Big Bend in Late January or Early Feb

[TexFJ]

Are spots open out there that time of the year? Of course, I'm too lazy to check myself

 

[meatloaf]

Are spots open out there that time of the year? Of course, I'm too lazy to check myself

If I remember correctly, it is first come first serve

 

[jmdaniel]

45 degrees at sunrise yesterday.

 

[bobcatag2006]

If I remember correctly, it is first come first serve

This looks like you have to reserve, unless I'm at the wrong part of the park/website:

from Backcountry Use Permits - Big Bend National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Things to know about Big Bend backcountry permits:
How to get a Backcountry Permit

• Backcountry Permits are available at the Panther Junction and Chisos Basin Visitor Centers.
  • Open daily: Panther Junction 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Chisos Basin 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed for lunch).
• Most backcountry campsites (both Chisos Mountains Backpacking and Primitive Roadside Campsites) are available for online permitting up to 180 days in advance through www.recreation.gov or through the recreation.gov call center at 1-877-444-6777.
• River Permits are required for day use and overnight river trips.
  • River Permits available in person (up to 7 days in advance) at both Chisos Basin and Panther Junction outdoor ranger kiosks
  • Open daily: Panther Junction 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Chisos Basin 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed for lunch).
• Permit cost is $10 per night for overnight use ($5 with a Senior or Access pass). There is no charge for day-use river or stock permits.
• During peak visitation periods permits are in high demand, and most sites are full...so plan alternate itineraries.
• A backcountry permit authorizes camping at designated backpacking sites in the Chisos Mountains or at designated backcountry roadside campsites along the rugged backcountry dirt roads. You must choose your campsite(s) at the time the permit is issued. Wilderness desert backpacking requires specifying a detailed itinerary for each night of your trip.

 

[bobcatag2006]

And the Ranch State Park shows reservations required as well for drive-in primitive sites:

Big Bend Ranch State Park Campsites — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

tpwd.texas.gov

 

[PearlLX470]

A brief preview of a few campsites looks like between 2 and 5 vehicles per site. Not sure how far in advance things will book up.

 

[meatloaf]

I called BBRSP and BBNP this morning...

Talked to a lady at the state park, she said to make reservations asap since park is staying full. They have closed on a couple of occasions because of staff getting sick with covid but plan to remain open unless national Covid numbers shoot up and county judge shuts the whole county down, She said that region relies on tourism so that is taken into consideration before shutdown. She encouraged us to reserve, follow safe practices and enjoy.

I could not get through at the national park. I'll try again but would assume it is similar to state...

Where does everyone want to go? I am flexible. My availability is Feb 8th - 13th (have to be home by 5pm on the 13th)

ML

 

[bobcatag2006]

I am still very interested. the week of the 8th-13th works for me ( or some portion of that week). I don't care where between the two parks as it'll be my first time to either so ill default to those with more experience for best places.

 

[bottombracket]

Interested. Let’s go!

 

[FXJ 96]

Man, I would have love to have been there to see this - if well provisioned. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/nation-world/national/article248203925.html

 

[MrBaconjr]

I’m in. FNG, but I do live out in Marfa. There are great alternatives to BBNP and BBRSP for camping near each park. I’m familiar with BBRSP, not as familiar as BBNP.

 

[meatloaf]

Sounds good @MrBaconjr.
Looking forward to meeting you

 

[meatloaf]

So, at this point it looks like @bottombracket, @bobcatag2006, @MrBaconjr, @92RedToy and myself...

@PearlLX470, @davegonz, @77mustard40, @TexFJ, @jhollander, @patride71, @JOSHD, @aljollano, still interested?

It would be nice to have someone who knows trails really good lead. I've been to national park 3X and state park 1X mostly following (and drinking beers) folks who knew the parks. First time was with @Mr Cimarron and @fl4031003 leading the way at national park. The other times my brother has led the way.

 

[PearlLX470]

Finalizing a few things at work this week and will know for sure by EOW. I have only been to the NP once never been to the SP.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I’d like to join y’all Luis. Look forward to seeing the dates

 

[meatloaf]

That’s great Jimmy! Dates are Feb. 8-13

 

[jhollander]

I'm going to have to pass. I won't be able to swing any days off.

Have a great time though and post some pictures!

 

[dannyfathom]

Hey everyone! Glad I checked this forum, I was already planning on going to BBNP or BBRSP (~2/5 - 2/13), but was a little worried about going solo since I've never been to BB, plus I'm pretty new to overlanding with a stock GX. Would love to meet up with y'all sometime during the trip!

 

[davegonz]

So, at this point it looks like @bottombracket, @bobcatag2006, @MrBaconjr, @92RedToy and myself...

@PearlLX470, @davegonz, @77mustard40, @TexFJ, @jhollander, @patride71, @JOSHD, @aljollano, still interested?

It would be nice to have someone who knows trails really good lead. I've been to national park 3X and state park 1X mostly following (and drinking beers) folks who knew the parks. First time was with @Mr Cimarron and @fl4031003 leading the way at national park. The other times my brother has led the way.

Still interested, but can't commit to anything in January just yet. Work is killing me right now coming back from being away for two weeks.

 

[patride71]

i could make it down there for that Friday, 2/12. I might see about taking off 2/11, so i could camp a few nights. TBD.