Big Bend. Camping. Thanksgiving.

[Gordon]

We've just decided to go camping in Big Bend, at Thanksgiving.

I know it gets busy out there, then. But I don't know how busy. I've spent a couple of weeks in Big Bend, staying in the lodge and some other places, but I've never camped out there. I camped & hiked a lot growing up, but that was in Scotland.

Looking for any/ all advice, suggestions, recommendations, stuff to take, things to forget, etc etc.

TIA!

[Mike G]

Water water water

And your camera

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Water water water

And your camera

Thanks. I think you might have the order wrong though :)

[tjavery]

Originally Posted by Gordon

...I know it gets busy out there, then. But I don't know how busy...

Dude, get yo'self on BBC: www.bigbendchat.com It's a fantastic forum and a great resource for Big Bend. I'm sure the folks there would really enjoy seeing your photos.

Thanksgiving will be pretty damn busy. We went in '05 (arrived the day after X-giving) and NO campsites were available (none in the developed campgrounds, none in the backcountry, and none in the high Chisos backcountry). It was the same way during spring break this year - we arrived on Monday, March 12. The only campsite we secured was a backcountry campsite on the FOURTH night out.

You can reserve some campsites in the developed campgrounds through the park website, but only during the peak months (Nov - Apr, I think).

But, the good news is that you can zone camp just about anywhere:
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisi...ne_camping.htm

When we've visted in the busiest times, we've zone camped. It's actually pretty easy given the few minor rules imposed. Acutally, I think I prefer to zone camp instead of the established backcountry roadside campsite and especially to the established campgrounds.

Zone camping allows you to get "out there" and really experience the country. The peace and quiet is amazing!

[Gordon]

Thanks for that TJ. When zone camping, do you really need to get off the paved roads or is that mostly accessible with a bit of hiking from the roadside ? We don't have a high clearance/ 4WD vehicle so can't make it to some of the more remote areas (I'm going to have to miss Ernst Tinaja this time :( )

[TXFZ1]

I always like the Mule Ears area during Thanksgiving. Lots of places to explore and not so crowded during Thanksgiving. Just have to pack in your water to a basecamp area. No special vehicle required. If interested, PM me and I'll dig out my maps and pinpoint some area of interests.

The reserved camps in the high basin will be crowded and fill quickly. The local Sierra club has moved their annual trip to BB due to the crowds during this time. The best times to camp are either Jan/Feb or August, just takes some special prep though.

David

[jeffkohn]

The best times to camp are either Jan/Feb or August, just takes some special prep though.

gee, I can't imagine why it's not crowded in August...

[tjavery]

Gordon, you can certainly park alongside the main, paved roads if you find a suitable spot to pull off (and there are plenty around the park). During the last spring break, we saw a lot of parked cars along the paved roads - people doing some off-trail exploration and/or zone camping.

No matter where you park (paved or unpaved), you must hike at least 1/2 mile away to make camp. This isn't as bad as it sounds. Most of the desert is fairly open and travel time is about 10 minutes.

If you'd rather park on a backcountry road and keep your vehicle out of sight of a main, paved road (as we did), then there are several roads (and sections of roads) you can consider.

I suspect the Grapevine Hills Road would be a good candidate. I think the first few miles of that road is easily done in a low-clearance car (but that's just what I've read; I've not actually been there).

There's also the Dagger Flat Auto trail - supposedly traversable by car.

The short road that leads up to the Nine Point Draw backcountry site is an easy one to drive on. You can park near the site (plenty of room there) and then head out to Dog Canyon or Devils Den. There is a nice, tall hill between the site and the main road, so it's out of sight.

A convenient place to zone camp that we found was along Old Maverick Road. Head towards Study Butte/Terlingua and take a left on Old Maverick Road (turn just before reaching the west entrance gate of the park. Drive south on OMR about 1 mile, and then park (the road is really wide, so it's safe and easy parking). Hike roughly southeast 1/2 mile and find a spot to camp. The desert here is very sparsely vegetated and easy to navigate. You'll come up to a wide and deep arroyo, so camp a little bit back from the rim. You won't be able to see the road, and the people driving on it won't see you, so there is some privacy. The scenery here isn't terribly spectacular, but it is a convenient place to camp since you'll be close to a main road. This stretch of OMR is tame and easily done in a car - just take it slow.

The southern end of Old Maverick Road can also be done in a car, I believe. I drove it over a year ago, and it should be doable in a car. This spot should offer really nice views of the Sierra del Ponce and Santa Elena Canyon. There is even a short stretch that's high up and offers views over Terlingua Creek - really nice at sunset!

