Wading to Mexico at Big Bend Texas - Camping USA

With so much attention on the Mexican border, I thought I'd pay a visit to a remote little town by wading across the Rio Grande. My trip to Big Bend National Park was full of surprises.
Visit My KZbin Channel for all my videos!
/ @slimpotatohead
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
4K Sports Camera: amzn.to/2Dtsygn
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Merlin 2 Steadicam: amzn.to/2X67unS
Tripod: amzn.to/2Xb3EKg
Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Other Products:
Aleader Aqua Shoes: amzn.to/2JzpC6U
Renogy ETFE 100w Solar Panels: amzn.to/2XjxSL3
Sports Chair: amzn.to/2OkN7PL
How I get around:
Trailer: 2004 Aliner with around 80,000 miles of hard use. Includes propane stove, hot shower, toilet, refrigerator, 200W solar, two 12V batteries (one AGM)
Tow Vehicle: 2007 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 230,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using them for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!
Music Credits:
Walk the Dog by Coyote Hearing
Lone Wolf by Dan Lebowitz
Hermanos Ranchero by Biz Baz Studio
Mariachiando by Doug Maxwell/Jimmy Fontanez
Omonia by Dan Bodan
All music courtesy the KZbin Audio Library

[@vermontbee1]

Dear Mr. Potatohead, Here in Northern Vermont the snow keeps falling, and my husband and I keep walking the same narrow paths through the snow in our yard. Cabin fever inside, and repetitive path shoveling outside, if you catch my drift.......Hah! THANK YOU for all the beautiful vistas, the close-ups of wildflowers, cactus, cool rock formations, interesting facts, but mostly we thank you for your sense of humor. Your cache of cool videos has gotten us through the past two months. Here's to more Slim Potatohead, can't wait for your next video!!

[@samuelfink4799]

Your videos are like a therapy session. Thanks for taking the time to share your travels.

[@bobshaw4063]

I just love Slim's soothing voice while narrating his great vlogs . I feel like I'm watching a National Geographic's TV program . I'd love to meet him real soon .

[@cindyhatch5062]

Therapy session without $150/hr. ☀

[@kenliu808]

Pepe here. What is ASMR? Mahalo Nui Loa.

[@pa_hyker7715]

Its like listening to Marlin Perkins on Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom from when I was a kid. Great job👍👍

[@dennisjs]

Exactly! I had never connected the 2 until you mentioned it but now I definitely see the resemblances in their presentations

[@cyberi4a]

So when you get back to Canada, you can tell people you walked to Mexico during the winter....LOL

[@williamwilliam728]

Slim you have found your calling. I have traveled over 2 million miles around N. America, mostly as a tour bus operator, but I did also bicycle across Canada in 88 and motorcycle around N. America early 80’s. You reignite a fire in me. You are popular in the Philippines, as an American expat and I discuss our KZbin viewing, while early morning walking . You are also one of his favs...may your travels continue with the wind at your back...

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

So you live in the Philippines? Will you ever move back to America? I have an expat friend in Thailand and he loves it. I've visited him a few times over there.

[@Mark-cg2bg]

I found Boquillas on my first trip to the park in 1978. No electric to the town then, just some individual generators. On my most recent trip last summer, I stopped at the Santa Elena overlook and my dog crossed the river to the Mexico. Fortunately, he listens well and came right back without causing an international incident. Thanks for all the adventures, Slim. Have fun!

[@skybluepink998]

That shot of the yellow sunset, the frost , those yellow flowers and the weathered rock shots- magical! Gracias Senor Cabeza de patata delgada!

[@grahamrichards193]

That place was just magical! I love you’re photography, it captures the beauty and essence of the place.

[@WW2HistoryHunter]

Your material is so well laid out and smooth as butter. Just a pleasure to watch and thanks for sharing. Greetings from WW2HistoryHunter.

[@tundramanq]

I truck camped in the low lands and to get the insects out of the back of my camper, I set up my Coleman Lantern on it's 5 foot pole about 30 feet away. It drew the insects and that drew the bats for a feast. Spent half the night watching the great aerial show.

