Texas road trip !

Hey everybody !

We're planning a Texas road trip in late March (or early April) in 2009 and i was hoping for some advice on.. well.. just about anything and everything! All the things we've perhaps not considered or even thought about. We're ignorant to western Texas and will appreciate any help & advice ;)

This will be our third road trip to the good 'ol USA. We love America! This all started back in 2006 when we spent almost 2 months seeing many parts of your country (Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and a couple more). Wow great times! Last year was a smaller adventure over 3 weeks, starting in Las Vegas, we did a circle that covered southern Utah/Colorado and parts of Arizona and New Mexico. This was a great vacation and we got to see some incredible places. One that stands out was R66 in northern Arizona with the Grand Canyon Caverns and lots of lovely town stops. Beats using the Interstate!!

Anyhow, we racked up about 6,000 miles in 2006 and approx 2,000 last year. Good times! Tiring some of the time, but totally worth it.

Being from England means that (for me) it's the atmosphere, settings, people, locations and so much more that I cannot put into words that makes it a wonderful vacation. Now we want to explore Texas, especially the south west/Big Bend area of Texas. I've recently been doing a lot of googling that's taken me to a few good websites with a raft of information on great towns to see, many ghost towns, the more scenic routes to take and more... But nothing beats talking direct with people that have actually been :)

The start of our road trip is pretty much set in stone: we begin in Houston, heading south to Galveston, then west to Corpus Christi and finally onto San Antonio. (each place a couple night stay). From San Antonio is were the road trip will really begin for me. You see, we do love the cities of America and we've had some amazing times, buuuut we love the "real" America more. The remote places, rural sights, the everyday people and distant locations that most others would never think of doing. This is the adventure for us (are we strange? lol). Back in '06 we met a great fella in Roswell and I explained all the above to him. He seemed impressed that we wanted to visit the places a typical foreign tourist wouldn't think of doing.

Now, we've 'only' got 4 weeks next year to see as much as possible and this is exactly what we want to do in Texas! Googling has taken me to some good information on many types of "ghost towns" along with many other places I wouldn't ever have thought about, like Del Rio. I'm a keen amateur photographer and I'm hoping to get lots a shots done in SW Texas. I'm also looking for advice on the best routes to take, ie: we don't want to hit a boring Interstate and miss out on anything! I'd also love to hear peoples opinions on cool towns to visit and things to see, such as the info I've recently read about Del Rio, Fredericksburg, Fort Stockton, Fort Davis and Fort Lancaster. (plus tons others but this posting is starting to get too big!). Not to mention ghost towns! :D

We're both really excited about next year, if you can't tell. Looking forward to peoples replies. Thanks all !!

Steve

Welcome to the Roadtrip America forums.

This discussion has some great information for you. There is some stuff there about other parts of the country as well so ignore those posts but good advice for West Texas is there, too. And this report about the Texas Hill Country. For an off-beat perspective, enjoy the tips at Texas Twisted.

This should get you started. Keep asking questions and someone will pop in here with more personal experiences to share.

If you're up north in Amarillo you should check out the work of guerrilla artist and prankster Stanley Marsh 3. The Cadillac Ranch is his most famous work (bring spray paint with you) but he's also responsible for a huge pair of legs as well as the ongoing Dynamite Museum project where he's putting hundreds of fake road signs all over Amarillo (you just need to drive around to spot them).

Thanks Judy/Jason for the replies.

I have heard of the Cadilac Ranch before, sounds so cool! But i don't think we'll be heading anywhere near this part of Texas if I'm honest. We're basically starting in the SE at Houston and staying in the south, travelling west of course.

Judy - thanks for those links :-)

We were researching again last night and found some amazing places to stay. So called haunted hotels lol. I forget the name, but it was in San Antonio near to the Alamo. But expensive!

Here's some more handy links I'm having a look at ; ) ghost towns | travel | haunted society

Thanks again, Steve.

I encourage you to use the information there and here and, during your planning, keep coming back here with questions. We might be able to help you tweak your route, optimize your itinerary, and make other suggestions that will help you have a fantastic trip.

Happy planning!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve_USA

We're basically starting in the SE at Houston and staying in the south,

---

Some of our colleagues run TexasEscapes which is a great resource for finding small town gems in western Texas. Even though most of Aaron Reed's articles are focused on areas east of your starting point, you might find them compelling. In addition to the one specified by Judy above look at:

A Road Trip to Waco, Texas.
An Insider's Guide to Entertainment in Austin
Padre Island National Seashore
Fossil Hunting and Exploring!

