Community Forums

rosebud1218 · 12-13-2019, 01:08 PM

We're planning a trip to Big Bend NP in March, 2020 after visiting friends in Austin. Thought we'd go to Broken Mill RV Park, about 220 miles south in
Del Rio, TX before the 300 mile trip to Big Bend. We have been able to snag reservations at Rio Grande Village, but those reservations will require us to stay longer at Broken Mill or somewhere else for a longer period before going to Big Bend. I've been checking the Recreation.gov site regularly in case there are some reservation cancellations and today I noticed that many FF sites are now available at Chisos Basin that would not require us to wait on our later in March Rio Grande Village reservation. Looking for folks' thoughts on the Rio Grande sites vs Chisos Basin? Additionally, Recreation.gov FAQs suggest best chances of snagging an FF site is on Mondays - Thursdays. Any experience or suggestions with obtaining or using the FF sites at Chisos Basin will be much appreciated. Thanks!

MTBer · 12-13-2019, 04:57 PM

I was in Big Bend last month and Chisos Basin is definitely better (more scenic) than Rio Grande Village but also filled up sooner. It was filled all weekend and during the week filled by afternoon. I'm not sure if Rio Grande village did fill up. If you're doing the FF I would get there as early as possible.

John.W · 12-13-2019, 10:12 PM

I believe there is a size limit (23 ft) for the Chisos Basin campground. We stayed in the Rio Grande Village campground last February for 10 days. We visited the Chisos Basin campground and the road going into the campground is quite narrow with 10 mph switchback and once there the campsites are very small. The Chicks Basin is the more scenic and centrally located campground in the park. The Rio Grande is located at the extreme eastern side of the park and I recall the park us 40-45 miles wide East to west. With respect to Derl Rio there are several National Recreation Area campgrounds in the immediate area. We stayed in one on the wsy out. BBNP will be very busy in February and March. We. Were traveling in our 35 ft 5th wheel.

creativepart · 12-13-2019, 10:31 PM

Going from Austin to Big Bend check out South Llano River State Park in Junction. And then Seminole State Park in Comstock. Both are fantastic parks and right on the path between Austin and Big Bend.

Outside of Big Bend check out Lajitas, TX and Maverick Ranch RV Park.

4travlin · 12-14-2019, 06:28 AM

Roseb,

You need to know that March is the center of the 6 week long (no this is not a typo) spring break season. We have camp hosted at RGV during that time frame. We got a 3 page print out as to which collage had what week of spring break as students come from all over the US and beyond to work on there research papers. (Yes very serious studies with a few idiots thrown in for fun) So in short you will have a hard time getting a FF site unless you just get lucky. Time of day or day of the week won't make any difference.

4T

rgvtexan · 12-14-2019, 08:55 AM

Stillwell ranch just outside of park, in a pinch.

https://stillwellstore.com/rv-park/

https://stillwellstore.com/camping/

rosebud1218 · 12-14-2019, 09:43 AM

Thanks to everyone for the really helpful feedback! Helped make our decision to stick with the Rio Grande Village reservations we have in hand!

Teamfoxy · 12-15-2019, 06:35 AM

We are hoping to go to BB in mid to late April. How crowded is. It likely to be then?

creativepart · 12-15-2019, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teamfoxy

We are hoping to go to BB in mid to late April. How crowded is. It likely to be then?

We went in April a number of years ago. It was pretty full as folks try to get there before the really hot weather. Not over crowded, I doubt it’s ever really like that. It’s too difficult to get to for big crowds.

It was pretty warm in April. But it could have just been the year we were there.

4travlin · 12-15-2019, 06:51 PM

TeamF,

You will be OK in late April as the spring break will be over. You will most likely have mid 90s during the day on the desert floor so take plenty of water and have a good time. In the basin the temps will still be cool at night and nice during the day. There will be a flower looking crowd if we have a wet winter and early spring.

4T