re: Big Bend Camping Info

We camped there in late May of last year. The Chisos Basin campground is the only rational option due to its elevation. The others will be too damn hot. Get there fairly early to get a decent spot. It was full when we were there but I think that is a bit unusual. If you like hiking go mostly on high altitude hikes (Boot Canyon and beyond is a nice one). It was close to 110 degrees on the Rio Grande. Kayaking tours are a long way away from the campground (at least an hour drive) but I think they would probably be a great thing to do if not terribly hot. Definitely check out Terlingua and the Starlight Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Hiking into Santa Elena canyon is a good hike for the morning. The hot springs that is next to the Rio Grande is worth a stop. You can cross the river into Mexico if you want now at an official border crossing (passport needed). The campers next to us thought it was a decent day trip.

Oh, and Black Bears have crossed from Mexico into the park so you may see some of them. And a Mountain Lion was seen at the campground.