bentsen-rio grande valley state park

This is another place that I hadnt been to in years, but when my wife and I went there it was amazing, the transport guide takes yo uon a very educative ride around the park and is very courteous in answering your questions and assisting people. This is a good place to take the family to enjoy fresh air outside.

We rented two bikes from the visitor center because we knew the park was large and the shuttle pretty sporadic (previous visit). The rental process took a little time to get set up, and the bikes were not made for long legged folks (my knees got a good bending workout) but we highly recommend a bike to see the park. Another recommendation is to check the winds and avoid a visit if winds are blowing pollution from MX. The day we visited acrid smoke from Reynosa (the dump on fire again?) made breathing difficult at the park. There are many nice paths and bird watching blinds where you can tKe photos or just observe. When you are fine, take a moment to shop, the gift shop is quite nice.

Paid our first visit to Bentsen at end of January. It's everything they say it Is from a birding standpoint. Can't praise the staff and volunteers highly enough. They do a great job. And of course, the birds are good too!!

It was good to see green in the park due to the rain, compared to drought times two years ago. At the Green Jay Blind we were able to enjoy the Jays, Cardinals, a woodpecker, Chachalaca, dove, and a beautiful Altamira Oriole.

I take in this park whenever I am in the Rio Grand Valley region. Expect to do some walking to get to some of the better bird blinds. I like the green jay blind that allows you to sit and watch the bird activity. During my last visit there I was able to get good photos of the green jay, altamira oriole, golden-fronted woodpecker, chachalaca and kiskadee. I have attached a collage photo of this visit.You can take a tram tour and get off at drop off points in the park. Also bike rentals are available.

We came again to this park for winter birds. We had great birds to see! Some of our favorites were the Black Phoebe, Eastern Screech-Owl, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and the Roadrunner! The staff has always been friendly and helpful. We love the tram services too. We will return.

It was nice that they had people in certain places that could do bird identification and refill the feeders. Nice trails too.

The trolley is a wonderful touch. The staff is very nice and knowledgable. It is a must-do for birders. Well maintained and a pleasure to visit. I do recommend it.

Great park for a nature experience along the Rio Grande River. The staff, including the tram driver, are very informative and friendly. My bird watching experience was excellent. I highly recommend the ranger lead night walk - our guide was upbeat, knowledgeable, and informative. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the border patrol may be active. However, they never seemed to interfere with any park activities when I was there.

Went here on a birding outing. Lots of birds here, well worth the trip. When we were there there were several locations with bird feeders that helped to attract the local species. It is very nicely maintained. Located on the banks of the Rio Grande River.

my wife and I went with our dog . along the way some guy who was afraid of dogs threaten us to leave or he would "beat the sh*& " out of us. we quickly walk to the nearest ranger and the man was escorted out . Real glad the staff take things seriously .

I didn't realize you couldn't bring cars into the park, and they didn't even mention this BEFORE I bought a year-long pass to all Texas parks ($70). They did help me bring my kayak in which was very kind, but I locked it to a metal bicycle rack for the night and went to bed in the primitive camping site ($18) a night. The next morning two rangers gave me an "I told you so" speech after they realized my kayak had been stolen. Thieves must have unscrewed the handles on my kayak then carried it a MILE to the entrance. I thought I was safer in a state park!!!!!I filed a report with the sheriff but its like what is the point in having a gate if they know there are illegal fishermen who go in anyway--and why do they DO NOTHING to combat against it??None of this would have happened if car camping was allowed, or they admitted that there was significant illegal activity going on. I really care about preserving the quality of natural spaces and the lack of enforcement here was very disappointing. I've traveled across the country on a motorcycle and stayed at hundreds of different types of campgrounds--this place was just negligent.

My wife and I took a nearly two hour stroll/hike through the Bensten-Rio Grande Valley State Park in November (2013). If you have the opportunity it is highly recommended.

The parking lot is now siutated outside the park and trams run on only certain days. To get to the overlooks, blinds, etc., plan on walking at least a mile or so (in the heat). The staff I encountered were very freindly, despite the fact that they couldn't make change for a $20 to pay the $5 fee.

This is a great place to observe birds and butterflies in their native habitat, and if you're lucky, you a bobcat or javelina might appear. There are feeding stations throughout the park, and these make for excellent viewing, particularly right after feeding time. The gift shop has lots of goodies as well, and provides great holiday shopping.