[@rcagle123]

Brings back memories. It's been 18-20 years since I was at Big Bend. Thanks for sharing!

[@Paperlover123]

What an amazing place!!!!! Especially wading into Mexico for lunch! The beautiful views, rocks, caverns, flowers are just breathtaking. Once again your photography and videography is exceptional. I wish your videos could be televised! Thanks for sharing with us, your most fortunate viewers!

[@apress58]

They just get better and better.

[@jacquelinesommerfeld3942]

You out did yourself with this gem. I love the way you always pick the right music to match your artistic images. The tour of places I have yet to travel is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for all your work!

[@billnolen538]

My late wife and I spent many enjoyable trips to Big Bend. Your video brought back many wonderful memories!! Thank you!

[@RockofAgesTheBand]

Another Great and Informative video. I don't know why you're not a multi award winning narrator , (perhaps you are?) I guess you must be too busy Living the dream to be tied to a studio. Any Production Company would be fortunate to have you on their payroll. Thanks for all the wonderful Videos Mr. Slim. As always , I can't wait for the next one.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Dennis Steele Companies today and are cheap and hate employees.

[@cletusvandamme6262]

@@tenminutetokyo2643 This is an inappropriate forum for you to air your grievances. Your comments say more about you than those against the object of your wrath.

[@InfernalExhibition]

I KNOW....THANKS MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PUT THESE TOGETHER.....JOLLY GOOD

[@goodgollyjosh]

As a native Texan, Big Bend has always been my favorite place to camp. My father took me when I was a boy and now I take my kiddo. The Aliner has held it's own even on some rocky trails. Excellent video Slim!

[@stevekoger1106]

Nice job! Really demonstrated old adage "just wait a minute and the weather in Texas will change."

[@akaSuzanne]

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring video. Thank you so much for sharing your travels!!!

[@CassySoSassy]

That sky at 1:30 is incredible. Ok. I’ll finish watching now. Stay safe and keep the adventure coming!!

[@azclaimjumper]

You've made my week, Slim. You have no idea how much I look forward to your weekly Monday morning video

[@jodyseaman1885]

That looks like a nice place to visit. Not many National Parks that aren't crowded.

[@goodgollyjosh]

The difficult part about primitive camping out there is that you can't reserve a spot by phone. You have to drive out there for a reservation, making it a rather useless perk. The best thing to do is to get there early or travel there in off-peak times. It's truly beautiful.

[@walterpalmer2749]

You must have found this park after some rains in spring bloom. Surprisingly beautiful.

[@rhondatraywick7307]

That sky is just crystal blue, along with those blue bonnets, my fav! Enjoy!

[@FloatingOurBoat]

Wow! We couldn't believe the change overnight, truly wonderful. Thanks Slim

[@joharmon2148]

Oh your so right it is a magical place. Great video Slim. Just kept me with my mouth open at each new beautiful turn

[@gabbyblomlie3411]

i was just in big bend last week! can’t help but think of how incredible it’d have been to go soak in the hot springs that frosty morning!

[@roylafountain5478]

After watching a majority of your video's, i believe this is your best! Everything about it is magical. Fun to watch. Thanks

[@carolynhogan6816]

Thanks for coming! I've lived in Texas all my life. Thanks for showing us Texans, Our Texas! I love your videos!

[@justaroundthebend6679]

LOVED it!!... Been wanting to go there..... Now I am excited to go!.... Thanks Slim! You put some really hard work in your Video's and it is Amazing!.... Great job!

[@roadtripjoe789]

Love that park, camped there many times when I went to Sul Ross State in Alpine.....lots of history around those parts....

[@restlesshomebody]

Thank you for that frosty desert scene!

[@Jollyprez]

I used to live in nearby Terlingua - you should take FM 170 through Lajitas and go to Presidio, the road is amazing ( check your brakes, first ). Take a day trip to Ojinaga also known as "The Pearl of the Desert." Then head north to Marfa on US 67. If you're still in the neighborhood.