Mark

hi guys

I've recently been researching the better route to take from San Antonio / heading west onto Del Rio and deep into Big Bend Country.

It came down to a few options that split off in to different locations but now i've pretty much picked the better (sounding) route. I feel we've got this part of the road trip sorted (at this basic level). Finally we're getting things on to paper and it's looking exciting!!!

Okay, I've started by simply researching the towns to pass through. Ie how interesting things are, what to see and do, etc,etc. So this is how we dropped other routes in favour of the final choice listed below.

Please note that i've not (yet) looked into everything else abot the road trip, ie places to stay, eat, fuel, etc,etc. Only the route that crosses some real interesting places (and ghost towns!!). Remeber, this is a basic / early itinerary with my own rough notes to dig deeper into ; )

Okay, like i said, this is from SA heading west on HW90 :

Castroville (french / history)

Dunlay

Hondo (Frontier Times Museum)

D'Hanis (looks like an awesome place)
(stay here, hotel, bar, photos/downtown)

Sabinal

Knippa

Uvalde

Cline (zilch here !)

Brackettville
Alamo Village, fort clark, anthill !

Johnstone

Del Rio
(stay here)

Across the Amistad / National Rec Area / Eagles Nest !!

Comstock (ghost)

Seminole Canyon / Cross the Pecos River Bridge

Langtry (research more. looks awesome!!!)

Pumpville (ghost)
(come off HW at Ranch Road 1865 / Pumpville Road)

- loop back onto HW90 -

Dryden (ghost)

Sanderson

(Fort Davis/Stockton yet to research.)

Marathon
Gage Hotel (room 10 haunted! lol)
stay here over night

Alpine
stay here over night
downtown photos

** option time: from either Marathon or Alpine we can visit Big Bend National Park and stay here

Marfa
(between Alpine and Marfa is a view point to view the lights)

Lobo
(12 miles before Van Horn) (Ghost!)

Van Horn

Much work to do! But at least i feel we've got a great route planned.

Before anything else about the road trip is decided, i really need to sit down and dig deeper into this route currently chosen. The route back isn't even being thought about yet, though we do want to see Fort Lancaster and Fredricksberg.

This is all real exciting stuff and some of these places / areas look wonderful. I can only imagine the photos i can get around Del Rio and surrounding areas. Marfa sounds very interesting, as does Langtry... ah well, much work to do!

So, what do ppl think about these places?

thanks, Steve. :-)

I wish I was more familiar with Texas. I just can't comment on the specific places you're looking into. It sounds like you've found some interesting places in the towns along that route that fit your must-see criteria. I hope someone pops in here with personal intel about the area to give you further tips. In the meantime, I just wanted to assure you that the options can be almost endless and there comes a time when you just have to be satisfied with what you've planned and enjoy it. You could drive yourself crazy after awhile. And I'm saying this as a person who likes to plan.

So try not to overplan this. Allow yourself a bit of flexibility while on the road. I'm sure your trip is going to be great with all the effort you've put into finding things that intrigue and delight you.

hey no problem Judy. I appreciate your replies!

That part of the road trip (above) is pretty much now set in stone. I need to look into each town / area more so. Find out the history, places to see, visits to make, the sights and the sounds. All good fun ; )

Plus, not only that, i want to look into attractions that we might closely pass by without realising it. Ghost towns for example! (I'm a ghost addict, okay i admit it!)

There's no rush with all this, having a baby is killing enough research time already! But we've got until March '09....

I've ordered an AAA texas map from amazon yesterday. Looking forward to tying that in with the local roads and routes. As a foreigner it's sometimes hard to go beyond the highway. Indian roads, farm roads & ranch roads - there's LOTS of these grey roads showing in Google Earth and other maps. I wonder where they all lead. . . . (exploration time!)

Also order three other books too, one on ghost towns (of course) another on west texas and another on texan road trips.

All your research will pay off! I'm confident you're gonna have a great trip. Keep asking questions while you're reviewing the books and map. I enjoy seeing someone doing their research. Not everybody wants to do that and they don't realize what they're missing, imho. Enjoy!

