Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park opened in 1944 and is known for birdwatching. The park has a hawk observation tower. Cars can be parked at the park headquarters, but they are not allowed in the park.
Location:
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission, TX 78572
Bentsen Rio Grande State Park is located near the border between the United States and Mexico. It is 5.7 miles from Mission, Texas.
Cost:
The entry fee for Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park is $5 for per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
Camping is an additional fee that is not included in the day use fee. The only campsites available in the park are primitive campsites, which cannot be driven to.
Some tours may be an additional fee.
The day use fee is waived for anyone with a State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 per year, and allows free entry for the pass holder and any guest that arrives with them in their vehicle.
Reservations:
While not technically required, I recommend making reservations as soon as you know your plans. Campsites and other lodging can book up quickly especially for weekends and summers.
Reservations can be made for day use or camping. Reservations for day use can be made up to one month in advance. Reservations for camping open up one year in advance.
Realistically this park is unlikely to need a reservation in advance for day use, but if it is at capacity, you will be turned away.
Staying at Bentsen – Rio Grande State Park
The only campsites available at the park are primitive campsites. These walk-in campsites cost $15 per night. They are only for tents and have access to restrooms with showers a walk away.
Hiking Trails
There are hiking trials throughout the park. Some of them are shared use for bikes and hiking, and some are just for hiking. One of the trials is wheelchair accessible.
What is there to do at Bentsen – Rio Grande State Park?
The main activity at Benson- Rio Grande State Park is bird watching. There are trams that run through the park offering tours, and there are special observation towers as well.
This park is part of the World Birding Center.
There is also a gift shop and a cafe. The gift shop rents equipment such as bicycles and binoculars.
What to do near Bentsen – Rio Grande State Park
Visit the World Butterfly Center
Adult entry is $10. The World Butterfly Center is a private non profit butterfly preserve. There are outdoor trails where visitors can observe butterflies and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Visit Roma, Texas
Roma is located 47 miles from the Bentsen – Rio Grande State Park. It is a historic town located on the border in between Mexico and the United States.
Roma Bluffs is another one of the nine locations of the World Birding Center. There is a scenic overlook on the edge of the historic downtown. The view of the Rio Grande and even into Mexico is very nice, and the observation platform has information about the birds you can see.
Roma was founded in 1821 and served as a steamboat port. Many nice buildings were constructed, but over time the railroad went elsewhere and the town did not continue to experience the same level of growth. These buildings are now part of the Roma National Historic Landmark District.
Where to stay when visiting Bentsen – Rio Grande State Park
There are some limited camping facilities available in the park itself. If you want to enjoy birdwatching in the park, but don’t want to camp there are many options for staying in town. Either Mission, Texas or McAllen, Texas are good places to stay.
Mission
The park is 6 miles away from the town of Mission, Texas which has a population of about 86,000 people. In Mission you can eat at Loretto at Mission or the Griffin Grill.
Hampton Inn and Suites Mission
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Mission
LaQuinta
McAllen
McAllen, Texas is 12 miles from the park and has a population of 142,00O people. McAllen is a great place to stay because there are many hotels to pick from as well as many activities. While staying in McAllen check out the Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, the International Museum of Arts and Sciences, or Klement’s Grove.
Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center
Drury Inn and Suites McAllen
Best Western Plus McAllen Airport Hotel