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Old 01-19-2019, 08:27 PM   #1
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Alternatives near Big Bend National Park?

Planning to go to Big Bend in March and wondering if anyone has suggestions for alternate camping (with water, elec & dump) just in case the govt is still messed up. Thanks.
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Old 01-19-2019, 09:23 PM   #2
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Davis Mtns. State Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park. Big Bend NP might still be accessible since it isn’t gated.
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Old 01-20-2019, 08:00 AM   #3
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Maverick Ranch at Lajitas is a very nice full-service park well located for Rio Grande float trips and day trips into the park. Perfect place to prep for boondocking at Chisos Mountain! We love Big Bend. Enjoy!
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Old 01-20-2019, 09:59 AM   #4
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Rio Grande Village Camping

Rio Grande Village Camping is open. It's not run by the NPS>
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Old 01-20-2019, 03:37 PM   #5
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Rio Grande Village Camping is open. It's not run by the NPS>
Yes but only the full hookup "parking lot" camping area. The rest of the RGV campground apparently is closed, website link. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvis...t-shutdown.htm
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Old 01-20-2019, 04:25 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Bruce Olive View Post
Maverick Ranch at Lajitas is a very nice full-service park well located for Rio Grande float trips and day trips into the park. Perfect place to prep for boondocking at Chisos Mountain! We love Big Bend. Enjoy!
We stayed at Maverick Ranch in Lajitas a couple of years ago. Very nice with FHU. Davis Mountains State park is nice also but a bit too far from Big Bend.
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Old 01-20-2019, 06:50 PM   #7
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We are here now. Our res. at Rio Grande Village was cancelled and the Full Hook Up at Rio Grande Village is a private concession but only has 20 resealable site. ALL FULL for the future. Stopped in there about 3 hours ago.



We are at a nice and very new RV park with only about 20 slots.
The bathhouse is currently being completed, but they have full hookups.




Paisano Village RV Park & Inn

Here is the web site.


https://www.paisanovillagervparkandinn.com/


Close to fuel etc.



Turns out Terlingua, TX was close to being the Sister town to Gallon Jug where we lived in Belize for 25+ years.


Have fun and make sure to book at least a week as Soooooooo much to see and do in the park.


Cheers,
Bat Dude and family
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Old 01-21-2019, 04:09 AM   #8
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Yes but only the full hookup "parking lot" camping area. The rest of the RGV campground apparently is closed, website link. https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvis...t-shutdown.htm
Those are the only sites within the park with full hookups at any time.
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Old 01-22-2019, 10:29 AM   #9
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Bat Dude - How much of the Park is open - Hot Springs, Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, Mule Ears Trail, Boquillas Canyon, Santa Elena Canyon, Old Ore Road, River Road, Old Maverick Road, Castolon. overlooks etc. ?

What is La Kiva like under the new management? Food at Starlight Theater still good?

Any info appreciated; We haven't been in a couple of years but plan on a week or so there in May when we head out west again. Thanks in advance for any updates.

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Old 01-23-2019, 06:39 AM   #10
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Hi Al,


All is open except NP visitor centers and camp grounds. Panther Junction bookstore and shop is open manned by the park's Natural History group volunteers. So one can still have the NP passports stamped.


Hotel & restaurant at Chisos Basin loop is open as are the fuels stations at Rio Grand Village and Panther Junction.


The TX State Park center to the west is of course open. So all roads (except loops through NP campgrounds) are all open.


We have parked on many dirt roads to back country camp areas to walk with Esme since dogs are not allowed on trail per se.


Stopped by La Kiva but was not open until 17:00 so did not go in.
Monday was "Burgers" 1/2 off on Monday at the Starlight Theater. WOW what a great meal for < $20 for 2 of us.


Today is our last full day in the park. We pull north tomorrow to Davis Mountains State Park after 6 nights here.


Likely once the sun is up this AM we will head back to either Chisos Basin or the Scenic loop again. So far seen bears, peccary (Havalina) many birds but too early in teh season for lizards and snakes. I had planned to record bats but my recording equipment died.



Guess that is a "valid" excuse to come back again LOL.


This has been a great less crowded NP experience.


Interesting some comments on Rio Grand Village areas were that it is only a "Parking lot." Seems many RV parks are the same row after row of concrete slabs with hook ups. Some may have a postage stamp of green but usually the same.


I do agree many state and national parks have larger spaces with a bit more habitat around the slots. We prefer those when available.



I am sure you will enjoy your trip. Still too early for flowers in January.


Cheers,
Bat Dude
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Old 01-23-2019, 07:52 AM   #11
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Thanks for such a detailed reply Bat Dude

We were in the Park operated RGV campground when the last shut down hit and had the east side all to ourselves for several days. Other than Spring Break, I don't think BB ever gets too crowded (and that's a good thing).

We've always enjoyed our meals at the Starlight - certainly a unique setting and La Kiva is even more so. Hope you had a chance to walk through the Terlingua cemetery. If not, add that to your list of reasons to return.

If you're staying at Davis Mountains SP, you won't be very far from Balmorhea SP and "The worlds largest spring fed pool" is worth a visit.https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

Thanks again for the response.


Al
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