fatnlovinit

My girlfriend and I want to go camping in Big Bend to get some privacy and stargazing in, however we probably won't have access to a truck so I'm worried about being able to actually get somewhere quiet and secluded. Does anyone have any advice on this like where to go that would be good and accessible by a car? Thanks so much!

huachuca

Finding privacy in BB shouldn't be a problem unless you're planning to visit in early to mid March (Spring Break) or around Christmas / New Year's Eve as there are a number of roadside primitive sites scattered throughout the Park. Those at Hanold Draw, Government Spring and Croton Spring are usually accessible by car but check with the rangers for current road conditions.

Also, you could leave your car in the Basin and hike to one of the backcountry sites on the way to or along the South Rim. If you have backpacking gear, this would be my choice. This is a fairly strenous hike of around 14 miles round trip but my wife and I made and we're both pushing 60. SW-4 is a great campsite but any of them will do.

If you're visiting within the next few months, be prepared for any type of weather. In early January of 06 we were in shorts and tees. Same time this year, we had a couple of inches of snow while camped on the Rim.

Take care out there and enjoy the Park. You Texans are lucky to have such a great treasure.

Al

BigBendHiker

Great suggestions, huachaca. Another suggestion would be Grapevine Hills. That road is usually open to regular vehicles. There are several good campsites at Grapevine Hills and the Grapevine Hills hike is a good one.

If you make the trip, please post a trip report and pictures.

BBH

Maury

Sounds like a great plan to me! I have camped at several of the "roadside" sites including Grapevine Hills GH#2. That one, like most of the non truck/4wd accessible sites have mainly low desert vegetation. I have always had a coyote chorus especially early before daylight at the low country sites!
If backpacking is possible I would definitly do a high country trip as Al mentioned!
Here is a link to the roadside camps info if you have not already checked it out.

Big Bend National Park - Backcountry Roadside Campsites (U.S. National Park Service)


Will be looking forward to a trip report and photos!

Maury

fatnlovinit

Thanks so much for all the input! We're looking at going sometime after New Years before school starts up at the end of January. If it ends up working out, I'll be happy to post pics and a trip report.

Any and all suggestions would be great!

fatnlovinit

We just got access to a truck...so what should we do now with greater access to the park? I'm excited...

Maury

That opens up more back roads for you to explore. Use the link I posted before to see all the other roads open with road side campsites. It also opens you up to more areas to do zone camping. Follow this link for more info.

Big Bend National Park - Backcountry Zone Camping (U.S. National Park Service)

If you have time before the trip find a good bookstore and look for some of the Falcon Press guides to Big Bend. They are helpful in planning also.

Remember BB is a big place so use the links to see what scenery you may want to camp near! If you find an area you like best for your trip maybe someone would be able to answer any specific questions you might have.
I have been many times and still get excited! Enjoy!

Maury

Maury

Let me add that if you have not checked out the Big Bend photos here on Wild Texas you have plenty of good ones to see!! at

http://www.wildtexas.com/gallery/sho...y.php/cat/6016

Maury

Maury

Here is a link to an article about BB that was in the San Antonio Express News recently. You might enjoy this. You have to do a simple/quick register to see it.

http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/...s?p_action=doc

Maury

stingrey

Where are those pics and the trip report at? :)