Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Guided floats
cost about $120 per person per day, $70 for a half day, including all meals
and gear (except a sleeping bag for overnighters). These three companies have been in
business a long time and have solid reputations:
Big Bend River Tours
( 800-545-4240, 432-371-3033;
www.bigbendrivertours.com
; Rte 170) offers saddle-paddle
tours with half a day each rowing and horseback riding.
Desert Sports
(
888-989-6900, 432-371-2727;
www.desertsportstx.com
; Rte 170) is tops with bikers for its bike-ca-
noe combo trips.
Far Flung Adventures
(
800-839-7238;
www.bigbendfarflung.com
;
Terlingua) puts together fun outings like a
wine-tasting river trip.
Want to go it alone? Any of the above companies will rent you equipment and provide
shuttle service. Just remember to obtain your free permit at Panther Junction within 24
hours before putting in. Permits for the lower canyons of the Rio Grande are available at
the Persimmon Gap visitor center and the Stillwell Store on FM 2627.
Horseback Riding
Although horses are permitted on many trails at Big Bend, they can't be rented inside the
park. If you bring your own, get the required permit, available for free at any visitor cen-
ter, and be aware of the many regulations you'll have to adhere to, just to make sure it's
worth the trouble. Government Spring, a primitive campsite near Panther Junction, caters
to parties with between four and eight horses. It can be reserved up to 10 weeks in ad-
vance by calling 432-477-1158.
Sleeping & Eating
For tent campers or smaller RVs that don't require hookups, there are three main camp-
grounds, some of which can be reserved, some of which are first-come, first-served. Sites
typically fill up during spring break, Thanksgiving and Christmas. When everything's full,
rangers direct tent campers to primitive sites throughout the Big Bend backcountry.
Chisos Basin Campground
( 877-444-6777;
www.recreation.gov
;
campsites $14)
The most centrally located of the main camp-
grounds, this 60-site campground has stone shelters and picnic tables. It's located right
near the Chisos Lodge Restaurant and the Basin Store.
CAMPGROUND
$
Cottonwood Campground
CAMPGROUND
$
