Getting to Big Bend
One thing to know about visiting Big Bend is there are miles and miles of road with no commerce and no cell service. Because of this, anyone new to traveling in the area should be sure to get gasoline and take bathroom breaks at every opportunity. Also, it is helpful to have the destination in Google Maps or in a GPS because cell service is not available for many miles. If you are interested in how we planned for this trip, a link follows.
Our Campsite
Sadly, no reservations were available inside Big Bend because sites are booked far in advance. However, we were able to find a spot at Stillwell Store, which is a few miles from the entrance to the park. Stillwell offered electricity, water, restrooms, showers, and a shaded picnic table. It also had sporadic WiFi, a bit of a miracle amid all the isolation.
We were there a couple days and there was not much shade. So, we put up our awning. The site was fairly close to the bathhouse, so we did not set up the side tent or the porta potty. We liked everything about staying there except for the facilities, which were old and not well-maintained. However, given the remote nature of Big Bend, we were happy to be there. Next, is a link to Stillwell Store.
The area was nice in sunlight, but sunset that first evening was especially lovely.
Hallie Stillwell Museum
There is a museum dedicated to Hallie Stillwell, who has been honored by the State of Texas as a Texas hero. She lived almost 100 years in this isolated area and wrote about the artifacts she found there. The museum has many items, articles, and photos from Hallie’s life. It is free and donations are accepted. Hollywood should make a movie about her.
Visiting Big Bend
We just spent one full day at Big Bend, but we saw a lot of incredible sights. There are quite a few photos in this post because we saw so many beautiful views.
The Rio Grande is a natural border and it separates Big Bend National Park and Mexico. However, some of the incredible views are actually in Mexico.
In the photo below, the canyon is in Mexico and the river is unseen below.
Our route for the day was the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to Castolon and then over to the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook, stopping at most of the exhibits along the way. We returned by the same route and then went to the Chisos Basin and had a late lunch at the restaurant there. Lastly, we drove down to check out Rio Grande Village, the area that has camping with hookups.
The sun was setting as we returned to Stillwell’s.
Next stop: Las Cruces New Mexico.