Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Just a few miles southwest of Mission, you will find a birder’s paradise – the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. The park sits in a historically rich area along the Rio Grande and is home to more than 360 bird species. Before it was a Texas state park, the land was home to Spanish settlers who divided the land into porciones or portions and gave it to individuals in 1767. The park was part of porcion 50, which belonged to Jose Antonio Zamora. As time passed, the land portions began to be further divided until some were abandoned. In the 1930s, the Bentsen family decided to buy 3,000 acres of this land, which was part of Porcion 50. The Bensten family developed more than 2000 acres of the purchased land. However, they decided to keep the park area untouched because of its majestic ebony trees. Over time humans began to change the way nature worked in the Rio Grande, dams began to control the flow of the river, and agricultural farms took over the majority of the native bushland. The little fragments that remain untouched, like the park, are home to the highest biodiversity in the country. The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley Park is now the headquarters of the World Birding Center, which was created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Rio Grande Valley communities, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The center is sponsored by nine partner communities that take care of each of the nine birding sites along the 120-mile-long area.

Activities at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Wildlife at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

The park has a mix of habitats consisting of brush, woodlands, and wetlands. Because of this, it is a perfect place to spot birds and animals that are found in the subtropics of Northern Mexico, like the javelina and the Groove-billed Ani. You will also spot reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a significant number of colorful insects like butterflies and dragonflies. The Coues’ rice rat also calls the park its home and is among the unique animal species more commonly found in Northern Mexico. The rats are known for their unique orange fur color. Because of its unique biodiversity, a Wildlife Corridor was authorized by Congress in 1978. The corridor is there to help animals move freely on the riverbank.

Plants at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Bentsen Park helps preserve the remains of the native plants found along the Rio Grande, some of which are not to be found in the rest of North America. Native trees like the Montezuma bald cypress, the Texas wild olive, and the Sabal palm fall in this category. In the park, other trees you may find include mesquite, sugar hackberry, cedar elm, retama, Texas ebony, and granjeno. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the dam now controls the river flow, which means that the riparian woodlands are drying up and disappearing.

Birding at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

The main attraction in Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is bird watching. You will find viewing stations along the park’s trails and have a great time spotting them at the Hawk Observation Tower, which is wheelchair accessible. The Hawk Observation Tower offers the best view of the thousands of raptors that migrate during the spring and fall seasons.

Explore at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

The park does not allow cars within in order to protect and preserve the biological environment. Once you leave your car at its headquarters, you can proceed to explore its natural beauty by foot or bike. You will also be able to take a tram tour and explore the 7 miles of trails that include the 3.5 miles of the park road. The tram tour is free, and it runs daily from 9 am to 4 pm. If you decide to wander about on a bike, you are able to rent one for $5 a day at the park’s store if you do not bring your own. For those traveling with companions in need of wheelchair access, the Rio Grande Trail is wheelchair accessible and 1.8 miles long. Do keep in mind that bikes are not allowed on this particular trail.

Shopping at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Stopover, shop at the store and get a souvenir of your time at the park. The shop is filled with fun souvenirs like feathers, field guides, t-shirts, hats, and snacks! It also happens to have binoculars and bicycles available for rent just in case you forgot them at home.

Camping at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

If you and your group decide to stay the night in the park, there are primitive campsites and a group hall for events available to book online. Primitive or walk-in campsites are located in a large area with three fire rings and are available for $15 a night. Four people are allowed per site, and there are a total of five sites in the park. These camping sites are tent only and do not have restrooms and showers in location, but you will find them less than 1000 yards away within the park. You will also be in charge of carrying out your trash. The group hall holds 60 people and can be booked for $300 a day. You will need to call the park in order to reserve this site. The hall has a big courtyard and is available from 8 am to 8 pm. Inside the hall, you will find an A/C unit, heater, internet, a video project, and a surround-sound audio system. There are also 20 tables and metal chairs for you to use. The restrooms are just a short walk away, and no pets are allowed. Make sure to obtain approval prior to your event if you are serving alcohol. You will also need to hire paid security when serving alcohol.

Park Fees

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

Park Hours

Open daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Park Location

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive (FM 2062) Mission, TX 78572 Phone: 956.584.9156 Website Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park: