Going to Big Bend

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by dont45

So far I'm planning to stay at Ft Davis and boondock at Cottonwood...

If you have the time and the weather's good the Star Party at the McDonald Observatory near Ft. Davis is really worth doing.

[fairtheewell]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Check out the Marathon Motel and RV Park. It's just 40 miles north of the entrance to Big Bend National Park.

The town of Marathon is especially attractive to astronomers because it has the rare distinction of being a Class 1 Dark Sky (dark as it gets) area.

Cable TV...Full Hookups...30 and 50 amp Pull-Thrus

www.marathonskypark.com

Truest thing spoken. Marathon is weird and incredible.

[drl0073]

Originally Posted by VTSmitty

If you have the time and the weather's good the Star Party at the McDonald Observatory near Ft. Davis is really worth doing.

Take your warmest clothes hats gloves and blankets. You'll enjoy it more if you can stay warm. Very cool thing to do.

[AirDFW]

Also interested in good campgrounds with full hookups around Big Bend. Does such a thing exist anywhere remotely close to Chisos Basin?

[TayaraTravel]

Try to include some time in Fort Davis. There is an interesting historic park from the cavalry era (home of the "buffalo soldiers") and a very nice state park. The McDonald Observatory has tours and star parties. The loop from Fort Davis to the observatory and back is primo scenic. Balmorhea is an interesting natural spring swimming area. The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute has a fantastic cactus garden/exhibit. There is an art museum somewhere in the area if you like modern abstract sculpture (I don't).

[drl0073]

Originally Posted by AirDFW

Also interested in good campgrounds with full hookups around Big Bend. Does such a thing exist anywhere remotely close to Chisos Basin?

http://www.bigbendresort.com - This place had lots of availability and the folks that run it seemed nice. Stopped in on the way to Big Bend for gas, etc. The campsites are full hook up but no grass - desert type dust and some picnic tables. Totally adequate and not too far away from the park entrance.

Inside the park, I think Rio Grande Village has full hook ups and can handle longer trailers, but it was totally full when we visited. Also, there's a campground at the Basin but they are limited on size of RV and trailer. I think the recommended max is 20 ft trailers. There are plenty of spaces at Rio Grande Village with electricity. Doing a combination of inside park (electricity only) and outside (full hookup) is recommendable and worth it IMHO.