Big Bend Natl Park on March 6-8

[TwoShoes]

We have a trip planned in April for the south rim. The group over at http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/fo...p?action=forum will be able to answer any question you have about Big Bend, this is their heavan on earth. Great group!

[Scottybdiving]

Nice forum. Looks like a good source for current information.

It looks like the better hanging opportunities in Chisos Basin would be the backcountry campsites. Trees look pretty sparse at the CB campgound. The main reason to go there is for the backcountry trails or to escape the heat. There are several day hikes from there, but I have never done any of them.

If car (base) camping, Cottonwood Campground looks best, with lots of trees, including a group (max 25 people) camp site. That's probably not necessary. They allow a max of 8 people, 4 tents, and 2 cars at each camp site. It is considerably lower elevation, and near the river. This shouldn't be a problem in March. There are many back country car camping sites but probably few hanging opportunities. Their photo links for these are under construction. Last time I was there, I wasn't looking from a hammock perspective.

[UncleMJM]

I've been watching this thread with great interest and although not at a point where I can fully commit, you can put me on the "definate maybe" list if there's still room in the limited trees.

[KerMegan]

But watch out for the "spring break " crowds..

[oldgringo]

If I make the drive, there WILL be a hammock stand in the truck.

[MacEntyre]

But watch out for the "spring break " crowds..

Hmmm... turns out we're planning this trip on a Spring Break weekend. Here's what one fellow says about that at BigBendChat.com:

It's not Grand Canyon busy, but you can expect all the campgrounds and backcountry campsites to be full some or all of the time. Some sites at the Basin and Rio Grande Village campgrounds are reservable -- all backcountry sites (except the group ones) are reservable only in person, which makes timing your arrival important. Most schools in Texas are on spring break the second week of March. It happens to be a great time for snowbirds and birders as well.

That said, I've been there three times during spring break and haven't had much trouble finding places to stay. Your itinerary needs to be flexible, in case what you want isn't available on the day, or in the order, you want it.

Zone camping is a great way to get away from the "crowds" since you can establish a campsite pretty much anywhere in the desert. The rangers can give you all the details about how far away from water sources, protected sites, roads, trails, etc.

If you're planning on being there the weekend of March 8-10, I'd try to get there as early as possible (preferrably the 7th or 6th) and get into that backcountry permit office as soon as you can. I think it opens at 8 a.m. It's a great time to be out there, especially if the winter is a wet one. You might get to see the bluebonnets in their peak:

Here is his picture of BlueBonnets...

[MacEntyre]

On BigBendChat.com I found a link to the Big Bend Natural History Asstn. Bookstore. Maps, books, guides, etc. are all there!

- MacEntyre

[Scottybdiving]

Spring break technically starts Mar 15, so the weekend of Mar 13 - 14 would be on the front end. If your itinerary is not set, there would be a lot less people the weekend before.

[Hedcase]

Mac, I should be flexible with dates by then, If you want to pick another date. As long as they are close to the original dates, give or take a couple weeks!! whatever the final dates, I should be good to go, Spring break or not!!! Got a couple of books on the way, Getting really excited!!

[Rat]

Anyone have ideas about how best to see Big Bend?

- MacEntyre

By helicopter!

I haven't been to Big Bend in years (like, since High School), I hope I am able to go on this one; I will know as it gets closer. It would be too cool to hang in the Chisos!