Big Bend NP. Which sde, East or West

[Logthumper]

Well, this winter is getting to me. We usually head to Texas for a couple of weeks this time of the year. Always have thought heading to Big Bend National Park but have never made the trip. From the research/planning/searching I have done, it looks like there are 2 Campgrounds we would like, Big Bend Resort & Adventure on the west side of the park and Big Bend/Rio Grand Village RV Park on the east side. Would hate to travel that far and discover that I picked the wrong park(?), or wrong side of the park(?). Have Jeep Wrangler to roam around in. You guys that have been there, would like your comments please.
Thanks

[Elkhartjim]

Either one will be fine. See the recent posts under crossroads for other information. Make sure you do the drive between Lajitas and Presido.

[DonnaB]

Hi,

BBNP is one of our favorite spots anywhere. We have stayed in the Rio Grande Campground, beautiful but no hookups; have looked at the Rio Grand Village nearby, asphalt parking lot, hookups but zero aesthetics and the Cottonwood Campground on the river, no sites big enough for our 40'er. The Rio Grande campground is "too far in" for convenience. Our favorite RV spot is in Study Butte about 3 miles from the park entrance, Big Bend Motel & RV Park. It has full hookups and driving to where ever you want to go is OK from there.

You will drive a LOT to see BBNP no matter where you stay. There is no central spot that is close to everything. The hiking in BB is wonderful, something to please everyone from half mile flat walking to multi-day, many mile mountain hikes and everything in between. The unimproved roads take you to scenery not visible from the pavement. Some trailheads are only reachable via the unimproved roads. You must see Santa Elena Canyon, don't miss the Lost Mine, Window, and Upper Burro Mesa hikes. You are definitely in the desert so always have plenty of water even in the winter.

Definitely stop at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua for dinner one night. If the golf course in Lajitas is open it is a stunning desert course. The one associated with the RV park in Study Butte is forgettable.

Do your grocery shopping in advance of going. You can pick up a few veggies & fruits in Study Butte and milk & bread, but the nearest real HEB or Wal-Mart is 80 miles away in Alpine. Terlingua has a natural food store that is quite amazing for such a tiny place, but still if they are out of something it might be a week before it comes in.

Have a great visit to the park. We will miss it this year, but look forward to our next time there.

[Chuck 1935]

Did it seem a bit hilly to you ? We stayed in that little campground in Marfa, where the filmed Giant, I think that was the film that they shot there, The Campground lady said the campground was in the trees. Trees to a west texan are a wee bit different where I come from. Went down to Presidio and went over to Terlingua to the Park and back up to Alpine. A great trip.

[Meandering Retiree]

We stayed at the Big Bend Motel and RV Park several years ago. Dusty, but then what part of Texas is not dusty? We intend to go back there eventually and will stay at the Big Bend Motel and RV park as they had internet, a good restaurant nearby, and we missed the drive to Presidio.

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meandering Retiree Dusty, but then what part of Texas is not dusty?

Most of it!

[The Danes Are Coming]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonnaB Hi, Do your grocery shopping in advance of going. You can pick up a few veggies & fruits in Study Butte and milk & bread, but the nearest real HEB or Wal-Mart is 80 miles away in Alpine. Terlingua has a natural food store that is quite amazing for such a tiny place, but still if they are out of something it might be a week before it comes in.

This is very good advice. I wish we had known earlier, but now we know till next time.

We stayed outside the park at Marathon Motel and RV park . The only thing they are missing is a swimming pool. We went in mid March and is was really hot. In the evening the staff/owners start up the fireplace and people gather around and tell their story. Nice We would stay here again.

[MaverickBBD]

I had the same dilemma plus add to that wanting to see the state park AND traveling with 5 other coaches. We are currently at Maverick RV Park at Lajitas Resort. It is okay but was about the best location to meet all our requirements. The golf course is not open. Drive to Presido yesterday was wonderful. Watch for rocks. One in our group shredded a tire. May have to send to Alpine for a replacement and that is on his toad. Tonight will be our third night. This was just to be an scout and recon stop to see if it is worth coming back. On our way to FL for a shuttle launch. It is definitely worth coming back to see more! It is cloudy and could today. Down right cold at night.

[Logthumper]

Thanks to all for the info.

[hnybare]

Maybe too late posting this, how ever, I would like to mention Stillwell Ranch. It is just South of Marathon on the road into Big Bend NP. Nothing fancy, but a fun place to hang out and trip into the park. The ranch has a web site. I stay there for a time sometimes and visit the East side of the park, and then move to the West side to kick back over there. Have also stayed in Rio Grande Village and at the store there,both pretty good spots. The park is an awesome place to see.