[@gingerman5123]

I was in West Texas last week camping with my family at Fort Davis. I thought of you. I’m soooo glad you got to experience Big Bend. It is by far my favorite part of the world. It’s just magic. I’m sure you felt it.

[@juanitamattick7451]

Wow...I had never seen anything about Big Bend Park....the pics were great I love that u waded across😊

[@ajf5823]

Big Bend has the most amazing backcountry camping. It’s great that you got to enjoy it.

[@yenchiu199]

Thanks, Slim. TX is huge, would love to see more through your lens.

[@rollie3383]

Same size as Alberta

[@sky3353]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. Very relaxing, but never boring. I take my hat off to you. You're doing what I'm sure the rest of us wish we could do. So, for now, I'll just have to enjoy the adventures through you. Thanks for sharing all these beautiful places with all of us. I wish you safe travels, good health and a long life. Enjoy it while you can. Thanks again.

[@H.pylori]

Like many of the others have stated...this has to be one of your best videos. You piece together a complete story of a unique experience replete with fantastic photography, outstanding vistas, an introduction to Big Bend, and a non-traditional visit Mexico without all of the controversy and ugliness that is going on today. You blended in with the people of the town of Boquillas de Carmen, enjoyed their hospitality, and presented them in a positive manner. I would never have known of the town of Boquillas without your video. Wading across the Rio Grande as you did conjured up images of reverse immigration. I had some trepidation of you walking among the rocks and caves in spring time due to rattlesnakes coming out of hibernation and you with those tennis shoes. But you addressed this by giving a tally of one snake and no scorpions. Your subtle humor was displayed with the comment of "getting off their Ass" and walking to the village. Well done. Also I hope that the message behind "No al Muro" did not elude too many viewers. This video is truly commercial grade. Well done and thank you. Big thumbs up.

[@blairwilliams136]

Slim should really have his own television show on the travel channel, so good !

[@patriciasolomon7618]

Awwww, I think that little tan chihuahua wanted to go with you. Thanks for getting off your ass....I'm sure the ass appreciated it. That's insane how much the weather changed, but like you said "surreal ". I just look forward to your videos so much; the beauty, the spectacular sights, the humor. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@tmhimdynamite3747]

Great video, a natural at story telling.

[@maryberon4193]

Wow! Thanks for taking me back there. Happy travels!

[@philburnett50]

Excellent video Slim!Love your videos very well narrated!Thank you

[@ginabrown725]

Thanks a bunch Slim for another awesome video. I bet you crossed the Rio Grande more than twice for placing of the camera for your back & forth shots......also, nice inspiring chant. So much to appreciate, God bless you.

[@kevinreed8254]

Another good job slim,its nice to see a place where peace and solitude still exist.

[@nathanielcohen9890]

quick somebody build a wall! i lived there for yrs and you never get tired of the scenery. i am surprised you never came across any rattlers. that town hasn't changed in 30 yrs.

[@whereswendy8544]

Love all your vids. You have a way with the camera and a way with telling the story, makes me want to visit all your discoveries myself. Amazing the contrast from one hot day to the next day's rare frosty landscape.

[@andycunningham6942]

Once again Slim you have produced another awesome video of your travels. The scenery was beautiful and you made it at the perfect time of year to capture it on film, well done. I will put this on my list of places to visit, thanks

[@emiliofranco7534]

You took me back to my childhood Slim. I was born in a town north from Big Bend. A small town, Ojinaga in the state of Chihuahua. Your crossing of the river really took me back, as kids we would go back and forth. Not to day... Thanks for the great trip back in time.

[@louisscott7213]

Love your videos, especially this one. Can’t wait to try our new to us trailer. This is the first trip, and place that we are going to do.

[@louisscott7213]

Would like to know the time of the year that you were there. Please keep showing these fabulous places.

[@stevejohnson2434]

Excellent video as always Slim you always provide great content and comfort THANKS.

[@BrassLock]

Very enjoyable views of a place I've never been to. Love all the close ups of flowers, rocks and other incidentals.

[@perfentoo]

Thank you Slim for another wonderful video. You are a great storyteller, artist, photographer/videographer, and soundtrack creator. I especially enjoy your selection of music and the way you don’t let it overpower the music. Always a job well done.

