When I drove into Big Bend National Park at the Persimmon Gap North Entrance and drove towards Panther Junction it seemed like a whole lot of open, desolate desert landscape. Miles and miles of it. I’d arrived but hadn’t yet explored.

From strenuous 10+ mile Iong hikes along rugged, remote mountain paths to lazily kayaking through canyons of the Rio Grande there is so much to do and see in this massive 801,163 acre nature wonderland it’s awe inspiring.

I was there on a day trip to check out the hot springs and take a video of one of the Free RV Camping spots; but of course. 🙂 There is no charge to visit the hot springs, it’s included with your park admission fee.

Related post: Free RV Camping in Big Bend National Park

The turnoff for the hot springs is 26 miles from Panther Junction. The gravel road off the highway is narrow and bumpy with next-to-nil space to turn around. The rangers had to help an RVer who got stuck thinking they could fit in the trailhead parking lot. Nope.

The trailhead parking area is tiny with room for six vehicles or so. You can park and then walk to the hot springs area (maybe 20 minutes?) or you can continue to drive on the very narrow, one-way road to the larger parking area close to the springs. Motor homes and oversize vehicles are prohibited past the trailhead.

There’s a pit toilet in the parking area then it’s a short five minute or so walk to the ‘hot springs in the river’ spot. You pass through some cool old remnants of Historic Hot Springs from years past surrounded by beautiful desert scenery.

Check it out by taking a short walk with me in the video below 🙂