Big Bend National Park
Rock climbers have access to sport climbing routes and numerous bouldering problems in Big Bend National Park. Canoeing and river rafting is possible in the Rio Grande, one of the natural borders of the park. There are campgrounds at Big Bend for front and backcountry camping. Front-country campsites may be reserved by phoning the park headquarters. Front-country campgrounds have toilets, showers, fire rings and grills and fresh drinking and cooking water. Backcountry camping requires a backcountry permit, issued by the rangers at the park headquarters. Visitors should ring a water filtration system or lots of extra water. They should also prepare for sun desert sun and blazing temperatures.
Big Bend National Park
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
432-477-2251
nps.gov
Midland RV Campground
The Midland RV Campground caters to the RV set, but accepts tent campers. Sites are flat and level with picnic tables, fire pits and grills and shady trees. RV sites have 30- or 50-amp electric, water, sewer, cable TV and Wi-Fi connections. Pets are allowed at the park if leashed. Showers, toilets, laundry room, guest lodge and a 100 foot fenced dog run round out the amenities available at the campground. The region around the campground is high desert and grasslands. Bird watching for prairie chicken, road bicycling and fishing the small lakes gives outdoor enthusiasts access to the Texas backcountry.
Midland RV Campground
2134 S Midland Drive
Midland, TX 79703
432-697-0801
midlandrvcampground.com
Buffalo Springs Lake
Buffalo Springs Lake offers sites for tent camping and RV sites with hookups, including water and 30- amp electric. Sites are first come, first serve. Pets are allowed at the lake if leashed. Dump stations are available for RV use. Sites come with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Showers and toilers are on the property. Swim, fish, canoe or kayak at the lake or stroll the multi-use trail around the lake. Mountain bikers have over six miles of trails from the park. Hikers have access to the Llano Estacado Audubon Society Nature Trail, a nearly two-mile nature trail.
Buffalo Springs Lake
Farm Road 835 and East 50th St.
Lubbock, TX
806-747-3353
buffalospringslake.net
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
