Big Bend Park, Texas and Quartzite, Arizona - RV-Dreams Community Forum

charles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Big Bend Park, Texas and Quartzite, Arizona

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

We dry camped in Big Bend in November 2006 - http://www.sacnoth.com/2006/BigBend/BigBend.htm .

For Quartzsite I rcommend finding a group you are a member of and camping with them but many are only there in the last half of January when the big tent is up for the RV show. Quartzsite is much quieter as you get into February. You might even find hookups in February, in January they are taken so dry camping is the way.

soos · RV-Dreams Family Member

we stayed at Big Bend Resort and Adventures several times, in Study Butte, and found it to be a great location, although don't be fooled by the word resort. But there is cell coverage and wifi, whereas in thark there pretty much is no cell service. Its a huge place, plan on lots of driving. buy all your food before you go, the grocery stores there are small and expensive.
There is GREAT hiking in Big Bend. there is also an RV park in the national park, but we've never stayed in it.
Go to La Kiva for a drink, and the Starlight Theater for dinner, both in Terlingua.
if you want opinions on hikes in BB, let me know. we've done a lot of them.

We are headed to Q in a couple of days- I agree, boondocking's the way to go.

Sue

bigredoes · RV-Dreams Family Member

Concur with what Sue wrote. The word 'resort' did not apply to either place we stayed or saw in the BBNP area. On the western edge of the park we stayed in Terlingua at the Motel campground...dust and dirt are the norm. On the north (eastern) edge of the park we stayed at Stillwell Store and RV Park....this is a small place run by quite a character - a nice 'old' lady (I really should be more careful with that word 'old' - I am that too !!!) There is a museum dedicated to Hallie Stillwell there that was interesting.

Besides the obvious - the Park itself - La Kiva and the Starlight are a must (although I heard that the Starlight might be closed not certain)...not sure how you plan to approach and depart the area - most I think go into the area from one side and go out the other. Alpine would be your most logical entrance route - check out the Marfa lights - if you SEE them please report as we sure didn't !!! lol On the way out it would be Marathon.

For our money Ft Davis was worth a visit - both the fort and the observatory

BBNP was like nothing else we have ever seen - hope you enjoy it - and report back

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

We visited Big Bend for the fourth time last year. We love staying in the Chisos Basin because it's so much cooler up in the mountains. For a rig your size I'd recommend avoiding the steep and twisty road to the basin. They don't recommend trailers longer than 20ft on this road. The CG at the Rio Grande Village is the only one within the park with hook-ups, which I recommend this time of year. If you like to hike, I suggest the Window Trail and the Lost Mine Trail. Both are pretty strenous though.

I second the Terlingua recommendation. Try to go to the Starlight Theater in Old Town at happy hour for a super deal on $1 tacos and $2 killer Margaritas. La Kiva is... what's a nice word... eclectic. Heck, the whole town is a little eclectic! Here's an example of a large mobile "bug" sculpture there:

If going to Terlingua, the Big Bend Ranch state park is definately worth a look-see too, and just down the road. It is as beautiful as the NP.

While in the area, I like to stay at the Guadalupe Mountains NP (highest peak in TX) and visit Carlsbad Caverns, NM if I can afford the time. It's probably the nicest cave I've ever been to, and I've seen quite a few.

Enjoy your trip.

Chip

charles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks all for the great info.
Please keep it coming, I will print it all to take with us.
Can't wait to leave!
CCC

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

The good news is that you are headed to Quartzsite after the madness associated with the RV show in QZ the last week in Jan. The bad news is that you are headed to Quartzsite! By the time you arrive there will be sites available at all of the "RV Parks" or you can dry camp on BLM land for free. I can't help with BB.

-- Edited by Bill Adams on Tuesday 17th of January 2012 07:45:36 PM

bigredoes · RV-Dreams Family Member

Definitely concur with Guadalupe Mountain NP....we dry camped 4 bucks a nite with Senior Pass. Carlsbad is also a definite plus...we also enjoyed Roswell .....but didn't enjoy Pecos.....Sonora Caverns eastbound off of
I-10 is also nice but if you have to pick one Carlsbad hands down !!!

We all could go on forever I would imagine with recommendations....so your general route, if any, and length of time you will be 'out' would be helpful if you want us to keep prattling on.....lol

bigredoes · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh and La Kiva - Eclectic ??? Yeah that's a great description.....don't let the 'entrance' scare you off....