Thanksgiving 2026 at Big Bend: Group Camping and Day Hikes

\\ RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP... Limited number of spots - everyone starts off on the Wait List, then qualified applicants will be added\\

Camping and hiking at Big Bend on Thanksgiving is a Sierra Club tradition!
We have a group campsite reserved at Rio Grande Village Campground from Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. RGV is the most popular campground in the park, as it offers the most space and amenities. Set in a grove of cottonwoods and acacia trees, the Rio Grande Village Campground is located near the river and hot springs, and offers flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, grills, and an adjacent camp store with showers.

Big Bend construction in Chisos Basin and a planned 2 year closure were paused due to financial constraints. That did not prevent bulldozing in Santa Ełena Canyon for a planned billion dollar border wall! But a judicial hold has stopped that adventure at present. Even the Boquillos Canyon border crossing is open. However more border patrol officers are noticeable in the park.

What's Included:
We'll share a large campsite and go on moderately challenging hikes each day - averaging 5 miles / 1000 ft elevation gain. Everyone should bring their own camping equipment and food for the full duration of the trip. A recommended packing list is being compiled here. You will be responsible for your own breakfasts and lunches, and will be grouped into cooking teams for community dinners (details TBA). We will provide stoves, pots and pans, etc. Sierra Club is not providing transportation, but carpooling is highly encouraged among individuals.

Rough itinerary:

Nov 25, Wed – Travel day, arrive at park, set up camp, maybe short pre-dinner hike
Nov 26, Thu – Moderate, rugged hikes. View status of the border wall. Group Thanksgiving potluck dinner - details TBD
Nov 27, Fri – Again Moderate hike.
Nov 28, Sat – More Moderate hiking. Some folks may want to do a long, strenuous hike around the South Rim (not an official outing)
Nov 29, Sun – Travel day - break & clean up camp, return home

The group hikes will be strenuous on rugged terrain up to 7,000 ft elevation and will involve driving your own, or carpool, vehicle on park roads to trailheads, some of which are dirt roads.
Example hikes:

Big Bend Remodeling Hikes - Santa Elena Canyon, Boquillos Canyon with Border Crossing, combined with Chimney- Balanced Rock
Mule Ears Trail: 3.8 miles, 880 ft gain
Window Trail: 5.2 miles, 950 ft gain
Lost Mine Trail: 4.8 miles, 1,100 ft gain
Marufo Vega: 13.5 miles, 2,700 ft elevation gain (not an official hike)
South Rim Trail: 12.5 miles, 2,600 ft gain, with or without Emory Peak option (not an official hike)

Costs:

Your cost for campsite sharing and trip organization, is $100 . Income which exceeds expenses will be donated to Austin Sierra Club to support our environmental causes.
Contact the leader if you would like to apply for need-based financial aid.
Budget additional funds for park entry: $30 (credit card only) for 7 days per vehicle, unless someone in your car has a National Park pass.
Incidentals: Showers ($2 in quarters) at Rio Grande Village, any restaurant meals, and camp store purchases.

Refund policy:

80% if cancelled before Nov 1
40% if cancelled after Nov 1 but before Nov 15
No refunds for cancellations made on or after Nov 15

Signup Process:
Hiking can be a demanding activity, and camping in wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is one you will enjoy. Because of this, we have a few steps in our signup process.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup will initially show as Full, and you will be placed on the Wait List while we process your application.
2. Provide info: Send us your name, cell number, email address and a few sentences about your physical condition and experience to: [email protected] , CC: [email protected]
3. If trip demand exceeds open spots, we will give preference to current members of the National Sierra Club. You may join or renew online.
4. Wait for discussion with Trip Leaders.
5. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 . Scan and email the form (preferred) to [email protected] , CC: [email protected] , or mailing address can be provided.
6. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details.
7. Pay $100 via PayPal on the Sierra Club Donation website: http://www.sierraclub.org/texas/austin/donate , or mailing address for checks can be provided. Payment must be received within 5 days.

You will then be ON the trip!

In mid November participants are encouraged to attend the Pre-Trip Meeting, either in-person or remotely, and there is typically a Pre-Trip Training Hike.

Waivers and Precautions:

Participants must sign a Liability Waiver before the trip. You may view the waiver document here.
Precautions must be taken to prevent interactions with wildlife!!
We will follow all health and safety guidelines issued by the National Park Service.
If you are not a US citizen, or could be mistaken for a non-citizen, bring passport / legal documentation.