From RV Retirement to Tent Time: Stargazing at Closed Canyon Campground in Big Bend Ranch State Park
After years of luxurious RVing, we, Bob and Carol, decided to downsize and embrace the simplicity of tent camping. Retirement is all about new adventures, right? Our latest escapade took us to the remote Closed Canyon Campground in Big Bend Ranch State Park, a place known for its dark skies and rugged beauty, and provided us funny camping stories retired couple can cherish. Nestled in the heart of Texas, this park promised an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, an experience tailored to remote camping Texas retirement.
Finding Our Way: Remoteness is an Understatement
The first hurdle was simply getting there. We punched the GPS coordinates (29.6667° N, 103.4333° W) into our devices, and even then, it felt like we were driving to the edge of the earth. Cell service became a distant memory long before we saw the park entrance. But, following the well-maintained (though dusty) roads, we eventually found the campground without too much trouble. Just be warned: "remote" doesn't even begin to describe it. It's the kind of place where you feel delightfully disconnected. The Big Bend Ranch State Park camping without RV hookups added to the rugged nature of the trip.
Tent Troubles for Seniors: A Comical Start
Our trusty Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent, which seemed so manageable in the backyard, suddenly felt like a monumental challenge. Bob, bless his heart, wrestled with the tent poles while Carol, used to the automatic leveling system of their old RV, kept muttering about the uneven terrain. The desert heat didn't help, and let’s just say Bob’s initial attempts to stake the tent resulted in a comical faceplant into the sand – a moment we'll never forget. RV Life Was Easier! Setting up camp was definitely a challenge for these Big Bend camping for older adults.
Campground Rules & Amenities (or Lack Thereof)
The campground rules were straightforward: leave no trace, respect quiet hours, and pack out everything you pack in. There are no RV hookups here. As for amenities, well, let’s just say Carol missed her RV’s plush bathroom. The pit toilets were...functional. There were no showers, so baby wipes became our best friend. It's primitive camping at its finest, and a sharp contrast to the glamping we were used to. What are the bathroom facilities like at Closed Canyon Campground? They are basic but clean.
Dark Sky Delights: Stargazing Nirvana
Despite the initial struggles, the real magic of Closed Canyon Campground revealed itself as night fell. We'd come prepared for the dark sky camping Texas Big Bend offered. With our Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars and the Night Sky app on our iPad, we were blown away. The Perseid meteor shower put on a spectacular show, and the Milky Way stretched across the sky like a river of stars. Big Bend Stargazing Campgrounds are amazing because of their clear views of the cosmos. We felt a sense of awe and wonder that's hard to describe. It was an experience that made all the tent-pitching tribulations worthwhile.
Desert Photography: Capturing the Beauty
During the day, we explored the desert landscape with our cameras. Bob, armed with his Canon EOS Rebel T7, captured the stark beauty of the ocotillo plants against the rugged terrain. Carol, ever the iPhone enthusiast, used her 14 Pro Max to snap photos of darting roadrunners and the endless expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert. This Chihuahuan Desert is unique, and we wanted to capture its beauty. What kind of stargazing equipment should I bring to Big Bend? Binoculars and cameras!
Hiking Closed Canyon: A Short but Challenging Adventure
We couldn't resist exploring the namesake Closed Canyon. The hike is short but requires navigating uneven terrain and some scrambling over rocks. For older campers, like us, it presented a few challenges. Carol relied heavily on her walking stick, and we took frequent breaks to catch our breath. But the stunning slot canyon scenery was worth the effort. The narrow passageways, carved by centuries of erosion, were a sight to behold. Is Closed Canyon Campground Big Bend too strenuous for retirees? It depends on your fitness level, but take your time and come prepared. This is one of the Big Bend State Park Hiking Trails for Seniors.
Senior Camping Challenges & Adaptations: Overcoming Obstacles
Camping for seniors in a remote location like this comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating uneven terrain was tough on our knees, the extreme heat and lack of shade tested our endurance, and limited mobility required us to be extra cautious. To cope, we brought plenty of water, wore lightweight, breathable clothing, used hiking poles, and took frequent breaks. We also made sure to let someone know our hiking plans and carried a satellite communicator in case of emergencies. This required overcoming physical challenges of camping after retirement.
Simple Camping Cuisine: Easy Meals Under the Stars
Forget gourmet meals! This was all about simplicity. Our culinary masterpieces consisted of Mountain House freeze-dried meals and instant oatmeal, prepared with our trusty Jetboil Flash Cooking System. Quick, easy, and surprisingly tasty after a long day of hiking and stargazing. No Dutch oven cooking here! These are the best simple camping meals for seniors.
Reflections: Reconnecting with Nature
Transitioning from RV to tent camping after retirement at Closed Canyon Campground was a unique experience. Despite the initial challenges, we found ourselves truly appreciating the simplicity and solitude of the desert. Disconnecting from the pressures of modern life and reconnecting with nature at a slower pace was exactly what we needed. The dark skies, the rugged landscape, and the quiet stillness of the desert worked their magic on us.
Closed Canyon Campground isn't for everyone, especially if you're used to RV luxuries. But if you're looking for an off-the-grid adventure and a chance to witness the wonders of the night sky, it's an experience you won't soon forget. Ready to plan your own stargazing escape? Check availability and make reservations for Big Bend Ranch State Park here.