Big Bend National Park

Thanks people! So much great info here! I'll be asking about Southern New Mexico and Southern AZ next but that's 2 new posts!
Thanks again!

Big Bend is one the best places to view the Milky Way. They had a seminar one of the evenings we were there.

For some great little pamphlets, pick up the Paved Road Guide, Hiker's Guide, and Backcountry Road guide either at one of the visitors centers or order here. I wished we'd found these before we got to the park. Also consider getting a book on the flowers of Big Bend, as many of the species aren't found in the usual flower books. They should quite a bit blooming during the time of your visit.

Some of the prettiest scenery is around Chisos Basin so, if you can't camp there due to RV size, you will want to drive there in your toad/TV. Last month I camped at both Chisos Basin and Cottonwood, both dry camping. Cottonwood is not size-restricted and is very quiet. I tested out my 4WD and clearance on the Old Maverick Rd. Previously, I have been several times to the Rio Grande Village campground, both the 'dry' area and the much smaller (and tightly crammed together) hookup section. There are several trailheads there and the birding is great all over BBNP. Enjoy!

There are more than 100 miles of perfectly paved roads within the park with many pull offs at points of interest. If you want to eat out there is a restaurant in the Chisos basin that has a great view of the sunset (combine the meal with a ranger talk later at the basin amphitheater - check the schedule). Outside the park there are small restaurants at Study Butte/Terlingua. The highlights of my visits have been the ranger walks/talks. Attend as many as you can. Stay at the Rio Grande Village area where you can dry camp or get a space with hookups. Unless you have a high clearance vehicle stay off the dirt roads. They're torn up after the fall rains this year (I was there in late October).

We went a couple of years ago. Dry camped at the CG in the Rio Grande Village location. There are some no generator sites, so keep that in mind. It's a nice setting, much nicer than the FHU's IMO. The FHU sites are at the same overall location, but are just back-in asphalt pads in the vicinity of the store. There are nice walks and hikes all over the place. You can pick up literature at the HQ and stores.

There is gas at RGV, and also at the main junction in the middle of the park, which is where the HQ is. There are small stores at 3 or 4 locations within the park.

There is a CG at the Chisos Basin. They warn against 26' vehicles but in reality you could get there. There is a big complex there... hotel, store, etc., and I'm sure they get supplied by trucks. Although I'm not sure it would be worth it. Just go with your toad to visit there if you are so inclined. The drive is more interesting than the destination, lol.

I think there is a small dry CG at the west end too. But all in all, I'd recommend RGV, the east end.

No real cell service that I can recall. Wifi at the stores.

It's worth seeing Terlingua too! I would stay at BJ's RV Park. It is a small park, doesn't look like much. But the couple that own and run it are super nice, and they get a nice friendly crowd. Their water supply is super nice reverse osmosis city water. They'll have campfires, and will gladly give you advice on where/what/how. Also, they'll come around and tell you "tonight we (a small group) are going to (XYZ) place for dinner. It's pizza night, and there will be a good C&W act. Wanna come along?" Terlingua is really a small place, you have to ask which restaurant you want to go to on a given night, because on the off nights a place will be dead. Still open maybe, but dead.

Whatever you do, unless you like plastic make believe, don't bother with seeing Lajitas to the west. They have a deluxe RV park, but it's all silly. Some rich person fell in love with the little old town there. Bought it and turned it into a fake western town and high end resort. It's even dumber in person than I'm making it sound. But if you head over to the State Park, you'll pass through Lajitas anyway. If you want natural flavor, Terlingua is the place. I've never been anywhere quite like it.

soos wrote:
we just came from there after a 10 day visit. we have been there 5 times and Love it!
Most of the things to see are on the western side, so we stay in Study Butte/Terlingua at the Big Bend resort. Just don't expect a real resort.
ideas:
Be sure to eat at Starlight Theatre- great food, live music, happy hour= $1 tacos and $2 Margaritas.
take the Ross Maxwel scenic Dr.
visit the hot springs. its easier to wear your suit, as there isn't a great place to change.
the spring is right next to the rio grande. really neat.
short hike- Chisos Basin loop trail
This time we went across the border to Boquillas and had a great time. that was yesterday. I havent even blogged about it yet but here are the rest of my Big Bend posts.


Big Bend

If you have any specific questions let me know.

Great report. You visited some of the places many miss during their Big Bend visits. We traveled there with friends that had toured the area many times. Sure made our 6 days there enjoyable.

we just came from there after a 10 day visit. we have been there 5 times and Love it!
Most of the things to see are on the western side, so we stay in Study Butte/Terlingua at the Big Bend resort. Just don't expect a real resort.
ideas:
Be sure to eat at Starlight Theatre- great food, live music, happy hour= $1 tacos and $2 Margaritas.
take the Ross Maxwel scenic Dr.
visit the hot springs. its easier to wear your suit, as there isn't a great place to change.
the spring is right next to the rio grande. really neat.
short hike- Chisos Basin loop trail
This time we went across the border to Boquillas and had a great time. that was yesterday. I havent even blogged about it yet but here are the rest of my Big Bend posts.


Big Bend

If you have any specific questions let me know.

Here's the park's web site and a link to the RV park inside Big Bend Nat'l Park. It's a nice place to stay if you need hookups. The RVs are parked on asphalt with trees and grass behind the RV. If you don't need hookups, Rio Grande Village campground - right next door - has bigger sites and more trees. Either would be your best bet for visiting.

Big Bend N.P. camping

As mentioned, be sure to bring the bulk of food with you. Next to the RV park is a small store but don't count on it having what you need. In the same building is also a nice laundry and showers. There used to be fuel there, also.

Have a great time. It's a favorite of ours.