Barton Warnock Visitor Center

3.33

9 reviews

21800 FM 170, TERLINGUA, Texas, 79852, United States

Quick Facts

2,388 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Barton Warnock Visitor Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,388 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Barton Warnock Visitor Center site

Official Website

Get Directions

Barton Warnock Visitor Center

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $5 per person aged 13 and older.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.33

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

189 Google reviews

Most mentioned

staffwell-maintained

"Reviews indicate mixed experiences at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, with visitors appreciating the helpful staff and available amenities but noting occasional issues with customer service and operational limitations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

21800 FM 170, TERLINGUA, Texas, 79852, United States

Barton Warnock Visitor Center

21800 FM 170, TERLINGUA, Texas, 79852, United States

Driving directionsFrom San Antonio: Take I 10 West to Fort Stockton. From Fort Stockton, 10 miles west, take Hwy 67 South to Alpine. From Alpine, take Hwy 118 South to Study Butte. From Study Butte, take Hwy FM 170 West, 16 miles towards Lajitas. Barton Warnock Visitor Center is located 1 mile east of Lajitas, Texas.

Best Time to Camp at Barton Warnock Visitor Center

Time your visit to experience the desert at its most magnificent during the golden window of late February through early May, when spring transforms Big Bend Ranch into a temperate paradise. Picture yourself waking to crisp morning air, spending days under brilliantly blue skies, and enjoying evening temperatures perfect for stargazing around the campfire. While summer brings its own stark beauty, the mercury can soar past 100°F, creating conditions that challenge even seasoned desert enthusiasts. Spring's gentle temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for exploring every trail, vista, and hidden canyon this remarkable landscape has to offer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Desert summers are typically harsh; not the recommended season for visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall is okay for visits; best window called out is late Feb–early May (spring).

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Late Feb–early May described as the 'golden window' when spring transforms the park.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Mild winter conditions likely suitable; no seasonal closures noted in materials.

Planning Tips

About Barton Warnock Visitor Center

Step into the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, where your Big Bend Ranch State Park adventure begins. This welcoming oasis offers more than just park information—it's a full-service basecamp featuring fascinating exhibits that bring the desert's stories to life, meticulously maintained native gardens that showcase the region's surprising botanical diversity, and a well-stocked gift shop perfect for finding that special memento. The knowledgeable staff stands ready to share insider tips and trail recommendations, while practical amenities like the RV dump and fill station ensure you're fully prepared for the rugged beauty that awaits beyond these walls.

The Barton Warnock Visitor Center is not a traditional campground but serves as a key access point for Big Bend Ranch State Park. It does not provide actual campsites but facilitates outdoor activities and serves as a hub for exploring the area.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit to experience the desert at its most magnificent during the golden window of late February through early May, when spring transforms Big Bend Ranch into a temperate paradise. Picture yourself waking to crisp morning air, spending days under brilliantly blue skies, and enjoying evening temperatures perfect for stargazing around the campfire. While summer brings its own stark beauty, the mercury can soar past 100°F, creating conditions that challenge even seasoned desert enthusiasts. Spring's gentle temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for exploring every trail, vista, and hidden canyon this remarkable landscape has to offer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Dump station

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Barton Warnock Visitor Center provides a gateway to various activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, and fishing along the river. The center also offers trails for nature and interpretive walks and access to scenic overlooks.

HikingThe center provides access to hiking trails, with rangers available to recommend specific routes. Highlights include nature and interpretive trails.

FishingFishing opportunities are available along the river access provided at the facility.

BikingMountain biking trails are available for those seeking off-road adventures.

BoatingA canoe/kayak launch is available for paddling activities.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Emergency ServicesPhone service is available through the park's contact number at 432-424-3327, but there are no specific details about proximity to hospitals or police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.

Camp HostStaff interactions at the visitor center have mixed feedback. Some users noted helpfulness and guidance, while others reported unfriendliness or lack of initiative.

Weather at Barton Warnock Visitor Center

Reviews

3.3

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Barton Warnock Visitor Center has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews indicate mixed experiences at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center, with visitors appreciating the helpful staff and available amenities but noting occasional issues with customer service and operational limitations.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the center for its well-maintained facilities, helpful staff, and the availability of maps and information for exploring Big Bend Ranch State Park. The gardens and exhibit areas were...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors found the staff less proactive in offering information and noted long lines at the check-in window. Others mentioned that certain facilities, like the museum, were closed due to social...

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure access to facilities before they close. Handle your digital needs at the center, as there is no Wi-Fi or cell service in the park.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in the reviews; however, visitors noted that operational hours and available facilities can vary.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice visitor's center, helpful staff, gift shop, impressive exhibit area, beautiful gardens and an RV dump and fill station." - Steve. "All passes are purchased by an outside window, and only...

Based on 9 reviews