State Park

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Hidalgo County, TexasAbout 764 acres

Also known as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park

Status
Open (per official listing)Daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Entrance fee
$5 per adultAnnual pass available
Day-use reservations
Recommended
Dogs
Statewide rule — see below
Camping
5 campsites
Official site
tpwd.texas.gov(956) 584-9156

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 1

Alert Screwworm AlertJune 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do… (more)

June 13, 2026 - New world screwworm has been found in parts of Texas. Check your pets and livestock often. If you see unusual wounds or maggots, do not move the animal. Call the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550‑8242 or contact a private veterinarian. For wildlife with suspicious wounds or maggots, notify park staff or call (512) 389‑4505.

Posted by the park. Official alert

Overview

In Hidalgo County, about 3 miles south of Palmview, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park covers about 764 acres.

Popular activities here are biking, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Its trail network totals roughly 7 miles, according to the park. Overnight options include 5 campsites, with tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and showers.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDaily7 a.m. – 10 p.m.—
Official wording

Open daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. To guarantee entrance, reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit. Busy Season: September through April.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).

Pets

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Some parks restrict pets on certain trails.

Statewide rule from Texas's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
Adult$5
Group (10+ people)$3 · day
Child 12 Years and UnderFree
Official wording

• Adult: $5 Daily • Group (10+ people): $3 Daily • Child 12 Years and Under : Free

Texas park passes

  • Texas State Parks Pass — $70 per year. Free entry for the holder and guests at the state parks it covers, plus camping and store discounts; a second pass for someone at the same address is $25 Details
  • Texas Parklands Passport. Discounted or free entry for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and Gold Star family members Details

From the Texas state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
Recommended
Booking system
Texas State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
Phone
(512) 389-8900

To guarantee entrance, reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Primitive Campsites (Walk-in)
These tent-only sites are a 3/4-mile walk from the parking lot.
5ShowersPicnic tableFire ringLantern postMust carry out trash$15 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

BikingFishingHikingPicnickingCamping

Trails

Explore 7 miles of trail/senderos, including 3.5 miles of park road, on bike or foot. The 1.8-mile Rio Grande Trail is wheelchair-accessible. Bikes aren’t allowed on this trail.

Bring your own bike or rent one from the park store (adult bikes are $5 per day).

The park also offers Tram Tours.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Picnic areas
  • Nature center or museum
  • Park or camp store
  • Wi-Fi

Camping

  • Tent camping
  • Primitive or backcountry camping

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Getting there

Address
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive (FM 2062)
Mission, TX 78572
Nearest town
Palmview — about 3 mi south (straight line)
Coordinates
26.1870, -98.3819
Phone
(956) 584-9156
Email
BentsenRGVSP@tpwd.texas.gov

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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