

$5 - $18/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open daily from 7:00...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website
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Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
$5.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day-use fee is $5 per person aged 13 and older, or $3 per person for groups of 10 or more. Primitive camping is available for $18 per night.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America
Provider
9565849156
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 21 reviews

589 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhiking

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Visitors generally enjoy the park for its serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails. However, some concerns include noise from outside the park, limited privacy at campsites, and maintenance issues in fishing areas."

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Campground Map

2800 S. BENTSEN PALM DRIVE, MISSION, Texas, 78572, United States

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

2800 S. BENTSEN PALM DRIVE, MISSION, Texas, 78572, United States

Driving directionsFrom Upper Valley: Take East Expressway 83 to Bentsen Palm Dr. Travel South on Bentsen Palm Dr. to the World Birding Center Headquarters at Bentsen State Park. From Lower Valley: Take West Expressway 83 to Bentsen Palm Dr. Travel South on Bentsen Palm Dr. to the World Birding Center Headquarters at Bentsen State Park.
Access is straightforward from Expressway 83 via Bentsen Palm Drive. Roads are paved and accessible for vehicles, but visitor traffic within the park is restricted to walking, bicycles, or tram service.
Nearby places
Mission (less than 5 miles), McAllen (approximately 10 miles), Edinburg (around 20 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel likely accessible in Mission, Texas (approximately 5 miles). Bicycle rentals are available within the park, and a park store offers limited camping supplies and amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Experience the rhythms of a true subtropical climate where golden sunshine dominates the calendar. From November through April, gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, drawing visitors from across the continent. Summer transforms the landscape into a sultry wilderness where only the most dedicated nature enthusiasts brave the intense heat and humidity—though those who do are rewarded with having this natural wonderland nearly to themselves.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

May–Oct is non-peak: quieter but hotter and with fewer services.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn transitions into peak season in November; good wildlife viewing as temperatures moderate.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring falls within peak season offering active wildlife and mild weather for trails and birding.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 24% in TX

Nov–Apr peak season with comfortable temps, daily tram services, and excellent wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November through April.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Peak season is November through April; non-peak season is May through October.
  • Current Alerts: No specific active alerts mentioned.

About Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Escape into the wild heart of South Texas at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, where primitive camping meets world-class birding in a lush subtropical paradise. Here, beneath towering ebony trees and swaying palms, adventurers discover an authentic wilderness experience that feels worlds away from civilization. Whether you're setting up camp under star-filled skies or following winding trails through dense thornforest, this conservation-focused sanctuary invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's raw beauty.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park primarily supports primitive camping. RV and tent camping were not explicitly mentioned as available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Before 5:00 PM for reservations.
Check-out
Unknown official checkout time.
Stay Limit
Unknown maximum stay limit.

Amenities available

Showers
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The park provides diverse recreational activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, primitive camping, fishing, and attending educational or cultural programs. The area is rich in wildlife, including birds, javelinas, and other species unique to the valley.
HikingSeveral trails are available for hiking, with scenic views and opportunities to explore the valley's natural habitat. Trails are paved and well-maintained, and some are described as having a mix of caliche/dirt terrain. Some reviews mention trekking around 8 miles through the park.
FishingFishing is permitted but limited in scope. User reviews mention a small fishing area with shallow water, making it more suitable for kayak fishing.
BikingBiking is a popular activity. The park features surfaced biking roads and trails, and bicycles are available for rent. Some trails are paved, while others are dirt or caliche.
Wildlife viewingThe park is a haven for birdwatching and observing other wildlife such as javelinas, roadrunners, and turkeys. The abundance of species makes it a unique spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers cultural and educational activities such as the 'Starry Night Event,' where visitors can learn about astronomy and other topics through engaging presentations.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, standing dead trees, and proximity to gunshots from external areas.
Active AlertsNo specific active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Reviews

4.2
21 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors generally enjoy the park for its serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails. However, some concerns include noise from outside the park, limited privacy at campsites, and maintenance issues in fishing areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised aspects include the opportunity for birdwatching, scenic hiking trails, and the peaceful, vehicle-free environment. The ADA-accessible Hawk Observation Tower and educational programs...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include campsite noise from helicopters and nearby Border Patrol activities, limited privacy at campsites, and poorly maintained fishing areas. Additional criticism was directed...
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Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray, arriving early to secure campsites, and preparing for a hike to the camping area. Cyclists and hikers should plan routes in advance.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (November-April) sees higher activity with daily tram services, making it a good time for wildlife viewing. Non-peak months (May-October) are quieter but offer fewer services, potentially...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I love Bentsen State Park. Every time I visit, I meet some of the nicest and most interesting people.' 2. 'The wildlife in the park is abundant and one that needs to be seen.' 3. 'Primitive...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Primitive campsites are highlighted as peaceful due to the absence of vehicle access, but are criticized for being too close together. Specific site numbers were not mentioned.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park's accessibility features, such as the Hawk Observation Tower with an ADA ramp, are appreciated by visitors. No detailed reviews addressing broader accessibility experiences were available.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific comments about pets or pet-friendly policies were mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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