Big Bend National Park - Impossible!!!

[Bigge]

Since all of the new interests in using the park system maybe now is the time to preserve more land for the future. Especially with the housing boom. Preserve it now or it will be lost. Significant additions to preserved land has not happened in a long time. I am not talking about renaming already preserved areas to make politicians look good. Like the new National Park in West Virginia. That just makes it harder for people who truly enjoy them to use them by making them more crowded. We need more land preserved not more traffic jams.

Happy Camping.

[wolf146]

We had reservations at a state park for 5 nights. I wasn't feeling well so we did not go on the first day. The park has the following policy:. you have to check out by 3PM. Well, since we couldn't go the first day, we had the site available early the next day and were able to arrive and settle in by 10 A:M!!

We have been camping for 50 years. Starting with a tent and moving up every so many years to 2004 30 foot classic, that we bought in 2006.
We have traveled too many countries, including many 3 world ones.
We are not dealing with a big problem here with these reservation issues.!! wolf146

[Slats]

If course, private companies are more interested in getting and selling your personal information than making user friendly reservations. Welcome to pop up ads for Camping World.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Kalashnikov

I've concluded that reserving a spot in Big Bend is impossible - for all practical purposes. You'd need a computerized "Bot" in order to 'snipe' the spot for yourself.

Tried last year, but it turns out they must be reserved 6 months in advance. Waited until this year, turns out it's _exactly_ 6 months in advance, to the day. If I want Nov 22, I must book on May 22.

So waited until today, May 23, figured I could book Nov 23. And *bam* there were a half dozen sites "available" this morning when I rolled out of bed. Added one to my cart for two nites. Bzzzzzzzzt!! No sir, you must wait until 10AM Eastern to book! Please come back later.

Ok, went to church, came home. Went to the page. Add to cart.... Ooops sorry sir! This is a popular campground it turns out someone else has booked it.




Forget Big Bend. I shall never see it. And I don't care!! Nothing is worth that much trouble.

There are other options close by, actually which are pretty nice. Maverick Ranch RV park in Lajitas(good food across the street) there are others around..you can daytrip into Big Bend and perhaps get a cancelation at the ranger station if your lucky...it happens more then you would think. Folks who unfairly book these reservations, not knowing for sure they will even show up, have made it difficult for many of us who liked the "first come" options of old. When there, don't miss Starlight Ballroom in Terlingua for dinner/drinks/entertainment. http://www.thestarlighttheatre.com/

[Lily&Me]

It’s more than a bit tacky to take high-value sites and then neither use them nor return them for others who would like to.

In my opinion.

Maggie

[Ray Eklund]

No reservations needed. Good Service is relative to outcomes.

We use to use say "Give it a Name and they will come". State Highway Departments used the extra money left to spend on State Highways for pullouts. Give it a name, maybe a toilet facility, but people stop and read the signs. "If you do not use it, you lose it" for government road contracts. True.

There is 100% free camping in Millard County, Utah. Delta, Utah is the county seat. The nice Maverick Service Station and the best Car Wash in Utah is across the street. You will travel on 'wash board roads'. Dust from the limestone gravel applied to the wash board and beautiful desert around towering bare mountains, will cling to your vehicle and trailer. Trilobite digging along the mountains and FREE if your trailer manages to get there. Many go dig. Done it, seen it, let others try it out.

There is 100% free camping in the Gila and Apache National Forests. Fresh air. Warm days at elevation and cold mornings to sip hot coffee. Free parking. Now signs posted with NO motorized vehicles, tents or trailers due to those setting fires in the forest with their unattended campfires. Find the State, the National Forest and some wonderful sites are sitting empty. No name. No story to tell.

Forest Fires are expensive to put out. Cheaper to place signs to eliminate the 5% who create grief and trash the forest. Maybe more, maybe less but it affects ALL.

There is 100% limited space free camping between Ranchester, Wyoming and Sheridan, Wyoming on paved Highways. Two Resorts within eye sight. We watched 19 moose and three calves wandering around each morning, grazing. People driving by would stop and gawk. We sat out along side our Airstream a mile off the two lane highway. One morning a Moose walked past our Airstream and I took a photo as it passed while we were eating breakfast. No reservations. No parking fees. Your COST is to find it yourself. We had nothing but our eyes and a map. Yes... it is not easy to tow up into the mountains. That is WHY we Off the Grid Boondock.

