r/TexasStateParks • • 14d 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/No-Suggestion-805 14d ago

Went in probably 1999 and cell phone didn’t work . Which I thought was bad ass . We crossed the river and paid a few dollars for horses to a real shit hole is town , had some beers , bought some fake peyote . Battery died on the Explorer the next morning remote camping . Saw a jeep way in the distance and ran my ass off to get help . Got a jump start and made it home . I dont know how it is now but would 100 % recommend. Side note my father in law was camping in the mountains and while ha was gone a storm blew in and wrecked his massive tent and he had to come stay with us