Big Bend National Park in March/April

[garyb1st]

Plan to leave for Big Bend sometime early to mid-February. Initial thought is to visit Guadalupe Mountain National Park on the way. From there will head south to Marfa and then west to Presidio. Alternatively we would drive to Alpine and then Terlingua. Regardless, I would like to drive FM 170 from from Presidio to Terlingua or vice versa.

I've read about the Big Hill and will likely disconnect the toad for the 15% grade. Other than that, I'd appreciate your thoughts on road conditions and campgrounds.

I've looked at most of the sites listed in Compendium and unless we get lucky finding something in the park off FM 170 will likely stay at Loma Paloma near Presidio. Anyone have any experience finding a spot in the park for a 36 foot motorhome pulling a Jeep? We plan on dry camping for most of the trip but will spend a night or two periodically at an RV Park to dump and refresh.

 

[NMDriver]

Since you are in the area go to Fort DavisFort Davis National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) and McDonald observatory McDonald Observatory | Visitor information, teacher workshops, public programs in Fort Davis, Texas.

 

[Jackiemac]

We stayed in Terlingua and liked it.

We drove to Marfa from Guadalupe NP then to Terlingua. It was a beautiful drive.

Can't see the road you are referring to.

Recommend Big Bend State Park if you have time. We only spent a few hours but would have liked longer.

We drove past the Fort but it looked nice.

 

[Isaac-1]

Be aware it can be cold there, a number of years ago I was camping in the Fort Davis area the second week of April and one night it got down to 13F.

 

[si camper]

We'll be in that area and staying at a CG near Study Butte starting Valentine's Day.

 

[garyb1st]

Doubt we'll be at Big Bend before mid to late March. I grew up in Minnesota and am familiar with sub freezing temps. Didn't like the cold when I was young and don't like it now. We will be watching the forecasts.

Aside from the parks visit, we'll be spending some time with the DW's son. He is working in the Corpus Christi area so will visit him first if the weather in the park is too cold.

If we visit him first, we'll come in via Terlingua. Maverick Ranch would be the plan. If they're booked we and can't find a suitable site we'd need to reconsider that route.

 

[UTTransplant]

We stayed a few nights at the edge of BIg Bend park at Stillwell Store, and 5 nights at Rio Grande. Our rig is bigger than yours, but I am pretty sure you could also fit in the Cottonwood campground (we didn’t). As for weather, I took a March backpacking trip out of Chisos Basin in college, and we were cold in March. It would be significantly warmer at the lower elevations. Oh, and we did the Big Hill in all its 15% glory towing the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Folks stared and pointed as we crested. There is a nice downhill slope just before hand, and I let the rig get to 50 or more then headed up the hill. I was in second gear and 12-15mph at the top, but I made it. Be ready to redline your engine.

 

[Jackiemac]

We drove the River Road East to West which was fantastic. It takes a full day. There is a mone part way along if you fancy exploring that.