As Judy says, planning is a great part of the 'whole journey'.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by Steve_USA
Plus, not only that, i want to look into attractions that we might closely pass by without realising it. Ghost towns for example!

---

That's exactly how we planned our trip, and when you're "driving through" as opposed to having a base to explore from, there are no second chances.
I do believe it's been quoted on these forums as "informed spontaneity" , it leaves you the choice to change things and get off schedule/route as and when you want, but you can put that time to the best possible use.

As a wise old man once said ; " Knowledge is not a burden to carry" ;-)

Have a great trip!!!

May I add:
This is the Grandaddy of all travel guides:
Just fantastic and full of great places to see along your way, and the price is right, free.

Worth reading even for those not considering a trip to Texas.

It's a beautiful state with wonderfull people everyplace you go.
It has deserts, and the romantic prariee, and East-Meets-West character in the big cities.

hey thanks guys : )

We've recently all had a chat and decided to fly to San Antonio direct now (rather than Houston). This changes things only slightly, but I've made some progress with out notes here. (wow is it often hard finding info on many of these small towns in the west!)

I won't bore you with the entire notes I've made this time for each town/area ; ) But here's a quick run down with estimated nights stay in brackets: San Antonio(3), Castroville(1), Quihi, backtrack to Dunlay, Hondo, D'Hanis(2), old US Hwy 90 to Sabinal, scenic route to Concan, Uvalde, Brackettville(1), Del Rio / Amistad (3), Comstock, Eagles Nest Creek, Langtry, Pumpville. This is the part that is set in stone, some interesting places and sights to see (for us).

Continue on the Hwy90 and there are some amazing places like Marathon, Alpine, Marfa & Van Horn. But I've not (yet) researched all this area properly. (I'll start after sending this reply!) Here we want to travel the Fort Davis area, history, scenic routes, etc. But we also might need to "pop in" and visit Big Bend. No problem, time for both! It would be a huge shame to be in West Texas and not do as much as possible! God only knows how long it'll be until we can afford an American vacation again <gulp>

As I said above, I've yet to properly research, but I'm picturing us traveling to Marathon, heading south into Big Bend. Anyone stopped here for a short visit? We'd like to do some walking here, but I'm getting some impressions from people that this is the kinda area you visit for at least a week!!?

Anyhow, I would like us to spend some time here (~3 nights). We love fell walking here in the UK but we don't want to spend "too long" doing the one thing. There's so much to Texas - it's a big place! lol

Then it's north onto Alpine/Fort Davis/Marfa triangle! The Marfa lights looks interesting. . . Finally onto Van Horn. I picture a night in each town too.

BTW, one of our books came today from Amazon. I've not had chance to read through it yet but it does look interesting. Salt Flats approaching El Paso... hmm I wasn't considering this far western area until I saw this little piece...

Time to Google . . . thanks again everybody :-)
Steve.

Steve,

Check out this blog and navigate down to the July 18th entry -- where there is a brief discussion about Aaron's last trip to this region.

Other articles we have published about the greater Big Bend area (some were written for the RV perspective, but the tips apply to all)

Big Bend NP -- by Jaimie Hall Bruesnak

Chinati Hot Springs

Mark

brilliant Mark - thanks so much. You've given me a couple of ideas..

(since the last posting, things have changed to the plan - slightly! I'll post more next time)

Thanks again!!
Steve.

ps,
i did not like the part about tarantulas! Sometimes perhaps it is best living in England ; )))

Tarantulas are actually pretty cute and friendly compared to scorpions and some of the other very territorial critters of the southwest!

Mark

Hmm well I'll have to take your word on that! Spiders just ain't my bag, baby... ahem... ; )

If you are willing to travel a bit out of your way, there are several really nice state parks around san antonio. Pedernales falls and Lost Maples (or los maples). Its nicer in the fall with the leave changes but still a wonderful area to visit anytime of year. Even more impressive than those two parks is Enchanted Rock. You can search all these on the Texas parks and wildlife website.
Nate

hey Nate. Thanks for the reply, but i left that part of the vacation to my better half and she's sorting out the San Antonio start to the road trip. She's been before you see. . . (with her Ex! Arghhh)

To all - I've made some fantastic progress with the plan. We'll be seeing some incredible places and i'll probably have a good detail of this in around a couple of weeks time.

