bxintx

Thought I would share my review of our recent trip to BiBe...

We just got back from a week long trip to BB over Thanksgiving 2006. We are a family of 2 adults & 2 boys (5 & 2) staying in our 26' travel trailer at Rio Grande Village campground. We shared our site with another family in a tent - again 2 adults & 2 boys (4 & 2). It took 12 hours from west Houston inc. all fuel, potty and food stops but that's the only downside to the trip! The weather was great - high 70s/low 80s by midday, dropping to 30s overnight. As long as you go prepared for this (i.e. lots of layers and comforters!) it's not a problem, and the kids were shedding layers of clothing by 9am. Temp dropped again after dark. We decided to leave our dogs home with a sitter which was such a good decision - they can only go where the cars go (i.e. not on the trails), and the wild javelinas have attacked unattended dogs at the campground too.

There are lots of hiking trails which are accessible for kids - graded easy, medium and strenuous. We found plenty to do that were medium or easy and 2.5 miles or less. If you have a back carrier for the 2 years olds, I would take it. Daddy spent a lot of time with our youngest on his shoulders esp. in the more danergous trails along Santa Elena Canyon. I would also keep the desert walks for the morning, and stick to the river or mountain based ones for the afternoon when its hot.

We visited Boquillas Canyon, Chisos mountains (several trails), Buro Mesa run-off (desert), Rio Grande rafting (Big Bend River Tours $282 inc. tax for family of 4) yep, even with the 2 year olds, Oak Springs Trail, Santa Elena Canyon, Rio Grande Nature Trail (best at sunset), Ersnt Tijila trail (awesome) - lots and lots of trails! So much to see! The 5 & 4 year olds loved working on their Junior Park Ranger program the best - only $2 per kid! The adults just couldn't decide which one thing was the best!

If you are travelling with younger children I do recommend staying at Rio Grande Village campground ($10/night) - it has newly renovated (2005) flush toilets, dish washing, and hot showers at the store ($1.50 for the fastest 5 mins ever) as well as a laundy. The shop is well stocked for odd bits but bring most of your groceries with you. Great selection of camping "bits" with a 2.5% govt approved surcharge. There is another small convenience store just outside the western park entrance on the way to Study Buttte. We paid $.2.60 for fuel in the park, $2.50 in Marathon and $2.05 in Del Rio.

In summary, it is in the middle of nowhere but boy, its worth the trip even with little ones in tow!

sharon6165

I completely agree. We made the trip in a rented RV, driving from Houston over spring break five years ago. We planned the trip so that we could space out those long driving days. On the way to Big Bend, we stopped near Fredricksburg and spent two nights. During this time we explored Enchanted Rock. Then, we drove on to Terlingua and spent three days exploring Big Bend (not NEARLY enough time!!!). We took another long driving day to get back to San Antonio and visit Sea World, spent the night and then drove home the next day. My youngest child was five at the time, and he absolutely loved Big Bend. Mind you, he has always been hard to tire out!

PaulR

Thanks for the tips. I've got two boys as well...but 3 and 1. I think it's a little early, but I really want to make it out there with them in the future.

Big Bend and Palo Duro are two places I really want to experience.