Del Rio, TX

Both times we have traveled to Big Bend National Park, we have stayed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio near I-10. Because the base has many amenities, and because Del Rio is an interesting town with lots of shops and restaurants, we call it our maintenance stop. The laundry is free, and the mail pickup point is convenient. Since there is little at Big Bend in the way of supplies, stocking up at the commissary in Del Rio is a priority. Del Rio also has a Wal Mart.

Lake Amistad is a beautiful, nearby, large body of water, and there is a military RV park there. There are also several parks for civilian tourists along this huge manmade lake. The downside is that it can be cold and windy during the winter months when we like being in South Texas.