Not so odd question for you regulars

[haldodd]

If I pull in on thursday, get a site in the Chisos, head out Friday for the south Rim, spend the night up there, come back to the campground on Saturday, Will I still have my site and will my car be safe?

[SHANEA]

Occupied sites may not be unattended for more than 24 hours.  Page 6 of the Superintendents Compendium.  Just about every rule/regulation is contained in the Compendium.

See also the NPS BIBE Webpage for all information on the rules of the land...

Now, during the low season right now, probably "not" a problem.  Check with the campground host up there, if there is one.  I have seen a Ranger rummaging through a camp that was unoccupied for more  than 24 hours - a year ago May and he pulled all the stuff out of the bear box, cooler, etc. and took it with him.  Tents were flattened during a rain storm.  Not sure what he did with those.  The campers were on a two full day river trip.

BTW - not an odd question at all.  Wish I was going to be there with you.  I may have to get to Betty Ford's clinic b4 too long unless I get a BIBE Fix...  SOON.

[RichardM]

If I pull in on thursday, get a site in the Chisos, head out Friday for the south Rim, spend the night up there, come back to the campground on Saturday, Will I still have my site and will my car be safe?

Your car will be safe, but like Shane said, check with the campground host to see if you can leave your campsite set up.  If there aren't many crowds, you might be better off stowing everything in your car and leaving it parked up in the parking lot by the store and lodge.  That way you wouldn't be paying for the backcountry permit and the campsite for the same night.  You'd save enough money to pay for a cheeseburger and a Fat Tire.  :chug:

[JeffB]

I recommend you pack up your site and leave your stuff and vehicle in the Chisos lodge parking area.  No need to occupy a site while you're off backpacking.  Then reclaim a site when you get back from your awesome backpacking trip.

Its a great idea to use a basin campsite to spread out your stuff and decide what to take on the journey.  After loading packs we abandon the site for others to enjoy while we're gone.  After several days hiking the mountains we head to Study Butte for a (coin operated)  shower and a good meal at Chile Pepper then back to the Basin to plan the next hike.

Enjoy and post some pictures for the rest of us.

[Casa Grande]

I recommend you pack up your site and leave your stuff and vehicle in the Chisos lodge parking area.  No need to occupy a site while you're off backpacking.  Then reclaim a site when you get back from your awesome backpacking trip.

Its a great idea to use a basin campsite to spread out your stuff and decide what to take on the journey.  After loading packs we abandon the site for others to enjoy while we're gone.  After several days hiking the mountains we head to Study Butte for a (coin operated)  shower and a good meal at Chile Pepper then back to the Basin to plan the next hike.

Enjoy and post some pictures for the rest of us.

Your car will be safe, but like Shane said, check with the campground host to see if you can leave your campsite set up. If there aren't many crowds, you might be better off stowing everything in your car and leaving it parked up in the parking lot by the store and lodge. That way you wouldn't be paying for the backcountry permit and the campsite for the same night. You'd save enough money to pay for a cheeseburger and a Fat Tire.

this is good advice

[bdann]

There's also the old rubber snake trick.

I'm pretty sure Shane is familiar with that trick.

[SHANEA]

Keeping a site open is always the best option.

Yes, please keep a site open.  Nothing worse going into a camp ground for a one nighter or something and finding no room at the inn, but multiple campsites setup with no one home.  Limited supply, lots of demand.

Of course, having a reserved site and finding someone roosting in it is not fun either.  Balmorhea is bad about this.  Lots of RV's will sneak off of I-10 for a night @ Balmorhea w/o paying, etc.  Pulled in late one night with a reserved site, prepaid, and the entire campground was full to beyond capacity.  Huge sign was left for me at the entrance gate - SHANEA Campsite #XYZ.   Ended up having to bang on the door of a 5th wheel and roust the occupants and get them to "move along little doggie".  Wasn't too happy with me.  Acted like it was my fault.  Said he didn't see the huge sign indicating camp ground full.   He  finally, begrudgingly moved along.

[Undertaker]

Skunk is better option, but if I am camping usually pack all in truck park in basin while hiking, although you hurry trip would be within 24 hour rule, smell roses, enjoy and you don't have to rush.

[STARLITDARKNESS3]

Spring Break 2007, I had reserved a group site for a party of 14 or so in the Chisos Group campground.  When we got there it was occupied, We had planned to set up early and before too long, 3 of us were to head out to the south rim.  Not so, our site was occupied and we had to wait for them to finish their morning adventure. When they returned around 13:00, they were quite upset that we were sitting at "their" table.  They left and brought backup (camp host) who, at the end, found them another site.  Day was lost to non-planning, non-paying individuals.  We had a late start but managed to enjoy our hike to the rim.... who wouldn't.

[haldodd]

Thanks for all the advice, I am going to do the hike on thursday and just round trip it.  I hear several of you might be there this weekend.  I met some of you last year as David was getting married.  Hope to see you again.