Trailers in Basin

[Jerry G]

Planning an October trip with a couple that is a newbie to BB.  They have a 25' RV, we have a 21' trailer.  Any problems getting to Basin campground and sites large enough?  I know recommendation is 24' RV, but as this is a recommendation, is it really that big a problem?  Thanks for your input.

[Al]

Planning an October trip with a couple that is a newbie to BB.  They have a 25' RV, we have a 21' trailer.  Any problems getting to Basin campground and sites large enough?  I know recommendation is 24' RV, but as this is a recommendation, is it really that big a problem?  Thanks for your input.

The park "recommends" trailers should be limited to 20'. 

http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/basin_campground.htm

There are a couple of sharp 180 degree switchbacks in the road down into the basin.  If planning to pull a trailer in excess of 20' up into the basin I would call the park to discuss.  It's probably possible but may also present a traffic hazard particularly to traffic coming the other way.

Al

[Doc Savage]

yep those are some tight turns, and there is a grade to them also, not flat. I've had my 31' motor home and before that my 21' trailer in some tight places on Jeep events, but not like that drive. I wouldn't want to risk it without someone blocking the road, and even then there is a possibility of dragging depending on your overhang.

Robert

[SHANEA]

That's why there is Rio Grande Village.

[iCe]

  When I drive the road into the basin in my pickup there are some curves that I look out of my passenger side window to see who's coming and where I am going. Kind of like when cranking through the twisties on a bike... look where you are going not where you are... I wouldn't want to make the trip with a big trailer...

[fartymarty]

I have seen some very large buses and delivery trucks come in there but they usually have a guy in a pickup/flagman blocking the road for them
one or two curves ahead.

Good luck..be safe.

[fc7cuda]

ALong with the previous responses, also consider your experience pulling a trailer in the mountians.  It can be done, just go slow and have help....

[perterra]

Basin is a great place to visit but it's entirely too crowded to me to camp there. I'm usually looking for solitude and the basin aint it. I always stay at Cottonwood if I drag the camper.

[jim2]

sounds like a bad idea to me! better call the park.

[dkerr24]

I'd stick with Cottonwood if I was bringing an RV.  That basin road is too sharp and very steep grade.  Not worth risking a big investment like an RV if you want my opinion.

[SHANEA]

There are NO hook-ups in the Basin and you can't run the generator 24/7 and you probably couldn't even find a spot for a 25' RV.  Your not even allowed to run a garden hose from the water spigot to your RV.

Cottonwood is a NO GENERATOR ZONE. 

I've taken my pop-up camper up there many times and it is white knuckle driving up there and then back down.  Fortunately the trailer has trailer brakes.    Problem is, that when you get up there - there are are a very limited number of sites that will work for a pop-up camper.

[Jim]

I've done a lot of volunteer work in the park over the past several years and have taken my 26' travel trailer to the Basin with no problems whatsoever.  I originally wondered about the switchbacks, too, but was able to slowly navigate through them without crossing into the other lane - so I guess it boils down to your comfort level and experience pulling a trailer.  During the summer time, I don't think of RGV or Cottonwood campgrounds as viable alternatives (for me) due to the heat.

There are probably a half-dozen sites in the Basin campground that will accommodate a travel trailer.  My favorite is #29 - a pull through site.  I have also stayed at sites 2, 13, 22 and 27 in my rig.  Of course you have to dry camp, but I actually enjoy that challenge.  There is a dump station near site 11.  I occasionally use a generator to recharge batteries.  They are allowed between 8AM and 8PM in the "upper" part of the campground, but I try to minimize its use.

You might want to check out http://www.bigbendpartners.com/NEWBCG.HTM for campground and individual site info that I've compiled.

[huachuca]

We've camped in the Basin numerous times with our 16' Scamp without a problem and every campground host I can recall that worked there had fifth wheels or class A's larger than either of your units.  Site 42 is our favorite but would probably be too small even for your 21' unless you parked your tow in the overflow lot.  I'd guess there are a half dozen or so sites that would accommodate either of you.

Having said that, my recommendation would be to drop one of the campers in the parking area located on the right as you turn onto the Basin road and scout the route and campground layout with just your tow first.  If you can find suitable sites and feel comfortable with your ability to get in and out with your campers, go for it.  Should you decide to camp there, I'd have somone on foot go ahead to stop oncoming traffic on the four or five hairpins that must be negotiated.  Take the curves wide and I'd think you'd be OK.

We like the Basin for its proximity to the trails and often use it as a base for overnighters on the South Rim.  I'd also consider the Cottonwood campground or even RGV (Not the RV park) if you have several days to spend in BB.   Each one has something different to offer and I think gives you a better feel for the area.  You might even think about one of the more accessible roadsite sites - check with the staff for  conditions.

Have fun - wish we were there