Been to all of the Parks we wanted to visit years ago. Been there done it all... when they had lots of empty tent camping sites.

National Park camping options are... dated. Roads are... dated. There is a movement to even make access, less to save the environment in Parks and remote places. Times are changing to reduce visits. Not encourage them. Smokey the Bear was still part of the... plan. Where is Smokey today?

This Month the RV Parks with access to the Tetons and Yellowstone were packed. Saw more Airstreams at these RV Parks than anywhere else. Even passing on the highways. RV's bigger than an apartment squeezed next one another and liking it.

This will eventually quit. People will get back to working for a living. No free money to seek Fun, Travel and Adventure. We retired folk earned some access to Parks and Recreation. You should have gone when the 'getting was good'. We did.

Now we just travel the Rockies, no plans, no worries and can locate a campsite just by a glance and go check it out. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not.

The Ranchester, Wyoming site is my pleasure to mention. If you want more information, go there and look yourself. There are TWO Resorts/Restaurants within five miles of each other. Sit back and watch the whiners driving past thinking there is a gold pot at the end of the Rainbow at a RV Park. Your cost? FIND IT.

RV Parks are not for us. If you travel to listen to arguing families at a National Park... do it. We did it when it was not popular and facilities were primitive. I am a Neanderthal and understand. People want to be with people. Human Beans like to talk and sit around and talk. We like to... watch. A different experience. Beats any Radio or Television program.

Rough it for once. If not... that is your limitation. Expand your options and then take a remote chance you can get a vacant spot along Flathead Lake or a National Park... we do it every time we want. Not interested? Not in our dictionary. How do you know interesting from not?

If you make No plans... you will never be disappointed.

[Yooperchick]

What campground were you trying to get into? We are traveling in December 2021 and just booked the Cottonwood campground (dry camping, though it's the prettiest), a few days ago for later this week. We booked 4 nights about a week and a half before we are to camp in mid December. I have tried the advance booking option while trying to get into the Florida State Parks in the Keys in the winter, so I know what you are talking about. Some people must have high-speed Internet and when the sites become available they are gone, .000001 seconds after becoming available. We tried for months, every day, on two phones and two laptops, and couldn't ever get a site. Gave up and headed southwest this winter instead. We have booked a few campsites in advance, but not more than a month or two, and most often only a week, or even a few days in advance. We've had no issue getting a campground anywhere, including Florida, where we went first. I am done obsessing about advance bookings and counting instead on cancellations, no shows, or alternative campgrounds such as BLM lands, public lands, state parks and Army Corp of Engineers. Camping is about relaxing. You will find something, just go.

[GettinAway]

After having traveled during February to both FL and then AZ I can see why south FL is more difficult to get into. We fought and fought and got reservations for 4 weeks in FL two years ago. Great trip. Great weather. But I hated the calling and online reservations process. I’d get a few nights here, then have to cancel because I was able to get four nights someplace else and they overlapped. Etc etc etc. AZ was easier for reservations, but we got snowed on twice, maybe three times. Ha…. This year we are just biting the bullet and spending the $$$ going to the FL Keys in a private CG.
I will say, when we went through AZ last year we came back through BB NP. Had a fantastic four nights there in Rio Grande Village no generator loop. Had really nice weather in Ft Davis also, and Austin.. Then the great TX snow/ice/freeze storm hit us as we headed north from Austin.. Could happen this year coming back from the Keys. Just rolling the dice when you travel in February.

[Ray Eklund]

The majority of travelers are Tourists. They are content with reading the free booklet handed out as you enter, and enjoy the scenery.

Then comes the smaller group that Study and Research into more depth WHAT they are looking at. Ahhhh. A part time Geologist, Paleontologist, Archaeologist and maybe... Retired.

Tour Guides have this book and map set. I sold these years ago and kept one for myself. I would have been among those who did enough Research to understand WHAT they were seeing... but also knew Where and How to get to that special outcrop or view.

I scanned some examples of what the Professional know it all needs to be a Tour Guide at any National Park. Just this one publication opens the secrets of the Park and the references used prior to 1967 dig even deeper.

I like to be a Tourist, first. Then maybe after seeing, look into more information by Researching. Then... those individuals who just cannot leave without getting a job and possible hired by the Park Service... a Tour Guide.