I've done so much research lately and spent so much time looking into the different towns, places, scenic routes and history that I feel I've already been there! lol

Steve.

hey everybody, i'm looking to see if people have stayed in this motel near to Comstock:

Lakeview Inn
Diablo East

11704
W Highway 90

Del Rio, TX 78840
phone: 
(830) 775-9521

It's about 4 miles east of Comstock itself, found it using Google Earth!

I cannot see any other motels or Inns after Del Rio, on the Hwy90, heading towards Sanderson.

TIA :)

Texas is as rich in history and as scenically diversified , as it is big.
I hope your vacation begins not in San Antonio but as soon as you get to Texas, I've lived all over the world (England included) and some of my greatest memories are from Galveston. Also, I think you'll find that Texas is burgeoning with so much charm -if you're into rustic, that even for a beach town Galveston is old-timey and certainly unique.
If you're looking for pharmacies that still double as shake shops and real salon towns that aren't tourist sites, or even pit stops where people speak Texas German to this day (Fredricksburg, Luckenbach) then Texas is the spot. Hill Country is a big part of the state, I recommend Marble Falls.
And don't forget all the natural hot springs!
Traveling around the Big Bend, and boy are you in for a mind blowing experience, you'll find little Mexican boarder towns (the Jalapeno's will knock your socks off), and even tiny islands you can reach by paddle boats for hire, where you'll end up in the local restaurant which also happens to be someone's kitchen.
Big Bend has a lot of different facets from basins to peaks, a river rafting trip alone takes a whole day. You'll need a minimum of 4 days to even get a scope of it.
Good call on Marfa and Alpine, if rural is what you wanted then that's what you're going to get around there.
You'll see more sand dunes and road runners than you will people, once you find a town with an antique store and a train track you've hit civilization.
I wouldn't overlook the South East, you could spend three weeks in that area alone.
I think you would much prefer Padre Island to Corpus Christie, one's virtually untouched the other is a pretty well trafficked beach city.
The Texas Almanac will be indispensable for this trip.

Hi athenamg, I can only apologize about the slow reply. Thanks for the infos though I'd love more on Big Bend from you. I've done lots of research over the months but haven't had chance to do anything over the last couple. It's just been too hectic here with a few things, so Texas was put on hold. Once Christmas holls and New Year are out of the way then i'll continue on..!

So how long did you spend in Big Bend? I'd love some details and what you recommend! :-) We're probably thinking a 3/4 night stay around this area, also want to get some walks in. Bought a book that shows various hikes, what they're like, how busy (in terms of walkers) they are, strenuous level, etc,etc,etc

Camcorder bought and ready to record! :-)

Thanks again
Steve.

I've lived in Texas for 12 years and still haven't made it out to Big Bend. Since I can't help you with details about the Big Bend area, I will let you know about the abandoned forts in the vicinity of Abilene and San Angelo.

These forts were built to help combat the Comanche Indians.

Fort Phantom

Fort Concho

Hi, those places aren't really going to be on our route tbh. San Angelo, maybe, on the way back to San Antonio...
The path is cleared from the start of the road trip. We're heading west on hwy90, from San Antonio to Del Rio. I've planned this and there's much to see on the way. Buuuut, like i say, San Angelo is a possibility at the end of the rt. Thanks :-)

When I was a kid my parents and I went on this really great canoe trip down the Rio Grande. It was WONDERFUL and it only takes a couple days, two, maybe three nights. If you're really looking for a cool way to traverse the Big Bend National Park you should check out some of the canoe tours.

Alternativly, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country have some really interesting/cool/ very Texas-ey areas. I always make a point of stopping in Gruene on my way through the hill country. It's just a great slice of small town Texas. I don't really think you can go wrong with anywhere you decide to go. It's just the deciding...
Have Fun!

I am just gobsmacked!!

All the planning you are doing.

Maybe I am a little queer, but when I arrive in LA, I hop in a car and hit the road, stopping to look at anything which interests me, stopping to chat to locals wherever I see them for their advice and opinions.

From one day to the next I rarely know where I will be the next night. My only commitment is to be at my grandchildren's birthday parties.

Lifey who goes wherever the wind blows

hey guys, thought I'd reply to both in one go :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lifemagician

I am just gobsmacked!!

All the planning you are doing.

Maybe I am a little queer, but when I arrive in LA, I hop in a car and hit the road, stopping to look at anything which interests me, stopping to chat to locals wherever I see them for their advice and opinions.

