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Arenosa Campground Introduce

Are you a Texas local yearning for an escape from the everyday hustle? Do you dream of wide-open spaces, breathtaking starry nights, and the gentle sounds of nature as your soundtrack? Look no further than Arenosa Campground, a hidden gem nestled along the majestic Rio Grande in Redford, Texas. This isn't your typical bustling RV park; Arenosa offers a truly authentic and serene primitive camping experience, ideal for Texans seeking to reconnect with the unparalleled beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Located in a remote and incredibly scenic setting, Arenosa Campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural grandeur of West Texas. Imagine waking up to the peaceful murmur of the Rio Grande, with the distant lowing of cows echoing from across the border, creating a truly unique and memorable atmosphere. For those who appreciate rugged beauty and a genuine outdoor adventure, Arenosa Campground is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Whether you're an experienced primitive camper or simply looking to try something new, Arenosa offers an accessible yet wonderfully secluded experience. It's the perfect spot for families, couples, or solo adventurers who want to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace the simplicity of nature. With its limited number of sites, you're guaranteed a more intimate and tranquil camping experience than you'd find at larger, more developed campgrounds.

One of the true highlights of Arenosa Campground is its unparalleled night sky. Far from urban light pollution, the celestial display above Arenosa is nothing short of spectacular. Countless stars blanket the darkness, offering incredible views that will captivate stargazers of all ages. Many visitors have opted to sleep directly under the stars, a testament to the clarity and brilliance of the night sky here. It's an experience that truly connects you to the vastness of the cosmos and provides memories that will last a lifetime.

Beyond the starry nights, the campground's immediate surroundings offer a wealth of natural beauty. One side of the campground is dramatically framed by a beautiful rock cliff, adding to the rugged charm of the area. The ground itself is sandy, which makes for a soft and comfortable surface for setting up your tent or simply relaxing. This natural sandy terrain also contributes to the remote and untouched feel of the campground, transporting you to a world far removed from city life.

For those who love to explore, Arenosa Campground offers direct access to the Hoodoo Trail, right next to the camping area. This convenient proximity means you can easily embark on a scenic hike and discover the unique geological formations that give the trail its name. It’s an excellent way to stretch your legs, take in more of the stunning desert landscape, and add an extra layer of adventure to your camping trip.

Location and Accessibility

Arenosa Campground is strategically situated at FM170, Redford, TX 79846, USA. While it offers a wonderfully remote feel, it's surprisingly accessible. The campground is just a short drive off the highway, making it convenient to reach for most vehicles. Past visitors have confirmed that as long as the weather conditions are dry, any vehicle, even a Ford Escape, should be able to navigate the drive to the site without issue. This ease of access, combined with its secluded nature, makes Arenosa an ideal choice for Texans looking for an authentic outdoor experience without an overly challenging journey.

Its location along FM170, also known as the River Road, places it in a highly scenic corridor of West Texas. This road itself is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Rio Grande and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape. As you approach Arenosa, you'll already be treated to a visual feast, setting the tone for the natural beauty that awaits you at the campground.

Services Offered
  • Vault Toilet: A clean and functional composting toilet in a cinderblock structure is available for campers.
  • Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table for your convenience.
  • Fire Rings: All sites include a designated fire ring, perfect for enjoying a campfire under the stars (always check for fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
  • Trash Cans: Conveniently located trash receptacles are provided to help keep the campground clean and pristine.
  • Lantern/Garbage Bag Poles: Some campsites offer poles that can be used for hanging lanterns or garbage bags.
Features / Highlights
  • Rio Grande River Access: The campground sits directly by the Rio Grande river, with several paths from campsites leading down to the water's edge. While the water can be surprisingly cold, it offers a refreshing dip for the brave, with life jackets highly recommended.
  • Scenic & Remote Setting: With only about six sites, Arenosa offers an intimate and peaceful camping experience away from crowds. The stunning natural surroundings, including a beautiful rock cliff enclosing one side of the campground, create an incredibly scenic backdrop.
  • Exceptional Stargazing: Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Arenosa Campground boasts truly amazing night skies with incredible starry views, making it a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone who loves to gaze at the stars.
  • Hoodoo Trail Access: The Hoodoo Trail is conveniently located right next to the campground, providing easy access for hiking and exploring unique geological formations.
  • Sandy Terrain: The ground at the campsites is sandy, providing a soft surface for pitching tents and a pleasant environment for children to play.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, including the distant mooing of cows from across the border, creating a uniquely tranquil environment.
  • Spacious Sites: Campsites, such as site 4, are described as very roomy, offering ample space for campers and their gear.
  • Campsite Canopy: Campsite 2 uniquely offers a canopy, providing welcome shade, especially during hotter months.
  • Bug Mitigation: Be prepared for sand flies, but bringing bug spray is highly effective in mitigating bites, ensuring a more comfortable stay.
Contact Information

