Big Bend NP in November

[Lumatic]

Can anybody give me some feedback about what to expect for camping at Big Bend NP, TX around Thanksgiving? Suggestions?

[SteveH]

It should be good weather, cold at night, but if you are going over Thanksgiving weekend, might be a little crowded. That's also one of the weekends for deer hunting in West Texas, so that might effect it also.

[karenjude]

We were there a few years ago at Thanksgiving. Wasn't crowded at all. Nice during the day, generally tee shirtmweather but a light jacket needed at times Cold at night and the heat in the Airstream was really nice!! There is an area with full hook-ups but it was like parking lot camping. Not pretty and no view. We made reservations for this area and then changed to the regular campground when we got there. We had a great time - fried a turkey and had all the fixins ( I'm a good planner so prepared surfing etc at home and froze). Have a wonderful time!

[65CV]

The three campgrounds are Rio Grande Village, Chisos Basin, and Cottonwood.

As karenjude described, Rio Grande is like a commercial campground, but it does have full hookups, showers and a store. It and Cottonwood are closer to the river, so they are much warmer.

Chisos is at a much higher elevation and is significantly colder. We went there a couple of years ago in late February with reservations at Chisos and quickly moved to Cottonwood for warmth. It's a great spot if you like dry camping. Only facilities are pit toilets and good water. BTW, no reservations at Cottonwood.

Hope that helps.

John

[Lance M]

BBNP in November is probably the best time to visit. We camped there in October two years ago and Christmas-New Year break last year. Warm days, cool nights with early morning coyote visits to your AS door! It is our family's favorite place to explore this time of year. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. There are a few very informative threads on BBNP here on the forums. Enjoy!

[Lumatic]

Anyone interested in a rendevous?

[Silver Goose]

The road up to Chisos Basin has a 15% grade near the top with a few twists and turns. RVs over 24' and trailers over 20' are not recommended to go up there. The Basin is a stark departure from the rest of the park and you might see wild pigs, deer and even bear up there. Cottonwood is also close to the river and close to Santa Elena Canyon.

[Gringo]

Have there been any issues with the Mexican issues along the river there?

[Lumatic]

The NPS website does say undocumented aliens and drug smugglers do cross through. NPS has a list of guidelines to follow. They do not say anything about any incidents.

[Lumatic]

Stayed at Carlsbad KOA on the way down. I thought they were significantly overpriced at almost $50, even for KOAs. Next time I would try Escapees north or an RV Park in Carlsbad.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Long wait. OK grub but a good excuse to see the ranch. I would not recommend taking an Airstream into the park. Rough gravel roads. I stayed at Loma Paloma RV Park in Presidio, which had their own Thanksgiving dinner. Basic RV Park, basic prices $22, real friendly folks.

Stayed at Lajitas RV Park between Big Bend Ranch SP and the NP. One of the nicest parks I have ever stayed and I thought a great deal @ $35. The resort owns just about the whole dang town and with everyone in uniforms driving around golf carts I flashed back to "The Prisoner" with Patrick McGoohan 70s TV spy series.

Too late to make reservations for inside the park for a Thanksgiving campsite, but no regrets.

[BusDriver]

Any words of wisdom on what to see and do in BBNP, we will be there for about 5 days. We are in SE Arizona now and will be in BBNP in about a week.

Nancy

[Mr & Mrs S]

Originally Posted by BusDriver

Any words of wisdom on what to see and do in BBNP, we will be there for about 5 days. We are in SE Arizona now and will be in BBNP in about a week.

Nancy

We are going to BBNP the first weekend in January, let us know how you like it. We are also staying 5 days at Rio Grande Village.
Enjoy your stay!

[jdthor]

We will be there on either side of the second weekend or if not, then the third weekend. Would like to stay in the basin or at Cottonwoods. I've stayed there before, and if experience is repeated, then plan on having lots of time and sightseeing to yourself.