Big Bend National Park

[Scooter2go]

Hey all.....we're heading to Big Bend starting Feb 1. Any suggestions on where to camp and or things nog to miss?

Thanks
Bob

 

[NorCalRam]

Santa Elena Canyon and the hot springs are pretty awesome. Drive all the trails, all are pretty scenic. Rio Grande Village campground was Eh but there is a nice short walk that was kind of cool, there is a marsh, a vantage point to see Mexico. Chiso Basin area has some nice hikes as well. One takes you to the edge of a waterfall and it is amazing and pretty short another takes you up a mountain with great views.

The place has like 4 different climates all within a hour or so, there is a ton to experience!

 

[Scooter2go]

Thanks for the info Justin! Minus 12 here this morning....some warmer weather sure would be nice.

 

[Sparksalot]

The NP was very crowded 2 weeks ago. No worries if you;re on the dirt roads, but plan ahead for the popular spots on paved roads. Several of the remote campsites we saw were pretty cool, although, I wouldn't personally camp down on the river.

 

[Zeke]

Hey all.....we're heading to Big Bend starting Feb 1. Any suggestions on where to camp and or things nog to miss?

Thanks
Bob

Have a great trip! I would be interested how it goes. A buddy and I are putting a trip together for the end of April.

 

[Damolokai]

All the primitive campsites inside the park are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Meaning, you cant make reservations for those sites. You'll have to go to the Panther Junction Ranger station if you want one.

My recommendations for the best primitive campsites are:

1) Tally 4
2) Tally 3
3) Glen Springs 1

You can make reservations for the "normal" campsites located near the ranger stations at Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, and the Rio Grande. These are the best locations for RVs and civilized accommodations. Checkout recreation.gov

Outside the park, I highly recommend Rancho Topanga ( Rancho Topanga Campgrounds ) and Basecamp Terlingua ( Basecamp Terlingua )

Things not to miss checking out:

1. Santa Elena Canyon
2. Mariscal Mine
3. Ernst Tinja
4. Christmas Mountain (outside the park)

Lemme know if you have more questions.

Here's us last year:

 

[Zeke]

All the primitive campsites inside the park are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Meaning, you cant make reservations for those sites. You'll have to go to the Panther Junction Ranger station if you want one.

My recommendations for the best primitive campsites are:

1) Tally 4
2) Tally 3
3) Glen Springs 1

You can make reservations for the "normal" campsites located near the ranger stations at Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, and the Rio Grande. These are the best locations for RVs and civilized accommodations. Checkout recreation.gov

Outside the park, I highly recommend Rancho Topanga ( Rancho Topanga Campgrounds ) and Basecamp Terlingua ( Basecamp Terlingua )

Things not to miss checking out:

1. Santa Elena Canyon
2. Mariscal Mine
3. Ernst Tinja
4. Christmas Mountain (outside the park)

Lemme know if you have more questions.

Here's us last year:

Not the OP, but thanks for the suggestions. Your video was great too. That Power Wagon was a thing of beauty.

 

[mep1811]

Don't forget your passport and make the trip to Boquillas.

 

[ZombieCat]

Yep, all good suggestions. I was there couple weeks ago, too. Hike Emory Peak and the Lost Mine Trail. Soaking in the Hot Springs was great during the day, bet it’s better at night, especially if you can time it for a full moon.
+1 in seeing both Santa Elena Canyon and Boquillas.
We watched a sunset at Sotol Vista and then attended an evening ranger talk at Chisos Basin amphitheater.
Get into Terlingua for dinner at the Starlight Theater, too!