[@veronicastewart1112]

Wow, those rocks are something to behold.

[@John_Troch]

Slim, my family and I camped in that exact spot. We loved it. We full timed for 4 years (We still travel 3/4 time) Hands down the best and spacious site we've ever had. The hot spring was magical. We donated some of our kids clothes at the Rio Grande. Such an awesome place. definitely going back.

[@tomrobinson2919]

Super video; thanks again for the treat and adding another site tour bucket list!

[@vivienne6004]

Shoot, we missed you Slim. We were in Big Bend early March. It stands out in my mind, I was so spiritually blessed by our time there camping in the Chisos mountain campground. Loved this video it took me back Thank you for all your work.

[@dieselnine1022]

Slim is the MAN! Look at this.... out of 1.6K views only 15 morons gave a thumbs down. You've got to know you're doing a hell of a lot right. One of my two favorite, relaxing, channels to watch. Bravo! Edited for poor contractions.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

WONDERFUL AS ALWAYS!

[@lukespack]

This was a very well filmed video. Big Bend Park, the little Mexican town and eerie morning back at the park. Then the little Buddhist chant gave us a little bit more information about you. Thank you.

[@lindaboyd6067]

Thanks again for sharing your wonderful road trip, be safe traveling, love ya

[@gregjobe5672]

I like the music shift as you arrive in Mexico! Very appropriate!

[@genekulp]

When I was there 3 months ago, they said on a clear day you I can see 130 miles or so. Amazing views

[@genekulp]

Since there is jagged mountains on all the horizons, maybe the curvature is difficult to see?

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Superb as always !

[@kennyc388]

Beautiful area senor Slim. What a gorgeous park and sparse crowds too!! Love always the plants and animals.

[@solent7430]

Absolutely stunning Slim! Watched in the UK whilst wishing I was there too 👍🏻

[@lindahenderson840]

I'm watching from the UK too makes you jealous watching

[@solent7430]

Linda Henderson Doesn’t it just! I know the UK has some good spots but the pure escapism of Slim’s videos is so needed at the moment!

[@beemail6983]

You have Wales Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to explore, Ireland's west is isolated and we'll worth the trip

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

@@solent7430 The UK is so tiny compared to the USA. It takes about 8 hours to drive the entire length of the UK from north to south. Drive 8 hours here and you're only halfway across the state of Texas! lol

[@kurtwendorf4747]

If you are still in the area, stop in Alpine Texas and tour the Big Bend Brewery. I enjoyed the tour and my wife drove us safely home.

[@bryonh6928]

Wow, very nice. Wife and I had planned to be there in January of this year as we started our full time rv life, but we had to head back to our home base as we quickly found out we needed a bit more planning and such before we are truly ready. Thank you for letting us see the beauty that is out there.

[@Jaime13R]

That’s for visiting my area!!!

[@ronlackey2689]

That's Texas weather for you. Hang around 5 minutes and it'll change! Hope you had a great time in our fair state Mr. Slim and that you were treated well. Happy trails.

[@sylviajones4907]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@OGColorado]

I love it out in Big Bend. It's a very unique place out where the bodies are buried, near Terlingua.

[@joshb-8810]

Great videos and pictures Slim. I've got a playlist of your videos I'm catching up on. You've shown me so much of America that I never considered traveling to.

[@phillipmorris1334]

mesmerizing,spectacular magnificent.!!!!thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge. safe,health and joyful journeys ahead

[@biblemike174]

WOW. What an amazing place. Thx Slim for taking us along. PSALM 24:1 The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof.

[@rvpilgrims]

We were just a couple of days ahead of you in Big Bend, but had moved on to Alpine, TX when the cold and wind hit. No snow there, but there was a tornado warning. Your video brought back great memories of just a few weeks ago! Thanks so much!

[@susanhoward5479]

This is amazing, your vidios show us real America. Thankyou.