From what I remember about the two ends of Old Maverick Road, they will be wide, flat and rough. There's a lot of small rocks/heavy gravel and washboards. You'll be fine in a car - just keep it 5 - 10 mph.

The first few miles of River Road East is smooth and fairly easy to drive. You can do it in a car. This area will have nice views of the Sierra del Carmens.

The Mule Ears Viewpoint area has ample parking. This paved extension will get you away from the main road. There's a nice trail out to Mule Ears Spring and the Mule Ears themselves. From what I've heard, this is about the only zone in the park that will fill up with overnighters, but only when it's really busy.

There are short, unpaved roads at Dugout Wells, K-Bar, and Croton Springs. I'd consult a ranger about parking along those roads, however. Dugout Wells might be okay, but the other two have established campsites and there may not be enough parking area there.

As always, consult with the rangers first. They'll know the latest road conditions.

--------------------------------------------------

I should point out that if you intend to camp like this, it's best to pack light and keep it simple. You can eat at your vehicle, and then hike to your campsite for the night.

You may want to locate your campsite during mid-day and avoid setting up in the dark. You can always set-up, leave and visit somewhere else, and then return in the dark. My wife and I did this, and it actaully worked out well. We used a hand-held GPS (actually had a 2nd as a back-up) and flashlights.

You can move campsites each day, or possibly establish one site (if you find a really good spot) and spend multiple nights there (while making outings to other locations during the day). You shouldn't have any problems leaving your campsite during the day - but don't leave any food in your tent or nearby and keep things out of sight of the roads. Theft shouldn't be a problem but curious people could possibly "gather" your stuff thinking it was abandoned.

[Gordon]

TJ, thanks again for all this great information. I really appreciate the time you've taken.

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Water water water

And your camera

Originally Posted by Gordon

Thanks. I think you might have the order wrong though :)

Let me try to help! Please,

Agua, Agua, and then some Agua!
Just kiding Gordon!! LOL

Do not forget plenty of TP and bug spray or a bat.
Have FUN!

Later,
A

[tjavery]

Originally Posted by Gordon

TJ, thanks again for all this great information. I really appreciate the time you've taken.

No problem. I recall you providing us advice on Big Bend some time ago

It's my favorite place on earth. I'm dying to get back out there.

[studiocygnet]

The water from Panther Junction isn't bad, a lot of Terlingua folks bring containers and fill up there while doing a boat shuttle.

Actually, speaking of boats, go to Terlingua and talk to the folks at Desert Sports about rafting Santa Elena if the water is up enough. Talk about a photo opportunity. I suppose around Thanksgiving you'll want to call ahead for a boat trip though, cuz of how busy it gets out there that time of year.

The Sierra Clubs from Houston and Austin traditionally have large gatherings at the National Park for the holiday. We are talking multiple full size 48 passenger buses full of hikers. So you won't necessarily be alone on any of the hiking trails in the National park.

Now if you want to really see some wildlife and not many people, you could go to Big Bend Ranch State Park instead. I've camped there for days and days, and the only folks I saw were passing in a car going in when I was leaving. Hiking the Rancherias loop is fun too if you're a serious backpacker, it's about a 3 day loop. Don't leave much in your car on the side of the road, or in a trailhead parking lot. Or maybe that's changed since there is not as much traffic back and forth across the river. Used to be I'd leave my car unlocked because otherwise they would just break in, even if there was nothing left in view to steal.

[xseption]

I suspect the Grapevine Hills Road would be a good candidate. I think the first few miles of that road is easily done in a low-clearance car (but that's just what I've read; I've not actually been there).

I did that road in a Ford Escort Station Wagon. Other than some washboard surfaces, I would say it was good for low-clearance vehicles. The only caveat would be at the very end of the road (at the campsites). There is additional parking at the Balance Rock trailhead. Been there a few times ...

[studiocygnet]

Originally Posted by TxmexNitro

Let me try to help! Please,
Agua, Agua, and then some Agua!
Just kiding Gordon!! LOL
Do not forget plenty of TP and bug spray or a bat.
Have FUN!
Later,
A

In reference to the mention of TP above. A pet peeve of mine. I was a guide out there for many years, and when wilderness camping instructed all of my clients to pack it out. Unlike other more wet areas of the world, toilet paper wads may take years or centuries to degrade out there. I can't tell you how many times people have hidden their little treasure under a rock or cactus, only to have it exposed years later. In fact, don't leave anything, like orange peels or banana peels as well as TP. It just doesn't biodegrade. Pack it out.

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

gee, I can't imagine why it's not crowded in August...

And yet, I have a photographer friend who has spent some time there, and he says that "photographically" August is one of the best times to go. Apparently the heat induced thunderclouds role in and can be spectacular. Can anyone confirm this?