This publication was the ultimate, at the time, for the 'technical geological aspects' that most gloss over. The resarch was done by these four individuals using all the previous information available. A reprinted copy would be great.

You will have an appreciation of HOW this area was formed by forces so powerful, only going to Yellowstone during an eruption would be equal and you missed a number of major events there... millions of years ago. Badlands east of Yellowstone buried from a large event left many vertebrate fossils buried alive.

Big Bend... lay back, take it easy. Yellowstone... maybe wear a helmet. Enjoy Great Bend... be nervous at Yellowstone.

Been to Yellowstone a number of times. Big Bend. not yet as it... does not shake enough or spew hot gases and boiling acidic water for Tourists wanting to see what a tame Yellowstone is like today.

[Ray Eklund]

Some Public and State Operated campsites for RV's and Trailers will ask you the length of your RV or Trailer.

Their sites will have lengths. If it is a pull through. How close the Huge Rock or Trees are to the sides. Some are a bit conservative and you may be able to manage to fit.

You need to be flexible. Look for options in the general area. You may have to hike to the restrooms or fresh water... but you make the best of it.

From our Three Experiences for a Public RV Campsite. Chatfield State Park at Littleton, Colorado has it down to boulders in the way.

Big Arm- Flathead Lake State Park on the West Side of Flathead lake, Montana... has it figured out as well. Both are excellent campsites and the employees are excellent. Set up next to the pebble beach and we and the Blue Heelers jumped into the lake. Ahhhhh. Both sites... July... they had a spot if we could get the trailer into it. Ya Hooo... the Boondocking Experience helps us fit anywhere most are afraid to set up camp.

The campsite at Chatfield State Park, when they described the Rock... we ended up Boondocking to the west in the mountains. Maybe some other time...

[K4TCJ]

I just finished 5 nights at Big Bend NP. Was at the full hookup campground. Made reservations by phone about a month ago. Visited all campgrounds in the park and all had vacant sites every day. One of the best places I’ve visited so far. Just go, there’s always someplace to overnight.

[KCurtis]

I can tell you exactly why all of those sites are vacant. I've had to book up to 14 days out in order to get the 2 days I wanted. It was important enough for me and my family that I gladly ate the 12 days I had to pay for in order to get the 2 days I wanted. Why? Because the way the National Parks reservation system works when booking some parks. They book up to 2 weeks in a park, so their window opens up 2 weeks before you can book the day or two you want.

I saw how all of this worked last year and learned how to play the game in order to get into a park. Start checking 2 weeks before the day you want. If your day isn't available that day it will be in a day or two later. For the very popular times you better be quick or you will completely lose out.

I wish they would fix this problem. It would free up those 10 to 12 days I have to book up in order to get those 2 days at the end I want. UGH!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by KCurtis

I can tell you exactly why all of those sites are vacant. I've had to book up to 14 days out in order to get the 2 days I wanted. It was important enough for me and my family that I gladly ate the 12 days I had to pay for in order to get the 2 days I wanted. Why? Because the way the National Parks reservation system works when booking some parks. They book up to 2 weeks in a park, so their window opens up 2 weeks before you can book the day or two you want.

I saw how all of this worked last year and learned how to play the game in order to get into a park. Start checking 2 weeks before the day you want. If your day isn't available that day it will be in a day or two later. For the very popular times you better be quick or you will completely lose out.

I wish they would fix this problem. It would free up those 10 to 12 days I have to book up in order to get those 2 days at the end I want. UGH!

I hope your not saying you intentionally are "booking" the whole 2 weeks, and only staying for a couple nights, to fit your schedule?? There are too many folks who seem to be doing this, which ruins it for others who are traveling and trying to book sites. We travel all summer in the parks and other state campgrounds, where they say "nothing available" , yet when I have explored the camp grounds in an afternoon to scout out the empty sites, many of them are still empty next morning...camp hosts say there is nothing they can do, because they were "reserved and paid for" on line. Very selfish of folks to do this, for sure....

[GettinAway]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I hope your not saying you intentionally are "booking" the whole 2 weeks, and only staying for a couple nights, to fit your schedule?? There are too many folks who seem to be doing this, which ruins it for others who are traveling and trying to book sites. We travel all summer in the parks and other state campgrounds, where they say "nothing available" , yet when I have explored the camp grounds in an afternoon to scout out the empty sites, many of them are still empty next morning...camp hosts say there is nothing they can do, because they were "reserved and paid for" on line. Very selfish of folks to do this, for sure....

