Big Bend State Park

mbachani · 02-09-2010, 08:40 PM

We're heading over and down to Big Bend State Park this coming weekend. Probably get there late Friday night, spend Sat and Sun. there and head back Monday. We will be coming in from the West.
Any one have any advice or suggestions.

Bob in Tucson

Greg In Austin · 02-09-2010, 08:44 PM

It is one of my favorite spots on the planet.... what do you want suggestions on?

Greg In Austin · 02-09-2010, 08:56 PM

There are a bunch of great campsites. Guale #2 is one of our favorites. Chorro Vista is another favorite. You will need to drive all the way in to the Sauceda Ranger Station to make a reservation. Tell them we said Hello. I think we have two trip reports in here somewhere for BBRSP.

mbachani · 02-09-2010, 09:06 PM

Hello Greg,
How are the roads? Is water available? What is the travel time from the main Rd. to Guale # 2.
Is the main Rd paved or is that dirt also?

Bob in Tucson

Greg In Austin · 02-10-2010, 05:03 AM

The main road is not paved but is normally graded with wash spots. There is zero pavement in the park. Much of the road system is 4wd and almost all is high clearance. Once off the main road there is very little road maintenance. They suggest bringing an extra spare. Water is scarce. Campsites have only a spot to park, a sign, a picnic table, and a fire ring. No wood gathering allowed.

kcrain · 02-10-2010, 06:12 AM

I suggest you do NOT drive Black Gap road. If you do, approach it from the East. The pass is built for Jeeps, not wide enough for these rigs... I got a little nervous about rolling down the mountain.

Greg In Austin · 02-10-2010, 08:00 AM

Kc

What road are you refering to? The black gap road I know is over at the Narional Park.

kcrain · 02-10-2010, 08:13 AM

errrrr.... ya, there too : ) I was questioning why you said there are no paved roads in the park... Black Gap won't be a problem for this guy then.

Greg In Austin · 02-10-2010, 08:14 AM

Make sure you have fueled up before heading to the park. There is no fuel in the park.

I see they have added some new maps to their website. Their maps are pretty good although not perfect according to gps.

The last I had heard the Portal del Norte was still not open. This is the NE entrance to the park, but negotiations were ongoing with land owners and county to get it open.

Not sure of your direction of approach, but if your are coming in off IH10 take 67 south. You can take a more easterly route on county roads and 169 but it is a warren of unmarked roads that loop all over the place. It is a scenic drive but slowl and it took us using gps just to figure out which of the many roads to take.

Also there had been some washed out areas on 170 between the park entrance road and Lajitas so you could not approach from the southwest; this may be repaired now but was out for a long time.

Greg In Austin · 02-10-2010, 08:19 AM

You can expect some volcanic rock, so you tread could take a beating. Also many of the roads have more over hanging brush than you could ever hope to clear back ... So expect some BBRSP pinstriping.