Safety at Big Bend National Park

When we were there we stayed in Marathon. The motel had a campground. It was a bit out of the way but not too bad. I remember the rates were very reasonable.

Back to being safe in BBNP....I've never been there, close, but not there. The park is probably the safest place on the border. I guess it's just too far to hike for the mules and illegals to be picked up on the US side.
I would be very careful about other border towns that you may stop in on your way. I lived and worked in Laredo for 2 years. Bad.

The criminals coming over the border en masse is a joke.

You will see on the BBNP website/map that they have various locations where you can disperse camp for a small fee. Many are accessible with 2wd. You will find that everything in the park is at least a 25 mile drive. We stayed just outside the west entrance at the first private campground. It isn't much but it's cheap and the owners are super nice people.

fitznj- There are three developed campgrounds in BBNP, two down by the river and one at higher elevation. There is also a paved lot with hookups adjacent to the Rio Grande Village campground. Each campground offers a unique experience. All the info is on the park website. It's a national treasure, enjoy your trip!

I,too, will be heading West to Big Bend and staying at the State PArk and
the national park for 3? weeks; I'm be riding a dirt bike and a mountain bike
in the area and getting away from the cold in NJ.

I've been doing a lot of reading about camping but can't figure out where the
best place would be. I'll be towing a 20ft toy hauler so looking for somewhere
accessible. A lot of the campsites seem to be "remote";

So where do people stay while in BBRSP and BBNP?
Electricity would be nice but not necessary
Showers would be nice but not necessary.

Not looking to be totally isolated - gets kind of spooky by myself but
has be accessible with a 2-wheel drive pulling a TT.

thanks for suggestions.

Heisenberg wrote:
I would be way more worried in Odessa.

You ain't kidding. I left in '85 after graduating from high school. With the exception of going back to see my dad over the past few years....it is by far the armpit of Texas.

Now that my dad has passed away and my sister moved away, with the exception of having to go back for a family member's funeral, I hope to never have to step foot in that town again.

I have lived in the DFW area for 25+ years, and I'd rather drive here in rush hour traffic blindfolded than deal with the majority of the idiots on the road out there.

I would guess that where you daughter lives isn't as safe than Big Bend. This is a national park with law officers. All border areas are safe. Illegals want to get away from the border as fast as possible. they don't linger :)

The tiny town across the river, Boquillas, is a town of very friendly people. The national park service years ago helped them to install a solar facility. The residents used to come across the river all the time to the small park store to purchase needed groceries or to fill their gas cans.

One of the park's employees lived in Boquillas. We became acquainted with her and she invited us to her home for lunch. We spent a very pleasant afternoon visiting and learned of the hardships the people had in this small town.

Then 911 happened. Now there are very strict regulations for these people as for getting food & gas in the national park. It's a shame because they are so poor and live so far away from a Mexican town for supplies. Still... they are happy folks.

I believe the boat crossing is still available in order to visit the town. After the row boat ride you can either walk or take a mule into town. This is how the people survive... by the national park tourists and the small amount of money for their boat or mule ride and for trinkets that they sell. In town they will serve you an excellent meal and a cold beer! :)

Don't be afraid of Big Bend NP. It's a beautiful treasure.

Others have said it all.We plan to go later in the winter. If you go, let me know how you liked it.