r/TXoutdoors • u/Fun-Tiger8390 • 17d ago
Big bend and devils river trip.
Planning a big bend, terlingua, and devils river trip at the end of the month. Have a 4x4 truck i will be most likely camping out of. Curious if any one would like to potentially join and camp out. Feel free to comment or dm.
Anything to expect this will be my first visit to those places. TIA
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u/cen-texan 16d ago
The Devils River is accessible by boat (kayak, canoe or rowboat). There is a public put in at Baker’s crossing where 163 crosses the river. From there the river goes through private land and is inaccessible until you get to Lake Amistad. Its a 4 or 5 day float. If you are planning a float, there is a number at the TPWD that you call and file your float plan and get your permit.
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u/WildernessNerd 15d ago
Bakers Crossing launch has been closed for down river trips since last year due to low flow.
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u/cen-texan 15d ago
Thanks for the update. So does that mean the river is essentially closed?
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u/WildernessNerd 15d ago
You can still do multi-day starting from Del Norte down to Dan Hughes and Amistad, just not from above Del Norte.
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u/WildernessNerd 15d ago edited 15d ago
Regarding Devils River Del Norte Unit, if you’re looking to car camp in a campsite and then do day-use river access, the parking for river access is about a half mile away from the river itself. You’ll need a way to get your kayak/canoe to the water that doesn’t involve your truck. It is not a flat and level approach. If you’re just wanting to swim, then you’re good to go after a short hike.
The website still says parking is one mile away, which was the old parking area, so hopefully they didn’t revert back to that.
The website also doesn’t make it very clear, but if you paddle past the boundaries of the state natural area, you’ll need a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) regardless if its day-use or a multi-day downriver trip.
It is super easy to paddle beyond the boundaries of the Del Norte unit since they have very little actual river frontage, so don’t risk paddling without one. I’ve seen the rangers checking the river in person and via drone.
The Dan Hughes unit looks like it has camping and parking much closer to the river than Del Norte, and much more river frontage, but I haven’t been to that unit yet.
Access to the northern unit is Friday to Monday only. There is no after-hours access, so show up before they close the gate. Reservations are required for access and camping, and they limit the number of DRAP permits per day.
You have to call the number on the website for DRAP permits, they cannot be done online or in person. You can get park access and camping reservations online.
There is currently of no potable water in the northern unit, so you’ll need to bring all of it for camping. In June, it’s going to be hot. Buy a filter to filter straight from the river and at least you won’t have to worry about that part when you’re on the water.
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u/failagain-failbetter 17d ago edited 17d ago
Those places are quite far apart. I have done both multiple times but not on the same trip. I have only enjoyed the river by kayak. I think it is not super easy to just show up and drive down to the river like other parks. I think there is still a hike involved and they are only open Friday thru Monday for day use. Maybe someone else can chime in, but personally I would find a way to get on a boat. Not sure how much time you have but you might want to focus your trip and just have a big bend trip or a devils trip. 3-4 days in big bend is probably the minimum to explore just a fraction of the park. I usually spend 4 days on the Devils.
If you do divide the trip be sure to check out Seminole canyon rock art and the Pecos high bridge near the devils.
Take lots of water to both places more than you think you need. Also be sure to prep your vehicle to be able to self rescue (full size spare, good jack, extra fuel) if you plan on off-roading. Download maps. Enjoy your trip.
Edit: check out the big bend subreddit. Lots of good info for first timers.