South Leyva Campground — Hotel in Manuel Benavides

Exactly as advertised. A primitive (aka basic) campground. Each site has a fire pit, a covered awning over a metal picnic table, and a cleared spot to set up your tent. Gathering firewood is prohibited so be sure to bring your own firewood or a grill to cook food. The bathroom only has a toilet but no sink. Sinks and showers are available in the bathrooms at the ranger station about 1 mile away.

Warning: the 27 mile road to get to this campground is gravel with tight turns and lots of elevation changes. It took us about an hour to travel the 27 miles...

This is at the very least an hour drive into the park after checking in at Fort Leaton. On regular tires, it was about 2 1/2 hours on the gravel road. We stayed at spot # 5, which is right across the composting toilet, and took rinseless body and hair wash, because it's a hard mile to drive to the ranger station. Felt like longer. I think it was spot 8 or 9 that is very inclined. Ours had suficient space to drive in and turn and set up a large (7 person?) tent. The picnic tables are large enough for eight and are very...

Great campground, especially for first-timers to Big Bend Ranch. Easily accessible in any vehicle, ELOO toilets, and close proximity to the ranger station. With the multiple campsites, you have a good chance at finding a spot. You are fairly close to other campers, but you also definitely experience the peaceful solitude signature of Big Bench...