Big Bend National Park Texas

[eagle of flight]

Hey everyone. I am very interested in boondocking in Big Bend. I pull a 13 Ft burro 1982. I was wondering if any of you have a list of good sites in the back country that isn't too rough to get in and out of. I don't want to rattle my burro to pieces. I will be thinking about next winter. Thanks. Joe

[Terry G]

Joe, You can't just boondock in Big Bend National Park. There are some back country distributed sites, but in all cases you must have a permit, which costs $10 and can be obtained up to 24 hours in advance. I've found the rangers to be very friendly and they would be the best source about what sites are better.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by eagle of flight

Hey everyone. I am very interested in boondocking in Big Bend. I pull a 13 Ft burro 1982. I was wondering if any of you have a list of good sites in the back country that isn't too rough to get in and out of. I don't want to rattle my burro to pieces. I will be thinking about next winter. Thanks. Joe

All of the back roads, or road into the back country that I've been are rough and require high clearance and/or 4x4 vehicles. I wouldn't tow a trailer on any of them.

I haven't been on all of them. You might call the Park and ask a ranger.

[Bill Nolen]

I am certainly not an expert on camping in the rough at Big Bend, However we have driven a goodly amount of the back roads where camping areas are permitted,

The National Park Service sells two Road Guides for the BG area, First Road Guide to paved and improved diirt roads, Second is to backcountry roads.

These booklets can be purchased at Panther Junction, Park Headquarters.

I have driven quite a few of the off roads in a VW Bug, a 1/2 pickup, and one 4-wheel drive jeep. On one road the Rangers made us turn back when we were in the VW Bug.


But, as far as towing a Burro on the back roads, the main concern is naturally the low road clearance most Burros or Scamps has. Much will depend on the care of the road for that season. On some back roads the gravel is mainly large rocks, Other rioads are rough but passible, yet some roads would be way too rought for a trailer!

What I'd do is drive to Big Bend, and park my trailer at the Rio Granda Vilage campground, or at The Basin Campground, I'd then scout out the off roads I might be interested in, and make my own decision as to whether or not I'd risk my trailer,

That is a great area, with many interesting sights, but do be careful when traveling the off roads near or along side of the Rio Grande River. Lots of stuff going on these days.

Good Luck,

Bill

[eagle of flight]

Hey Bill, Byron,And Terry. Thanks so much for your feedback. Good info. Looks like I need to do lots of research and reading before next winter. I have also heard of some possible problems along the river. I have plenty of time to gather information. Thanks.

[Al and Cindy K]

Originally Posted by Bill Nolen

..................What I'd do is drive to Big Bend, and park my trailer at the Rio Granda Vilage campground, or at The Basin Campground, I'd then scout out the off roads I might be interested in, and make my own decision as to whether or not I'd risk my trailer...........

Bill

Good advice. There are several roadside campsites in the Park that are accessible with an egg IF it hasn't rained recently and IF the the road has been maintained (graded). Coming in on 385, Nine Point Draw and Hannold are two that are just off the main road. Link to these and others Primitive Roadside Campsites - Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

BB NP home page w/link to Map Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

There are several sites at the rear of the RGV campground with a good bit of understory to provide privacy. Most of the sites in the Basin are small and tight but 47 is one of the better ones and there are two great trails in that area - the Window and the Lost Mine. If you backpack, the South Rim is a great overnight hike. Cottonwood is the most remote campground and the most open but the sites are large and its the least used. Be sure to visit Terlingua from that end of the Park.

[brian m.]

I would not hesitate to go to Big Bend.
Here's a blogger that pulled their 5th wheel into boondocking areas of the park:
Boondocking at Big Bend National Park - Tips & Tricks

[CynicalSailor]

If you camp at Big Bend next winter, do the crossing to Boquillas, Mexico. We were there on Christmas Day and got to see Santa hand out presents to the kids. Magical! The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick: C Is For Christmas In Boquillas, Mexico

[Bill Nolen]

Originally Posted by CynicalSailor

If you camp at Big Bend next winter, do the crossing to Boquillas, Mexico. We were there on Christmas Day and got to see Santa hand out presents to the kids. Magical! The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick: C Is For Christmas In Boquillas, Mexico

That is great news that American citizens are now allowed to visit Boquillas. For many years after 9/11 it was a Federal felony to re-cross the Mexican border at that location. However we were able to meet a Mexican citizen in the Boquillas Crayon area, at the river, to buy trinkets.

Bill

[Adrian W]

Here's what the Big Bend Nat'l Park website has on the subject: Primitive Roadside Campsites - Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service)