First Timer - Visiting March 16-21 - With Kids

[BigMac]

Been lurking for a while but wanted to engage the brain trust now that my plans are firming up.

Traveling to BB March 16-21 with the wife and two daughters (ages 2 & 6).   Yep, I know that that is spring break time but that is the only time we can go b/c of school schedules. 

Not really fixed for Zone camping either equipment-wise and b/c of the little one.  Have a mountaineer (NOT 4x4).

Would really love to Roadside camp if we can snag a spot. 

So, here are my questions:

1) Am I flat out of my mind to think I might get a roadside camp spot during this time period?
2) If you think it is possible, what is my best strategy?    (My thinking was to find a place to camp just outside the part the first night and then to make a run to the station to try to secure a spot and keep trying each day until I get one.)
3) If my strategy is sound, can y'all help me hone it a little?  Where would be the best outside-the-park spots to reserve a camping spot?  And, importantly, what is the best time of day to hit the ranger station to check on openings?

Many thanks.
Mac.

[Sotol Vista]

Your chances could be good/bad depending on the crowd and how many want a road side camp site. Big Bend in Spring Break is not like Spring Break in other National Parks.

You can only make reservations for the road side camp sites a day or so in advance. If you want multiple nights in separate sites, get all of them done under 1 permit so it will only cost you $10. you can always change your permit with out charge.

There are many road side sites you can easily make it the Mountaineer, slow and easy and your fine. watch out for cactus as they can easily puncture your tire. if you have an air pump or fix-a-flat, bring them.

You can make it down the road to Ernst Tinaja , a few sites back there.  Croton Spring is real easy to get to not far from the main road at all. Grapevine Hills is another one, easy to get to , but a little bit longer road.

a few little bit rougher, but doable roads are Down Glenn Spring Road, 2 sites out there Glenn Spring 1 has a pretty good down grade that is rutted, use caution. And a few sites down Pine Canyon Road.

There are several places to camp out side the park. some in Study Butte on the West side, and Stillwells on the North East side.

No shade at the road side sites except for what you make. Have tons of water, it can get pretty darn hot there for Spring Time. Plus have cool weather cloths as well, as it can cool down at night.

James

[Zopilote]

Mac,Mac,Mac,:  I think it's really great that you want the Big Bend expeience for you and the girls.
But, the reality is , that there is no ""roadside camping", i believe  it's called "primitive camp sites".
"Primitive", being  in the eye of the beholder, or something like that. Anyway, what i am trying to say is that BiBe is one of the best places in the US. So take time time to make sure that the first expeience is a good one. The Hot Springs are fun for kids. The Ghoastown doesn't have any ghoasts, i don't know what more to say, i guess i'm just glad i'm not a kid.
ZZZZ
 

[BigMac]

Zo,Zo,Zo - Actually there is roadside camping in Bibe.  It's called "Backcountry Roadside Campsites" by NPS.  See http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

Just in case there was any confusion, that is what I was looking at.

Thank you for the good wishes though.  The girls love to camp and I'm sure they are going to love Bibe.  If you have any thoughts on my actual questions I would appreciate the input.  Take care.

Mac

[Al]

Been lurking for a while but wanted to engage the brain trust now that my plans are firming up.

Traveling to BB March 16-21 with the wife and two daughters (ages 2 & 6).   Yep, I know that that is spring break time but that is the only time we can go b/c of school schedules. 

Not really fixed for Zone camping either equipment-wise and b/c of the little one.  Have a mountaineer (NOT 4x4).

Would really love to Roadside camp if we can snag a spot. 

So, here are my questions:

1) Am I flat out of my mind to think I might get a roadside camp spot during this time period?
2) If you think it is possible, what is my best strategy?    (My thinking was to find a place to camp just outside the part the first night and then to make a run to the station to try to secure a spot and keep trying each day until I get one.)
3) If my strategy is sound, can y'all help me hone it a little?  Where would be the best outside-the-park spots to reserve a camping spot?  And, importantly, what is the best time of day to hit the ranger station to check on openings?

Many thanks.
Mac.

Your best strategy is to get to Panther Junction as soon as possible and get a continuous permit for the rest of your trip.  Ask the ranger what sites are available and take your pick.  You may have to stay in a campground a night or two but assuming you have at least a high-clearance vehicle you should be able to get a permit for some time in the back country.  Expect all of the easy access sites to be booked.  I would plan on staying in the park the entire time so you will have a continuous permit.

Al

[elhombre]

If you are planning on sleeping out in the desert for the first time, please practice with your kids on how to go to the bathroom out there.  Just as I had to teach my daughter when we first started going out there, your kids need to expect or practice going over a hole before you show up.  This includes dealing with shoving used TP in a plastic bag for correct disposal.  This SMALL act can make or break the outdoor experience for little ones.

I was reminded of this situation just this year with my cousins.

There are now quite a few places out in the desert which your car can easily make it.  The nice thing about spring break is that there are so many people in the park that if you have car problems, someone will drive by within a short time if you need help.  Have fun.

[catz]

I agree that you do not normally need 4 wheel drive on nearly all of the dirt roads in Big Bend.  High clearance is desirable (meaning higher clearance than a normal sedan has).  Just drive slowly.  The exception would be if it's been raining.  Even then, some of the roads should still be passable, but it does become dicier.  Check with the rangers.

If no places are available inside the park, I would recommend Stillwell's, located just north and several miles east of the park's north entrance.  It has running water bathrooms, showers, and a small store.

Inside the park, be advised that the backcountry sites outside of the three formal campgrounds are truly primitive--no tables, no water, no grill, no trash can, no nothing.  Just a clearing in the desert sand.