By: Chris Isham
Have you thought about your plans for next year’s Spring Break? As everyone knows, springtime is warmer weather around Eastern New Mexico and West Texas (other than the random April snowstorm).
Obviously, there are the typical spring break party towns of Miami, Cancun, or Port Aransas, but think beyond those places. Think about places closer to this area: mountains. Camping with your closest friends is way economical and a way to experience mother nature’s beauty in our back yards.
Right now, in Hudspeth County, Texas, there is a hidden west Texas desert oasis. About 2 hours southeast of El Paso has undiscovered white sand beaches. From Carlsbad, NM, take Highway 62 southwest to the Texas border. From there, you pass the foothills of the Guadalupe
Typically, the salt flats are dry and empty. Still, with the abundant rainfall, the Davis Mountains have received this year, an oasis is back. History said 10,000 years ago, those salt beds dried up.
From there, turn back and take highway 54 south to I-10 and US Highway 90. Once South on US Highway 90, you will pass Marfa, TX, and Marathon, TX. This route will lead you back to highway 385, which leads south to Big Bend National Park.
There are a few things to know before journeying down to Big Bend.
Even though this area is in the desert, it’s not always hot and sunny. This area is mountainous, so there could be hit-and-miss thunderstones in the summer afternoons and will allow creek beds to flood – and fast.
The National Park Services says Big Bend has the least light pollution of all US national parks – so plan for starry nights. Also, there is no cellular service for many miles, and paved roads are few and far between.
I picked spring break for this story because springtime is the best season to visit. If you are not a fan of crowds, you should visit another time. The spring brings the best pleasant temperatures with the busiest tourist season. If you decide to dwell on the off-season like winter, the cold air fluctuates, and the Chios Basin will be warmer than the valley.
Now that you’ve decided when you want to visit, you can plan a plethora of activities while you stay. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and off-roading on the hundreds of primitive roads (make sure your vehicle has a 4-wheel drive!)
Now that you’ve decided on which activities you want to do, and you’ve picked out your camping destination, you must figure out the most cost-effective way to camp! I will try to devise a way to camp for under $100/per person (not including gas money or food).
First, I would highly recommend not camping alone! As a student, you probably have many friends, and you probably all have the same budget. Bring some friends with you, not only for your safety but for resources. The cost of Big Bend is $16/ night. Also, the more items you can bring from home, the better.
Next, try to figure out which person has the needed supplies: tent, propane, camp stove (or a campfire), flashlights and batteries, home goods (plates, silverware, bowls, ice chest, etc.) This list will include the physical items you will need for a successful camping trip. If someone can find, or bring, two items on the list, you can allocate more money for gas and snacks.
If none of the guests have items, the best place to look is for a thrift store or ask around for used equipment. If the item is clean and works, then that’s ok! One thing I would advise getting yourself is a sleeping bag. Depending on the environment, I would also recommend getting an inflatable mattress or foam pad for the ground. I would recommend using a cot; TX and NM grounds are pretty rocky!
Finally, don’t forget about drinking water. Water is life, and you will need it. I always buy two cases, just in case. You can find them relatively cheap at the gas station.
