Trip coming up and all the sites are gone..... really?

[Texan4life]

I seem to have run into the same problem as MuleEarMick..... there is not a single campsite in the basin avalible for early April. I have never had a problem in the past finding a site in early apr. I read through the previous threads about new reservation blackouts, but this is not during spring break. Should I reserve a site in the RGV just to play it safe incase all the sites really are gone? Or is this a glitch and there will be plenty of sites? This is kind of a last minute trip and I'm trying to throw together for some friends of mine who have never been, i don't want to mess this up :D  Thanks ya'll..

[Casa Grande]

.... there is not a single campsite in the basin avalible for early April.

that seems odd to me too

[Texan4life]

.... there is not a single campsite in the basin avalible for early April.

that seems odd to me too

You think I should reserve a site at RGV or do you think that there will be sites in the basin?

[SHANEA]

You think I should reserve a site at RGV or do you think that there will be sites in the basin?

If you absolutely positively have to have a campsite instead of a road-side, Basin if available, etc., then by all means I'd reserve a spot @ RGV.  It makes it so hard to "coordinate" trips to BIBE w/o being able to reserve a definate spot.  With my 12ish hour drive out there, and many times coordinating with others coming from other parts of the state, it can be a real pain to arrive at PJ prior to closing time to secure a spot.  That's one thing that BBRSP has up on BIBE, they will reserve specific roadside camping spots for you.  Of course, you still have to arrive at the check-in spot prior to closing to get the combo to the gate.

[Casa Grande]

.... there is not a single campsite in the basin avalible for early April.

that seems odd to me too

You think I should reserve a site at RGV or do you think that there will be sites in the basin?

i would think there would be sites in the basin, but one could never tell.  Perhaps it would be wise to go ahead and reserve RGV as a backup...that is, of course, unless you are willing to try and reserver a roadside out in the desert....you don't have to have high clearance on all the campsites.

[Texan4life]

I will be arriving middle of the night on thursday the 5th, so I would have first pick friday morning. I think there will be some basin sites open. I have never camped roadside in the desert before, always at the basin or rgv. Any suggestions on backcountry sites? I saw one on the road to pine canyon in oct. that I liked, yes.... no....

[Casa Grande]

Any suggestions on backcountry sites? I saw one on the road to pine canyon in oct. that I liked, yes.... no....

what kind of vehicle do you have?

[SHANEA]

Any suggestions on backcountry sites?

Which side of the park will you be "working" - ie. no point in camping up at Nine Point if you are going to be hiking most of the time over @ Burro Mesa.

[Texan4life]

Any suggestions on backcountry sites? I saw one on the road to pine canyon in oct. that I liked, yes.... no....

what kind of vehicle do you have?

F-150... I've made it on most of the roads out there, I just take it slow. We might be pulling my friends jeep down there.... ya think thats worth the trouble? I would finally be able to drive Black Gap :D

[Texan4life]

Any suggestions on backcountry sites?

Which side of the park will you be "working" - ie. no point in camping up at Nine Point if you are going to be hiking most of the time over @ Burro Mesa.

Well, I am taking a couple who has never been before. I'm thinking lost mine one day, maybe Emory Peak one day, and a couple days just wondering the desert(mines and ernst tinaja) I think it will be a fun trip, I've never been the "guide". I have been addicted since I was 13, now its my turn to spread the BiBe fever to some rookies! :D

[RichardM]

Remember, only about half of the sites in the Basin are reservable.  The rest are first-come, first-served.  Of course, that doesn't mean they'll be available, either....  :?

[Texan4life]

Remember, only about half of the sites in the Basin are reservable.  The rest are first-come, first-served.  Of course, that doesn't mean they'll be available, either....  :?

I think that as long as I get there first thing Friday morning I might beat the weekend crowd... maybe not, but at least I'm staying positive!

[01ACRViper]

Remember, only about half of the sites in the Basin are reservable.  The rest are first-come, first-served.  Of course, that doesn't mean they'll be available, either....  :?

I think that as long as I get there first thing Friday morning I might beat the weekend crowd... maybe not, but at least I'm staying positive!

you'll beat the weekend crowd for sure. i left austin early the day after christmas (~3am) so i could beat the post christmas rush, and i was ahead of the crowd. i didnt try to reserve any sites in the basin, but a head start on the rush will be very good in your favor.

[Casa Grande]

Any suggestions on backcountry sites? I saw one on the road to pine canyon in oct. that I liked, yes.... no....

what kind of vehicle do you have?

F-150... I've made it on most of the roads out there, I just take it slow. We might be pulling my friends jeep down there.... ya think thats worth the trouble? I would finally be able to drive Black Gap :D

fairly easy to get to* desert roadside campsites that I like:

1. Nine Point Draw
2. Chimneys off Maverick Road
3. Glenn Spring #2
4. Paint Gap #3

A bit more interesting to get to* desert roadside campsites that I like (high clearance a must; 4x4 recommended):

1. Fresno!
2. Elephant Tusk
3. Roy's Peak
4. Ernst Tinaja #2

*check road conditions with PJ when you get there

[Texan4life]

Thanks for the help guys!