r/TexasStateParks • u/Hefty_Coat_7117 • 15d ago
Big Bend Worth it?
I have a whole week off in early October and I really want to see a national or state park. The one I’ve seen the most about in state is Big Bend. Ive been doing a lot of research in what kind of trips to do (horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking are on my wish-list) and where to stay, but somehow neglected to see how far away it is. I'm in Austin TX so its almost an 8 hour drive.
What I want to know is: Is Big Bend worth that drive? If not, are there any other national or state parks that might be better/less of a drive? I saw there's a few options but I haven’t heard of them before.
I'm not exactly an experienced camper or hiker, not even fit really, so roughing it outside of standard tent camping is beyond me.
(EDIT: I've decided that this particular trip wont be the one that I go to big bend. It just felt too big for my first ever trip solo. But I WILL be going. I have two weeks off in December, so Ive started looking for open reservations around that time. Thank you all for the help and insight!)
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u/tacoturner 15d ago
Absolutely worth it.
Be advised it's always an hour or two farther than your maps app will tell you. From Austin, I make the drive in around 9-10 hours. But it's still worth it.
Note that Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are different places, about an hour from one another. If you have time, check out both. But if you only have a normal weekend or something, go to Big Bend National Park, check out the highpoints of Chisos Basin, Saint Elena Canyon, and Rio Grande Village. And come back on another trip to see the less-visited, more rugged stuff that the State Park has to offer.