Priority list for choosing backcountry sites

[saillaw]

Hello this is my first post to the forum but I've enjoyed reading the threads and all the great information in here.

My family and I just returned to the USA (Houston) last March after spending the previous 6 years living in the Middle East (I was sent there for work).  There wasn't much to do there and so we tried our hand at camping in the desert and off-roading and ended up loving it.  We spent ten or so weekends each cool season (November through March) camping in the desert and will always cherish the memories of those trips.

Now that we are back in the USA, we really miss camping in the desert and mountains and the closest thing I can see to Houston that would help quench that hunger is Big Bend.  So, were going to head there at the end of next week (plan to leave Houston the 11th of March) and would like to spend 3 or 4 nights camping in the back country (we’re then going to head to Carlsbad for two nights before returning to Houston).

I understand from other similar threads that since this period is spring break our choices of back country camping spots will probably be very limited.  And several of the threads have advised that we should be flexible with our choices and have a list in hand of places we would like to stay.

That’s where I would appreciate your input:  Not having been to Big Bend since I was a 15 year old Boy Scout on my way to Phillmont, I’m having a difficult time choosing the spots where I would like to go.  So many of them sound great and it’s hard to judge what would be best, much less a priority.  Would any of you have a suggested list of campsites that I should have in my hand when I go into the ranger’s station to get our back country permit?

Some additional information that might help in formulating any recommendations: 
1)  We will be in a Toyota Tundra 4x4 (new body style but no lift, and standard tires and wheels). 
2) There will be four of us, me, my wife, my 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son. 

Because of #2, I’d rather not end up at a site next to a cliff or too close to the river.

Extra bonus questions:
If you are staying in a Back country site, are you allowed to stop by the improved sites to use the shower facilities?
Is it common during the day to leave your tent set up at your back country site when you drive to see another area or go for a hike?

Thanks in advance for any input or thoughts, I appreciate the help!

[jeffblaylock]

You're going to be arriving during Spring Break, the busiest time of the year, and may have a hard time finding available roadside sites (especially the really good ones other folks will recommend below this post). With some flexibility and luck, you might be able to string together an itinerary that puts you in designated spots (where you can park by your tents) most of the nights. Otherwise your best bet is to zone camp, which is to hike away from the road in undesignated places, and you may have to do this at times.

[Al]

Hello this is my first post to the forum but I've enjoyed reading the threads and all the great information in here.

My family and I just returned to the USA (Houston) last March after spending the previous 6 years living in the Middle East (I was sent there for work).  There wasn't much to do there and so we tried our hand at camping in the desert and off-roading and ended up loving it.  We spent ten or so weekends each cool season (November through March) camping in the desert and will always cherish the memories of those trips.

Now that we are back in the USA, we really miss camping in the desert and mountains and the closest thing I can see to Houston that would help quench that hunger is Big Bend.  So, were going to head there at the end of next week (plan to leave Houston the 11th of March) and would like to spend 3 or 4 nights camping in the back country (we’re then going to head to Carlsbad for two nights before returning to Houston).

I understand from other similar threads that since this period is spring break our choices of back country camping spots will probably be very limited.  And several of the threads have advised that we should be flexible with our choices and have a list in hand of places we would like to stay.

That’s where I would appreciate your input:  Not having been to Big Bend since I was a 15 year old Boy Scout on my way to Phillmont, I’m having a difficult time choosing the spots where I would like to go.  So many of them sound great and it’s hard to judge what would be best, much less a priority.  Would any of you have a suggested list of campsites that I should have in my hand when I go into the ranger’s station to get our back country permit?

Some additional information that might help in formulating any recommendations: 
1)  We will be in a Toyota Tundra 4x4 (new body style but no lift, and standard tires and wheels). 
2) There will be four of us, me, my wife, my 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son. 

Because of #2, I’d rather not end up at a site next to a cliff or too close to the river.

Extra bonus questions:
If you are staying in a Back country site, are you allowed to stop by the improved sites to use the shower facilities?
Is it common during the day to leave your tent set up at your back country site when you drive to see another area or go for a hike?

Thanks in advance for any input or thoughts, I appreciate the help!

Last stuff first.  If you are at a primitive site (your truck should have no trouble getting anywhere in the park unless it just rained), particularly the ones that may be available during spring break it will most likely be two or three hours round trip drive to a shower, which is limited to Rio Grande Village or outside of the park in Study Butte (which are pay showers) unless you stay at the lodge or in a cabin neither of which are likely available.  Soooo, plan on bringing a lot of water, a way to heat it and to provide privacy.    Many of the primitive sites are single sites so there will be no one around to bug you except the occasional ranger.  It is common to leave your tent when you hike.  Chances are available sites will be limited if available at all so, as far as a fallback, you may want to consider going to Big Bend Ranch State Park instead. You might want to research it too.  It's hard to recommend fall back sites in the national park when all that will likely be available are fall back sites.

Al

[Al]

P.S.  Plus in BBRSP there are some really nice primitive sites that are an easy drive to Sauceda where the park's amenities are AND you can have a wood ground fire.  With that gaggle I would probably prefer the state park, during spring break, after a little more thought.

Al

[Geezer]

Much off-trail hiking in BB desert with small children may result in some puncture wounds as most of the vegetation has thorns or spines. I throw this in because my picture of mid-east deserts is big rolling dunes with no vegetation. Best rule for kids: Do not touch the vegetation!

Re zone camping: Even hiking away from your truck along an established trail until you find a usable campsite could be a challenge for small children.

Maybe the state park is best option.

Geezer

[elhombre]

For ease of getting around, I would try to get any site down Paint Gap road first.  #2 and #3 are right next to each other, so those would be my last choice if open.  Pine Canyon road sites would be next in line.  After that, I would move down to the sites on the Glenn Springs Road from pavement to the actual Glenn Springs.  Next in line would be Juniper Canyon Road.  These sites are nicer than some mentioned earlier, but they are a long way (1.25 hrs +) from pavement.  I finally would end my desired choices on the campsites on lower Old Ore Road up to La Noria.   

My least desirable spots would be anywhere on River Road.  Too much ranger involvement, too many spring breakers driving around, and the border is always an unknown (that's why the rangers are around the area so much).

[saillaw]

Thanks everyone for the good feedback.  I also got some useful suggestions in PM's and appreciate that too.

I'll be sure to report on our experiences