Big Bend

[Cottontail]

Any of y'all do any camping/wheeling in Big Bend?

I am looking for a camping trip this year. My brother lives outside Houston and one of his co-workers goes to Big Bend to camp on occasion.

Some of the photos I have seen from him look pretty cool, but I can't get a handle on if Big Bend is a "2 day 1 night and seen it all" kind of place or it I could spend 3 or 4 days and not get bored.

If I am going to drive from Tennessee to Big Bend, I want to be sure that it is a worthy place to wheel and explore.

Any comments?

 

[Texas Twitch]

Never been there, but from the pics i've seen it is GORGEOUS. I have a fairly good idea you wouldn't get bored with it after 2 days, it's over 300,000 acres and has desert (Chihuahuan), mountains, and the Red River.

 

[Texas Twitch]

After looking at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/campsites/
a little further, read into the zones defined for offroad use.

 

[lwbtex]

Big Bend is definitely not a 2days and seen it all kind of place. There are two different big bend parks to look into also. There's big bend national park and big bend ranch state park. I've always heard that the national park is the more touristy park and a little more developed. The state park is a little more off the beaten path and a little more backcountry travel friendly. I've never actually been myself but just going off what I've heard. The national park gets a little busier too so just something else to consider.

 

[magimerlin]

Roger (xjintx) went just a little while ago
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1026168

I'm sure that wasn't all the pics he has either...

 

[xjintx]

Both parks are very nice places to visit. The National park caters to both remote type and RV/ lodge type crowds. The Natl Park has facilities you can get to pretty easy from anywhere (part of the day drive).

The state park has no facilities except water and that facility is or can be a far drive on a given day. Remote camping and hiking and hardly see anyone else including Rangers. Coming from TN you would need to plan well for the state park. A plus for the state park is you can have camp fires... no fires at Natl park anytime... this can be an issue if you go early spring or in the fall.

Feel free to email me for any specifics you may need on either park. Email is rogerredmond at clearwire.net

 

[tonysinnette]

I mapped a route about 110 miles long around the east and south edge of the Natnl park on the trails there for a long weekend camping trip but have not had the chance to run it yet. Supposed to be a very nice park, and not a busy as alot of natnl parks.

 

[pikey77]

went to the national park last fall.

Theres a 60 mile 4x4 only trail that is awesome. Lots of places to outback camp there.

Plenty of other roads to.

We spent 3 days there and saw a ton but didn't have time to really get out and hike anywhere. I recommend at least staying 1 night in the chisos basin as it is freakin beautiful in the evening.

Staying at the big Tenaja back country campsite is really nice. Little hill to sit on and glass of and the Tenaja is really cool and only about 1/2 mile from the site.

Do bring twice the water you think you'll need. If you break down out there some of the trails dont see people for a few days at a time.

If you do get bored out there you can always head north and see Palo Duro on the way home. Also make sure you head to Terlinqua or maybe its lajitas to get chili and see the beer drinking goat. Its pretty funny after a dozen or so yourself!

 

[Cottontail]

That is what I drink too...although not on the trails. We can't get it in Tennessee, so I have to drive to Kentucky and bring it back 3 cases at a time.

 

[robert2008]

I've been to the National Park with a Grand Cherokee, and I wouldn't really call it "wheeling" but more like trail riding which is what my family and I enjoy. The trails are well marked, and to be honest you could probably make them just fine in a 4x2 with a little clearance, but they do specify 4x4 to keep from needing to drag out idiots without decent equipment. The park itself is beautiful with great camping and a beautiful lodge that has incredible views. The trails are fun with a ghost town and such to visit and check out.

I would definately stay at least 1 night, but you'd not be crazy to make it 2 nights. Have fun and take some pictures. I'd love to see a trip report when you get back.