From one day to the next I rarely know where I will be the next night. My only commitment is to be at my grandchildren's birthday parties.

Lifey who goes wherever the wind blows

---

This is EXACTLY what we did in 2006, so maybe we're a little queer too. heh
We set out from Houston and hit the open texan roads not knowing what comes next. Seen some amazing places like this, however, we also realized when we go back over the months afterwards, that we also missed lots too due to the lacking research. Of course, you can't see everything but since then I've always felt it'd be nice to clue ourselves up first.

Hence the heavy research I've been doing. Google Earth helps more than I had imagined. Get to see lots within the local area for which we're traveling.

Though I do know what you mean about going were the wind blows. Just wanna make the most of Texas next year - it'll be our last American road for many years now that we've kids (and kid on the way!). Maybe in a few years time, who knows.. ;-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Javaliese

When I was a kid my parents and I went on this really great canoe trip down the Rio Grande. It was WONDERFUL and it only takes a couple days, two, maybe three nights. If you're really looking for a cool way to traverse the Big Bend National Park you should check out some of the canoe tours.

Alternativly, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country have some really interesting/cool/ very Texas-ey areas. I always make a point of stopping in Gruene on my way through the hill country. It's just a great slice of small town Texas. I don't really think you can go wrong with anywhere you decide to go. It's just the deciding...

---

I'm going to sound a wimp now, but me and water don't go. Sure I take baths ;-) but anything more and it's a no no. I've bought a book on hiking in Big Bend, this should do us just fine. Have you done any hiking here?

We're hoping to see lots of cool texas towns along the way, esp between San Antonio and Del Rio. Castroville looks nice.. Back in 2006 we got to see lots of dusty texan towns, we were farther north then though.

Been up until around 3am with a sick baby. So forgive me if I've rushed this, little weary today :}

Steve

Hi Steve... I live in Houston and grew up in the HillCountry(Kerrville and Fredericksburg) so I could give you a few pointers.

1. Galveston had hurricane Ike back in Sept. so I would avoid it. Not sure what is there to really see. If you want to go then stay for a day tops! Houston however has great museums, eating places, etc.

2. Rockport/Port aransas/Corpus Christi- Not real familiar with everything there. Neat towns, a battleship, etc.

3. San Antonio- there is sooooooooo much to see around here. Missions, riverwalk, I can give you more info later.

4. Fredericksburg- again there is sooooooo much I cant even begin to tell you. The wildflowers will be out in full bloom so that will be a sight to see. And there are great wineries in the area. you should go to Austin too. Absolutly beautiful. There are roadside stands where you can get fresh fruits and veggies. Enchanted Rock too. 5-10 miles north of F'burg.

5. BIg Bend- I have never been but I have heard it is beautiful. You can even do whitewater rafting.

Let me know what else I can help you with. I love Texas and have lived here all my life.
Rebecca : )

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks for dropping in and offering advice on the forums, it's always good to get some local knowledge.

Welcome to R.T.A, I hope you enjoy the forums and the rest of the site.

Dave.

Hi Rebecca!

Quote:

---

3. San Antonio- there is sooooooooo much to see around here. Missions, riverwalk, I can give you more info later.

---

This is were our road trip will really begin, once the jetlagg has gone we will be here for a couple of days. It's be nice to know what to see and were to go, though we was planning on the river walk.

Quote:

---

4. Fredericksburg

---

This is perhaps the last real stop we'll be making before hitting Houston for the flight back home. (it's part of our planned route). We visitied here very briefly back in '06 and it looks amazing. We don't wish to miss this place this year! I hear they have their own brewery..ahem.. ;-)

Quote:

---

5. BIg Bend- I have never been but I have heard it is beautiful. You can even do whitewater rafting.

---

erm well, me and water don't really go! lol
I think i'll stick to the hiking. Bought a good book on the walks that are on offer, I'm looking for a less popular one as some are busy with people traffic. Being English we get enough of that here, so i want a quieter hike for me and my dad to attempt. Should be fun!

Quote:

---

Let me know what else I can help you with. I love Texas and have lived here all my life.

---

ohhh you are so lucky! Texas is increcdible - only 8 weeks now until we go!!!! Woohoo

thanks Rebecca :-)

Steve

Hey all, only 6 weeks this coming friday until we're flying to Texas! Woohoo

I've made some slight alterations to the plan. And I'm here to ask if someone can recommend a cheap & cheerful motel (not cheap and nasty!) in Del Rio. We will be using this as a base for 3 (maybe 4) nights to visit "local" attractions that I've researched.

