Big Bend Hot Springs
Rio Grande Village, TX
A historic stone tub of 40 °C spring water on the bank of the Rio Grande, reached by a short walk past an old post office and motel ruins. The final 3 km of gravel road is narrow and not suitable for RVs or trailers.
The hot spring in the Hot Springs Historic District of Big Bend National Park emerges at about 40 °C (105 °F) on the bank of the Rio Grande. In 1909 J. O. Langford settled here hoping to regain his health; he ran a bathhouse and the post office and also worked as a teacher. Only the foundations of the bathhouse remain, and the spring pool now sits within them. The old post office building still stands, and ancient pictographs can be seen on the cliff walls.
A gravel road about 3.2 km (2 miles) long leads to the trailhead; motor homes and oversize vehicles are prohibited on its one-way sections. The round trip to the spring is about 800 m (half a mile), and there is also a 1.6 km (1-mile) loop trail. When the Rio Grande floods, it covers the pool with mud. Soaps and oils, alcohol and glass are not allowed, nor is staying overnight; because of the currents, do not swim in the river.
- Nearest town
- Rio Grande Village, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 29.1795, -102.9980
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Gravel PitCampsite2 mi from Big Bend Hot Springs
- Rio Grande Village RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Big Bend Hot Springs · 25 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- La ClochaCampsite2 mi from Big Bend Hot Springs
- Rio Grande Village CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Big Bend Hot SpringsMotorhomes
- Chisos Basin CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Big Bend Hot SpringsTentsCaravans
- Chisos Basin Group CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Big Bend Hot SpringsTents
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Big Bend Hot Springs?
Big Bend Hot Springs is in Rio Grande Village, TX, at GPS 29.1795, -102.9980. It is about 39 mi from Terlingua.
Can you camp near Big Bend Hot Springs?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Gravel Pit, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 77 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Big Bend Hot Springs?
Big Bend Hot Springs is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The River Road to Big Bend: Presidio, Terlingua and Santa Elena and Maple canyons, rock art and desert mountains – by camper from Austin through the Hill Country to Big Bend.
What is there to see near Big Bend Hot Springs?
Places worth a stop nearby: Big Bend National Park (16 mi), Chisos Basin Campground (19 mi), Santa Elena Canyon (37 mi) and Big Bend Ranch State Park (Barton Warnock Visitor Center) (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Big Bend Hot Springs?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)