Rio Grande Village Site #52
Departing Lajitas at about 9:30 Friday morning, we topped off fuel tanks at Study Butte and are soon in a line about 10 cars and 5 motorcycles deep at the entrance to Big Bend National Park. After a brief stop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center to confirm space in Rio Grande Village campground we proceed to find two sites next to each other. About 40 of the 100 sites are reservable online, the remainder being available on a walk-up basis. About half of the campsites allow generator use, which we assume we’ll need with a 3 night stay.
The first 3 rows of sites provide the best options for longer/taller RV’s. PARK MAP There are other walk-up sites closer to the river, but many are very tight with lots of brush and trees around. We opt for sites #52 and #54 – both with a southern exposure. A site on the other side of the row would be more desirable with a northern aspect, providing afternoon awning-side shade. However, there is adequate shade throughout the campground with large cottonwoods, mesquite and plenty of green, lush grass. Right next to the river wetlands, this space lies within the mile-wide oasis that follows the river as it meanders through this otherwise dry desert. Sites #88, 89, 91 & 93 are some of the best reservable.
Boquillas, MX
On Saturday we visited Boquillas, MX – the small tourist village just across the Rio Grande. The experience was just as much fun as our last visit. The Park Ranger explains the options for crossing the border – walking or by boat, and the procedures for clearing Mexican immigration and then later reentry through US border control. As before, the boat round trip is $5/per person as is the pick-up ride into town. Arriving at the dirt street village, there hasn’t been much change since we were here 2 years ago. Jose Falcon’s and Boquillas Bar appear to be the only businesses that are catering to tourists with $3 domestic beers and $5 margaritas. There are also some very tasty items on the menu from the $5 chips, guacamole and salsas, to $8 chili relleno.
Boquillas Canyon
On Sunday we drive over to the Boquillas Canyon trailhead and make our way along the trail into the cool shade of the canyon. Carved over eons of time, the canyon is an impressive reminder of the power of a river. This is one of that last river accesses in Big Bend before the river continues its path out of the park and on toward the Gulf of Mexico.
After a pleasant Sunday afternoon relaxing in the shade of the big trees at Rio Grande Village, we’ve packed up and departed the north park entrance toward Marathon, TX on Monday morning . It’s at Marathon that we split our paths – M&D will continue northward toward home in Montrose – we’ll continue eastward toward South Padre Island. It’s been a grand 11 days since we met in the Davis Mountains. It won’t be the same pulling into an RV park alone this evening. Travel safe our friends and we’ll see you soon!
Small Home - Big Yard 