Curious as to where you guys may have stayed.. tia :)

Also, have you guys any recommendations for Big Bend National Park? Anyone stayed over night here? Again, this will be a part of the road trip where I imagine at least a 3 night stay. At least! Hiking time :)

TIA again.
Steve.

Here is my own story of big bend and garner SP. I am a european myself and i absolutely love texas. i live in galveston and we frequently like to take trips in the southern states. i would love to answer any questions you may have!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve_USA

Hey all, only 6 weeks this coming friday until we're flying to Texas! Woohoo

I've made some slight alterations to the plan. And I'm here to ask if someone can recommend a cheap & cheerful motel (not cheap and nasty!) in Del Rio. We will be using this as a base for 3 (maybe 4) nights to visit "local" attractions that I've researched.

Curious as to where you guys may have stayed.. tia :)

Also, have you guys any recommendations for Big Bend National Park? Anyone stayed over night here? Again, this will be a part of the road trip where I imagine at least a 3 night stay. At least! Hiking time :)

TIA again.
Steve.

---

there are 2 campsites in BB. We stayed in Rio Grande Village and then there is Chisos Basin. We were there in the summer. for 3 nights we were ALONE, no other tents. Nice, but maybe too boring. Chisos Basin however had many more people and also cabins, restaurant and hiketrails.

campground info here

Hotels.com shows the La Quinta in Del Rio is $52 a night for a double, and it has decent reviews.

Wonderful read, really enjoyed it. We're off along a similar route. San Antonio / hwy 90 / passing Uvalde/Bracketteville onto Del Rio. Onwards from here towards Marathon and south to Big Bend. Wonderful to read your experiences, i cannot wait to get over and do it myself :)

Not into 'camping' we'll be staying in Big Bend of course, but i'll be looking for something with a comfy bed heh

Me again!

I'm looking at car hire today. (ebookers.com) The previous two road trips we've hired a Chevrolet Uplander which has always been a great vehicle, really really nice with a good ride and spec. But I'm here to ask if there's perhaps something a little bigger/better. Esp with luggage..

The first road trip it was just the two of us.. The second it was four adults and we were a little squashed towards the end of the road trip - gifts and new clothes all added up! heh

Okay, this year it's the same four adults plus our 18 month old daughter. Although I know we're doing less mileage this year, it's still a little worrying, will the Chevy manage with us all?

Ebookers have these four SUV/Minivans that look about the same size but with various spec levels for people/luggage:

Ford Escape, Chevy Uplander, Ford Explorer and Chevy Trailblazer. This years road trip will cover less milegage compared to the previous two trips but I'd still appreciate anyones advice on the above. TIA :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Steve_USA

Wonderful read, really enjoyed it. We're off along a similar route. San Antonio / hwy 90 / passing Uvalde/Bracketteville onto Del Rio. Onwards from here towards Marathon and south to Big Bend. Wonderful to read your experiences, i cannot wait to get over and do it myself :)

Not into 'camping' we'll be staying in Big Bend of course, but i'll be looking for something with a comfy bed heh

---

then Chisos Basin is your choice. They have cabins as well as camping. I dont recall any other places to stay. But of course i looked into camping, not comfort =)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mariekegraves

then Chisos Basin is your choice. They have cabins as well as camping. I dont recall any other places to stay. But of course i looked into camping, not comfort =)

---

Thanks!
I'd love to try camping, esp in Big Bend. Wow this would be something I'd love to do, well, until the tarantulas came out at night! <gulp>
However, my parents and my daughter wouldn't appreciate the lack of a bed...

I'll look at Chisos Basin :)

I really like Terlingua -- great restaurant and bars and nice B&Bs. But here are some of the articles about the area you might find helpful (although written for RV'ers the info translates for car campers too).

Over-view for visiting Big Bend

Hot Springs in the area

Aaron Reed's take on visiting Big Bend

Mark

cheers Mark.
this place is huge and contains a lot to view and visit not to mention the hard decision of picking the less-populated hikes too. I'm going to spend some time today finding out the places to stay here for a few nights. I think it'll be a good idea to phone ahead when we hit Marathon! :)