Big Bend National Park

At over 800,000 acres, Big Bend National Park is larger than the state of Rhode Island. We dedicated 3 days to touring Big Bend National Park and 1 additional day for Big Bend Ranch State Park. If your RV is small enough, you can camp inside the park at Rio Grande Villages. However, at 43 feet, our 5th wheel was too big and so we stayed on the Persimmon Gap side of the park at Stillwell Store and RV Park. Another amazing option would be to look in the Terlingua area outside the Maverick Junction entrance.

We decided to divide the park into 3 sections and to see each section a different day. I would suggest that you research ahead of time and decide where you want to be for your sunrises and sunsets and what hikes are most interesting to you and divide up your time accordingly.

Here are our don't miss places to see:

1. Chisos Basin and "The Window". There is a short walk or a long hike to see the beautiful views. The drive alone is worth a visit to this inner section of the park.

2. Santa Elena Canyon.

3. Sotol Vista. We got our best sunset pictures here. Because we went in February, the temperatures got very cold as the sun went down and so we suggest layering or bringing a change of clothes.

4. Boquillas. Bring your passport and take a ride across the river into Mexico! We really enjoyed a meal overlooking the Rio Grande from The Falcon restaurant.

5. Hot Springs. You can do the big hike from Rio Grande Village or you can drive up to the Hot Springs and take the short walk to the river. Dip in the hot springs and then cool back off in the Rio Grande.