My wife and I are headed toward Big Bend National Park next week, and all of the reservable sites are taken at the Rio Grande Village campground. However, the majority of campsites in the park are not reservable. Has anyone tried to get one of the non-reservable sites in the park around this time of year? How good are our chances of finding a site? Any tips on when to arrive to have the best chance?We are willing to take a risk... but would like to know how good or bad the odds are before heading so far!

I'm wondering the same. Also wonder if the visitors have spiked with the Park Rangers now back to work. If I don't go pretty soon it will be in the fall or winter before I can get there.

Arriving fairly early on a Sunday or non-weekend day would likely give one a better chance at non-reservable sites anywhere, absent a major event in the vicinity.

The have 44 sites available on line available for next Monday for a week@ $ 14 per night - they have no hookups but have generator hourshttps://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234035/campsitesThe full hookup sites next door are called Rio Grande Village RV Park and are probably booked

I understand that it is fairly easy to get sites.

As a backup plan: you should consider the Stillwell Store. We spent Christmas there in 2017 and it was great! Full hookups, good wifi, and the darkest nights you will ever see. It is very convenient to Big Bend, and the Stillwell ranch and museum have a remarkable story of their own. https://stillwellstore.com/

Big Bend Rio Grande Village No Reservations | Good Sam Community

huachuca
Explorer
Feb 04, 2019
mkc wrote:
Be aware of some area closures at Big Bend for the next several months

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/02/temporary-closures-big-bend-protect-peregrine-falcons

Link wouldn't work for me but the only closure I'm aware of is for some sections of the trails leading up to the South Rim due to the falcons nesting. Its a fairly hard core hike up to that area so I don't think this would impact the average visitor too badly.
mkc
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
Try this

Big Bend Closures

The areas closed to public entry from February 1 through May 31 are:

The Southeast Rim Trail and a portion of the Northeast Rim Trail from the Boot Canyon/Southeast Rim junction to a point just north of Campsite NE-4.
All Southeast Rim campsites as well as Northeast (NE) campsites 4 and 5 are closed during this period.
Technical rock climbing on rock faces within ¼ mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will not be allowed between February 1 and July 15.
The National Park Service does not plan to close any other areas, but restrictions may be modified if Peregrine behavior or nesting sites do not follow traditional trends.
MilesandSmiles
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
Thanks for much great advice. We've decided to go with Stillwell because we have pets and may need to run our air conditioners if the days get too hot.
GoHorns
Explorer
Feb 21, 2019
You'll enjoy Stillwell. Be sure and drive to the end of the road... I think if you look up "middle of nowhere" there will be a picture of Stillwell.

We plan on going back some day.

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