Space at Cottonwood March 4-7

[bzymom]

We have reseervations at Rio Grande Village for March 7-14 thanks to folks suggestions. We would like to spend a few days at Cottonwood campground March 4-7 do you think they will be full with dpring break folks at that time?

[RichardM]

According to http://www.tripsmarter.com/panamacity/springbreak/sbcalendar.htm, most of the Texas schools will be on spring break March 8-15 so there's a chance it won't be full.  Cottonwood is also typically the third choice for most folks (or at least it would be my third) of the campgrounds.

[bzymom]

Thanks. We have a 35 ft MH so few places we will fit. We thought it would be good to stay at different part of BB.  Why is cottonwood you third choice?

[RichardM]

My first choice of the three is the Chisos Basin, because it's close to the lodge and a lot of my favorite trails.  It's also centrally located.  RGV is close to the Hot Springs and has the store within walking distance of the campsites.  Cottonwood is more out of the way.  For some that's a plus.  Personally, if I wanted to get away, I'd either zone camp or stay at one of the backcountry roadside sites.  With a 35 ft MH, the Basin is out.  Hopefully you'll be towing a car so you can get up there for day hikes, etc.  I'd say splitting your time between RGV and Cottonwood is a good plan for you.

[jr ranger]

Also keep in mind that there are no hookups and you can't run your generator there , if that makes a difference to you. It is a beautiful, historical area of the park with lots to do and explore close by. 

[Roy]

There's one steep switchback on the road to Cottonwood;  might be a tight squeeze for a 35 footer.

[bzymom]

We had thought about backroad camping since we will be dry camping at cottonwood anyway. We were worried about driving the MH and pulling thr car- 50ft total done roads we aren't familair with.

What backroad campsites would we be able to get to and enjoy?

You are all being very helpful in assisting me with planning our first trip to BB

52 days and counting!

[bzymom]

"There's one steep switchback on the road to Cottonwood;  might be a tight squeeze for a 35 footer"

We will be coming to the park form Fort Davis, to get to Cottonwood what is the best route to take? I'm a bit concerned about the switchback, we are 50ft with the toad. We wanted to split our time our differernt areas of the park are there other places for us to camp?

[Roy]

I don't have experience driving that kind of rig, but I've seen RVs struggling to get up (or down) and around that part of the road.  I'd recommend talking to the Rangers, or maybe someone else on the Board can give you better info.  The road to Cottonwood and Santa Elena is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive;  if you come in the west (Maverick) entrance to the park you'll see the intersection about half way between the park entrance and the main visitors  center at Panther Junction.

The only campground I know you can get a rig that size is Rio Grande Village.  Backcountry road side camp sites that you might be able to access would be Croton Springs or Government Springs on the Grapevine Hills road. 

Link to the maps page of Big Bend's official site.

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