Chisos Basin campground at Big Bend

Mike Lewis · 02-24-2015, 10:05 PM

I've been to Big Bend National Park a few times, but so far not with my Escape 21. I was wondering if anyone with a 21 has camped at the Chisos Basin campground. The Big Bend NP website says trailers over 20 feet long are "not recommended", but I'd be tempted to try. So, has anyone camped there with a 21?

**rbryan4** · 02-24-2015, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I've been to Big Bend National Park a few times, but so far not with my Escape 21. I was wondering if anyone with a 21 has camped at the Chisos Basin campground. The Big Bend NP website says trailers over 20 feet long are "not recommended", but I'd be tempted to try. So, has anyone camped there with a 21?

I wouldn't hesitate to camp at Chisos with a 19, so I hardly see how a 21 is a problem. The campsites are "smallish" but there aren't any trees to block a bigger rig from backing in. There are also a few pull throughs. The road in is also fine for a 21. I've definitely seen bigger rigs there. I'd say go for it.

**rbryan4** · 02-24-2015, 11:39 PM

Should have added this though Mike: there are two or three hairpin turns on the road into the campground if I remember. The reason they don't "recommend" trailers over 20 feet is that the hairpins may require you to nudge into the oncoming traffic lane a bit. I don't think its a big deal, but FYI.

Greggo · 02-25-2015, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I've been to Big Bend National Park a few times, but so far not with my Escape 21. I was wondering if anyone with a 21 has camped at the Chisos Basin campground. The Big Bend NP website says trailers over 20 feet long are "not recommended", but I'd be tempted to try. So, has anyone camped there with a 21?

Thanks for bringing this up. It's on our radar for November during the Terlingua Chili Cookoff. If you look on Google Earth, you can see what look to me like a couple larger RV's up there. I read on a campsite review website (RVParkReview.com?) that under 30 would be ok. I'm going to try it with the 19.

Speaking of the chili cookoff, anybody been? I hear anything from a fun outing to wild drunken bikers. At this stage of my life, I think I prefer the former...

**rbryan4** · 02-25-2015, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greggo

Thanks for bringing this up. It's on our radar for November during the Terlingua Chili Cookoff. If you look on Google Earth, you can see what look to me like a couple larger RV's up there. I read on a campsite review website (RVParkReview.com?) that under 30 would be ok. I'm going to try it with the 19.

Speaking of the chili cookoff, anybody been? I hear anything from a fun outing to wild drunken bikers. At this stage of my life, I think I prefer the former...

Terlingua is both of those Greg, and everything in between. There are two cookoffs, and both of them claim to be the "original" and the best. Both of them turn into a party and the chili kind of takes a back seat.

I'd say if you're a biker, or senior, or family looking for a fun outing they have something for everybody. In some ways its like Mardi Gras in the desert, but nowhere near as crazy. Plenty of family folks and tamer venues. The photos on this page give you a feel for it:

The Ghost Town in Terlingua, Texas, is the home of the Big Bend Holiday Hotel, the Terlingua Trading Company, and the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Bar.

Bill and Earline · 02-25-2015, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I've been to Big Bend National Park a few times, but so far not with my Escape 21. I was wondering if anyone with a 21 has camped at the Chisos Basin campground. The Big Bend NP website says trailers over 20 feet long are "not recommended", but I'd be tempted to try. So, has anyone camped there with a 21?

Mike,
We stayed south for our initial trip home in November, and stopped at Big Bend with our 21'. We towed up to Chisos for a look for a quick visit, but didn't spend the night, although there was room. The road gets a little interesting at a couple of points, but in the off-season shouldn't be a problem. The grade up to Chisos is gradual but on the steeper side, so watch your temps. Definitely worth going, since the sandy camp site down near the river seemed less inviting to us.
Bill

sjnuss · 02-25-2015, 08:16 AM

We were there just a few weeks ago but with a 19'. I agree with pretty much all that is stated above. The CG hosts live in larger class A's so yes you can get up there. My advice would be to go up and stop at the sign in area then walk the CG to find a spot. We made a wrong turn and had to backup up a bit in the CG. The CG itself can be quite tight and of the 60 sites most are not suitable for our sized rigs but we did find a great pull thru site.

Steve

sjnuss · 02-25-2015, 08:31 AM

Although this shot does not give you the best idea of the CG setup, the views are quite nice!

sjnuss · 02-25-2015, 08:41 AM

And a fun photo with the clear night sky.

Mike Lewis · 02-25-2015, 10:38 AM

Okay. I've been to Chisos Basin and knew about the switchbacks on the road, I had just wondered if there was any other reason for the length restriction. Apparently there isn't, at least for a 21-foot trailer.

While discussing Big Bend, has anyone camped at the Cottonwood campground at Castelon?

alanmalk · 02-25-2015, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

While discussing Big Bend, has anyone camped at the Cottonwood campground at Castelon?

We were there over Thanksgiving - in tents. Far fewer people use Cottonwood than the two other "big ones" - which makes it all that more attractive for us. The individual sites seem a tad bigger than RGV and are probably a lot bigger than Chisos Basin. We were entertained by various raptors, owls and javelinas almost every evening. The trees are big but not too close together so you probably can get direct sun on your solar most of the day if you park wisely.

PM me if you want to go into more detail.

--
Alan

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