Stillwell Ranch, Big Bend, Texas

When we wanted to stay a couple of nights in  Big Bend we were disappointed in that the RV park was full.  Since it was freezing at night, we needed to plug in instead of dry camp.  The guard suggested we turn around and drive back to the Stillwell RV Park.    This is one of those places that you drop into unexpectedly and find a real gem of an experience.    We were heartily welcomed into the Stillwell RV community by the residents and the staff.


We intended to stay just a couple of days but ended up there for two weeks.  There was always one activity or other to attend and so many interesting people to talk to.    Where else could you sit on the front porch with a real cowboy and his dog?

We had free nightly entertainment from the Whitford's who sing old time C & W music and gospel on Sundays.











How about a chuckwagon meal cooked over the coals!!

Or an impromptu foot rub from a real zen hippie cowboy with a concern for your yin and yang?

Or have a chat with a real cowboy.....

or watch a flint knapper at work.

Here's a sample of some of his work.

Watching the cowboys go off on a trail ride.     And be surprisingly entertained by a visiting German opera singer and his sons who sing olde German folks songs in beautiful harmony.

And most special, the Stillwell gals.   Nan, in the middle can bring you to laughter and to tears with her stories of her life and her famous grandmother, Hallie Stillwell.   The museum there is dedicated to her (Hallie's) life as a pioneer ranch woman.

I'll never forget our stay at Stillwell's Ranch.    Many of the RVers go back there year after year for a month or more.