Address: FM170, Redford, TX 79846, USA

Please note that as a primitive campground, there may not be a direct phone number for specific inquiries or reservations. It is advisable to check the relevant park service website (e.g., Big Bend Ranch State Park, if applicable to this specific campground's management) for the most up-to-date information regarding access, conditions, and any potential fees.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Texans seeking a truly authentic and rejuvenating escape, Arenosa Campground is an unparalleled destination. It offers a unique blend of accessibility and seclusion, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer, more immersive trips into nature. Unlike more developed parks, Arenosa provides a genuine primitive camping experience that encourages a deeper connection with the outdoors. It's a place where the simple pleasures of a campfire, incredible stargazing, and the sounds of the Rio Grande truly shine.

The fact that there is no water or electricity at the sites contributes to its rustic charm, allowing Texans to completely unplug and embrace a simpler way of life. This 'back to basics' approach is incredibly appealing to those who wish to escape the constant demands of modern living and truly unwind. The positive reviews from fellow Texans highlight the campground's appeal for its quiet atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and the unforgettable experience of sleeping under a vast, star-filled sky.

Moreover, the proximity to the Hoodoo Trail adds an excellent recreational dimension, catering to Texans who enjoy hiking and exploring the unique geological wonders of their home state. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a family looking to introduce your children to the wonders of primitive camping, Arenosa Campground offers an unforgettable adventure right in your backyard. It's a testament to the diverse and awe-inspiring natural landscapes that Texas has to offer, and a perfect spot for locals to create lasting memories in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Location

TexasPresidio CountyRedfordFarm to Market Road 170

Customer Reviews

4.0
12 reviews
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Sherry Roberson
Oct 19, 2020

Wow! There are only about 6 sites in this scenic and remote campground. There is no water or electric but there is a vault toilet. The campground sits by the Rio Grande river and you can hear the cows from across the border mooing. The hoodoo trail is right next to the campground. One side of the campground is enclosed by a beautiful rick cliff. The ground is sand. There are tables at all sites but only campsite 2 has a canopy. As long as the weather is dry any vehicle should be able to reach the site. It is a short drive off the highway. We drove in with a Ford Escape. We stayed in site 4 which was very roomy and had a few paths down to the river. We went in October and daytime temps were 100 degrees. The night skies were amazing with incredible starry views.

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Eija Shanks
Mar 05, 2023

Quiet place along the Rio Grande. We were there to tent camp but opted to sleep under the stars in the back of our truck. Our kiddos loved seeing all of the stars at night and playing in the sand at the campsite. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. Some have a lantern/garbage bag pole. There are also trash cans at the campground. There's no running water, but there is a composting toilet in a cinderblock structure. The river was shockingly cold, so if you plan to brave the frigid water, make sure to wear a life jacket! The cold knocked the wind out of me, and I was thankful to have been wearing one. Lastly, thank you to the person who posted a review about the sand flies! Bringing bug spray really helped mitigate the bites. All in all, it was a great time.

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BahHumBang Audio
Nov 15, 2022

Angell Expeditions recently hosted the Wounded Warrior Project on a 4 day 3 night camping/kayaking trip & this was where we camped our first night. Has a vault toilet (but take a light it's pretty dark). Big picnic area, various sites around. Can hear the Rio Grande.

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Whitney Main
Jul 05, 2021

Hot temperature area right on the Rio Grande. A small Mexican "camp" 1 building and remnants of an old corral visible across the river. I did see some "activity" across the river. Restroom was very clean here. Campground had some magnificent views.

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Alayne Tadlock
Jan 21, 2022

A nice little campground in Big Bend Ranch SP. Close proximity to several hikes, including closed canyon - don't miss that one. This is site #1, but it's the only site with a covering. All other sites include a fire ring and picnic table. The pit compost toilet was well kept. I don't think there's water here, but there are several garbage cans. The access road is dirt but our mini van made it with zero problems.