CANCELED
Please RSVP my emailing KayS OR via Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/TOWN-Austin/events/248028953/
Host: KayS . Email Kay if you have questions
What: Camping, birding, biking, hiking, exploring
When: Thursday Oct 25 – Sunday Oct 28
Where: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive (FM 2062)
Mission, TX 78572
Who: Townies, family, guests – dogs will not be allowed in the reserve, on the tram or ferry, or in Mexico
Bentsen-Rio State Park is a fabulous Birding park. There are only 9 sites left that are tent only. TOWNies can check out RV parks around Mcallen, Pharr and Adam. JudyL and I went down to the valley this month and we had a blast exploring the many parks. Unfortunately, there are not State Parks that offer camping other than Bentson.
Judy discovered Los Ebanos, Texas with the last hand operated ferry across the Rio. We thought it would be fun to take our bikes down there and ride that ferry across to the Mexican village. So you’d need your passports. On Friday we can ride bikes or take the tram around the park. There are many side trails to explore.
On Saturday , we can go to Los Ebanos and take the hand pulled ferry across the water.
On Sunday, we can go to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge to do more hiking, biking and birding.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana/
There are bikes to rent at each of the parks. The bad side of the Wilderness Camping at Bentsen is that you have to hike your supplies 3/4 of a mile in. We are not used to that much ruggedness. If I can’t find a wagon, I might end up staying in a hotel nearby. But I do have a site as of now. Reservations are made by phone: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley
• What to bring – Tent camping gear, bikes, Passport
• Important to know
Bring your passport if you wish to go across into Mexico!
From the park website: Sites are located in a large area that shares three fire rings. Must walk in 3/4 mile or be shuttled to site from parking lot.