This was my first reaction also. Hopefully the OP goes back in and cancels the days not used. It makes sense financially.
We do see quite a few sites that are reserved but not occupied when staying in state parks. I think BB National Park had almost every spot that was reservable, occupied. Unfortunately, every other loop was closed off due to covid.

[Bill M.]

We camped in Terlingua and explored Big Bend this last fall. A pretty good place to see Big Bend from. Not a nice camp ground but we were not in the campground a whole lot. Yes, camping in the park would have been more natural and a prettier campground for sure But... And there are other things to see in the area. For us Big Bend was more drive and look since we do not hike.

The demand for National park camping has changed a lot in the last few years. I do not know the answer. In some respects maybe a huge increase in the rates would be a good thing. You really can afford now to book 2 weeks and only stay 2 nights in some areas. I do not know if demand would drop a lot at $75 - $100 a night or so for a no hookup site. But I think it might reduce the current tendency to book long stays for a short trip.

[SVTOTEM]

What is needed is a use it or lose it policy. If not in the site within 24 hours of booked date, or a reschedule If delayed, the site should be returned to inventory.

While checking into a COE park in September the attendant was on the phone calling to confirm no shows. The person on the other end was saying no no don’t cancel us we will be there eventually. No doubt in my mind what he was doing. This was Wednesday and all he wanted was to have the weekend.

[azflycaster]

Recreation, gov policy:

No-Shows
Overnight and Day-Use Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date and will hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.

[KCurtis]

I will book the full window and then CANCEL the days I do not use. That is the whole point. This is becoming madding trying to get 2 or 3 days and I am not talking about weekends either.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Recreation, gov policy:

No-Shows
Overnight and Day-Use Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date and will hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.

Thats what they "say", but in actuality, when I talk with the "volunteer's" or "staff" working many of these state or park campsites, they are either "too busy" to verify the no shows, do not check each site for few days in many casses. Like I mentioned, Tetons Gors Ventures (an hour from our place in Wy in Summer), the line to check in has all the workers looking very busy. When I drove in last summer in afternoon and again in morning, several same sites were still empty...workers said they were too "busy" to call/contact those registered....some of these campgrounds do charge of course first night non refundable, but folks don't seem to mind loosing that as a deposit, as the charge being minimal. I think a $50-$100 non-refundable deposit for the first night is what they should charge up front, so there is some commitment. If the party has problems and can't make it in the first day, they should be able to call and confirm situation to keep their site for 24 hours, but must show or loose their spot. Seems fare to me. I remember in Glacier Park at Apgar campgrounds, some folks will reserve their site, and put some gear (chair, tent) in other site or sites paying for family/friends coming in next day or even 2-3 days later! If you don't let the ranger or hosts know this happening, other folks get turned away as campground full signs go up. Thats not fair either, but at least the "neighborhood" can work together on first come/first served sites if this becomes an issue. The advance reservation systems are here to stay; but their needs to be a more "painful" cost to folks reserving a year out for a week or more, and not showing up on time, IMHO...

[Yooperchick]

We just left Big Bend so I thought I'd give an update. There are 4 campgrounds in the park that theoretically can take more than a tent. I say theoretically because there are really only 2. Both are at the Rio Grande area on the eastern side of the park. There is a parking lot for RV's and they have full hook-ups. No charm but if you can get it (it is small, doesn't have many spots), you will fit. The other campground at Rio Grande has some nice spots (it's like a real campground), most small but a few we could have gotten into. We have a 27' International. We stayed for 3 nights at Cottonwood on the Southwest corner of the park. When you book, rec.gov lists some of these sites as holding up to a 28' trailer. I beg to differ. They have redone these sites and built up dirt and rock berms to park on. The road is narrow, the campground is tiny, and the site was exactly 28' long. There was nowhere to park the truck. We backed in, with our tail end hanging off the end of the berm and the wheels almost went down the 1 foot side. It was pretty scary. We could barely open the door and could only put down 3 stabilizers. These are tent or Bambi sites. We were the largest trailer/RV there by far.
On the cancellation/no show front, Texas state Parks lets you keep your reservation until 1:00 pm of the day following your reservation. If you are a no show, you lose your site and your money. No refunds.