Backcountry camping recommendations needed

[BigBendWithKids]

We're going to Big Bend with our kids this November - hoping to get some advice on backcountry sites close to the main road (but not TOO close).  We've camped with them at Paint Gap #1 (beautiful, perfect location, coyote serenades at night), Nugent Mtn (nice but had neighbors), and Hannold Draw (ugh, especially the drive past all the construction materials stashed near the campsite).

Our main criteria is being close to the center of the park, not too far off the main road, and hopefully no neighbors.  I wish I could get a copy of the "bible" the rangers have of all the sites with pictures!  But short of that, what can you tell me about Paint Gap 2/3, Croton Springs, the Grapevine Hills sites, or K-Bar?  I want to try a new spot this year if we can't get our favorite again (PG #1).

Thanks for any and all advice!

[RichardM]

I wish I could get a copy of the "bible" the rangers have of all the sites with pictures!

I've never seen this "bible"....how does it differ from what's online?
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

I don't have any experience with backcountry camping in BIBE, but I can say that the Croton Springs site has two campsites and that it is a fairly popular trailhead parking spot for folks exploring that area.

[Al]

Given these limitations, Candelilla would be on my short list. It provides a sense of remoteness, is convenient to the Hot Springs and passenger cars can normally drive to it.

Al

http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps_ca.htm?eid=138169&root_aId=184

[BigBendWithKids]

Richard- the ranger guide actually has photos.  That's the main difference.  They used to be on the old BB website several years ago, but now most of the campsites just have "photos coming soon" notes.  Thanks for the tip on Croton Springs being a trailhead- are the campsites away from the parking area or is it pretty much just an open parking lot?

Al - Thank you! Candellila looks really nice (and surprise, there ARE photos on that one).  We usually stay closer to Panther Junction but it might be good to try something new for a change.  I'm putting it on the list.

Of course, will probably arrive at the park like last year and find we're stuck at Hannold Draw again, but it's nice to dream!

[RichardM]

Richard- the ranger guide actually has photos.  That's the main difference.  They used to be on the old BB website several years ago, but now most of the campsites just have "photos coming soon" notes.  Thanks for the tip on Croton Springs being a trailhead- are the campsites away from the parking area or is it pretty much just an open parking lot?

Yeah, the former BIBE Webmaster left for his new job before he could finish getting all the pictures updated and online. Guess the new webmaster has other priorities.

Croton is pretty much just a big flat open parking area with the "campsites" on either side.

[bdann]

PG2 & 3 are pretty similar to PG1, just further down the road.  Easy drive though. 

[bdann]

Nice views from Croton, easy access, cool area to explore, but due to the traffic it is not my favorite site. 

[BigBendWithKids]

Thanks for the info on PG 2/3 and Croton.  I never knew there was a hiking trail for Croton Springs - might have to try it sometime, but I'll plan on avoiding the campsites.

Does anyone have info on K-Bar 1 and 2?  It sounds like the K-Bar sites are far apart, but there is trailhead near #2.  Is this a busy area also?

[slowlow]

I stayed at K Bar1 last November. It was not too bad. Easy access to the visitor center and the store. Road is not a problem for a passenger car. Not a lot to do as it was mostly thick with prickly brush and cactus. Only had one vehicle go by down to K Bar 2 at the end. I ranked it a 5 on a 1-10 scale. Spent the next two nights at PC4 and I ranked it a 9.

[Roy]

Actually, PG 2&3 are more closed in with vegetation, I think there used to be a stock tank there;   and they are right next to each other, share the same parking area, kind of like Nugent.  Might not have the unobstructed views, but there's at least a little shade.  The sites at Grapevine are back in even heavier growth, unless they've cut it back.

The trail at Croton isn't developed, but it's not that hard to follow, either.  The trailhead at K_Bar leads through Estufa Canyon to Banta Shutin.

Personally I'd go with Al's suggestion of Candelilla.  A little farther from the pavement and "civilization" than PG1, but great views;  a nice site.  
Or maybe consider Chimneys West site?
 

[whickums]

I would like to plug the Pine Canyon sites, particularly PC4.  All but PC3 have excellent views of the Sierra del Carmen, but PC3 is quite private- you can't even see the road and you're only like 15 feet from it. 

[Al]

I really like PC3 too.  It's well separated from the other sites and has a great view.  Some folks might think it's too far off the pavement, but it really isn't.  One year, while staying in a cabin in the basin, I drove my Mom and wife to and from one of the Pine Canyon sites just to cook them a tailgate dinner so they could watch the sun go down and see the del Carmens glow red while enjoying dinner. That night it was a bit windy but they enjoyed it.

Al

[Cookie]

You didn't mention what type of vehicle you will be in, but if you have high clearance/4WD there are some great spots.
We love the desert backcountry camping and spend most of our time there or up on the rim. We haven't stayed in any of the campgrounds and hope to keep it that way.

Pine Canyon spots are great and the hike up to the waterfall at the end of the canyon is great with kids, our 5 year old loves that one. The view of the Chisos from Rice Tank #2 is great, but you do roll the dice with having neighbors around the corner of the tank. It's about 20-25 minutes from pavement.

Roys Peak site has a fun day hike over to Tornillo Creek with some great geology.

Glenn Springs site near the springs is fun to explore around. There is a great double wash you can hike up and then walk the road back or come down the other way, with lots of rock scrambling for the kids. Be sure and get the site near the springs, nestled in the brush. The view is not as good as the other, but it is more private, and close to the cemetery. There are plenty of good vistas to climb to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

We stayed at paint gap 4 before a backpacking trip last December, and it wasn't bad. You are stuck down in the 'canyon' so there isn't much of a view unless you are willing to trailblaze up. You also need high clearance/good tires. I felt like we were in a bit of a hole, but it did have some protection. #2/3 seemed right on the road if I remember correctly.

Hope that helps. Have a great trip!
~Cookie

[Lorax]

Rattlesnake Mountain is off the Old Maverick Road.  While it is not central in location, it is accessible to a car.  It's a few miles from Maverick Junction.  As a single site it provides solitude and great views into the badlands around Terlingua.

[BigBendWithKids]

Thanks for all the additional replies and recommendations.  I have a nice list now to take in to the ranger station when we get there!

We do have a high-clearance vehicle but after having a flat tire in Big Bend on a previous trip (and having to drive all the way to Ft. Stockton to get it fixed) we try to stay off the primitive dirt roads as much as possible.  That rules out some of the more remote sites.