[@brianbechtol7329]

My favorite place on Earth

[@JackieL7474]

Just beautiful! I guess I'm going to keep repeating myself because your videos just keep getting more beautiful all the time. I'm not sure what else to say other than when your videos come in, I get really happy and like another viewer said, your videos are like therapy!

[@BamaRider]

I've had the good fortune, to ride North America on my motorcycles the last 15 years-solo because I prefer it that way. I've been to all the places you have traveled, but I can't get my expensive road motorcycles into the areas you can get your jeep, so I have to camp in main campgrounds of the parks. Thanks for giving me a peek at what I missed. This video of Big Bend is harking me back to see things I skipped on my visit in 2007. You seem to be stuck in the Southwest, I suggest coming East when the weather turns warm. The lush green hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley and the Smokies are a stark contrast to the sand, rocks, and dust of the Southwest. All beauty just in different ways. I edit my photos and video also so I know how much work this takes, I'd be embarrassed for you to see mine. You do a excellent job, and I enjoy visiting your channel. You supplied with some valuable tips for my upcoming ride to Joshua and Death Valley next month. Ride safe friend.

[@KeylargoVideo]

I had a dream to do what you do, but your videos are so well done and off the beaten path, I feel like I've done it already due to your way of making us feel like we're there with you. Thanks for taking us on your adventures.

[@judyabernathy80]

Excellent!! Big Bend has always fascinated me!

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Big Bend IS a gem Slim. It gets it name from the bend in the Rio Grand River. It head southeast as it comes from New Mexico and turns at the southern most point of the park (Boquilla Crossing) to head northeast. The bend is huge and can be easily seen on any Texas or US map. A truly gorgeous place.

[@websterbarstone]

My family went to Big Bend during the summer of 1967. The park was definitely not crowded at all. We drove to the same crossing that you visited. I don't remember any customs house or officials, but of course, you didn't need a passport to cross then. All I remember is a Mexican man and at least two young boys and a small herd of donkeys. They wanted charge us $5.00 each to ride their donkeys across the Rio Grande to Mexico. I can't believe that my dad -- a rather frugal man -- paid for us three children and my mom. He took the picture. We crossed over, got off the donkeys to say we were in Mexico, and rode back. I didn't even know there was a town over there until recently. Unfortunately, I haven't been back to Big Bend.

[@gerardtrigo380]

Wonderful. That is how the border should be everywhere. That is the way it was everywhere when i was growing up. Walk across into Mexico and walk back later. No fuss no muss and no walls or fences.

[@tinabeane]

Wow just amazing and when that cold weather arrive what a contrast. Well done!!!

[@ScreechingWife]

Again, your videos are such a joy! You have such a talent for composing the beautiful scenery and poetically narrating! They engulf me in relaxation as well as providing travel destination tips! As always, thanks for the lovely and informative videos, Slim!! :)

[@shughes2620]

This video was especially awesome. Park is gorgeous and I loved your trip to the little town. Thanks!

[@hamiltoneast]

Having watched all your videos, I've now doubled back to pick my faves. Never thought I'd could lean toward a spot in Texas, but this one is as good as travel vids get. Not that I don't look forward to even better ones as you further hone your craft.

[@glennrubel4326]

Stunning views, thanks.

[@jschille6710]

Your videos have it all. Scenery, weather, food, restaurant. That part of the country is so surreal. Thanks for sharing!

[@SteveCChapman]

You are having a heck of an adventure!

[@Randylj1]

Hi Slim ~ I must find your Vlogs more often. This was really fun! I'm inspired to visit as I missed Big Bend when I visited the Texas Hill Country in 2009. I love your little A-Liner. It reminds me of A-frame cabins I've enjoyed. Thank your for another wonderful adventure!

[@jeterhall3520]

Awe inspiring...the weather change from hot to cold and foggy reminds me of Maine! I've been wanting to visit Big Bend for some time.

[@RRyan-pq5xd]

We have just started watching your videos and want to let you know how beautiful your photography is and what a great job you do of inspiring others to travel and the insightful information you share. Great Job, thank you

[@ellensburgwa5087]

Great views again. Thank you.

[@raymondschneider5217]

What beautiful scenery. Your delivery and explanation is awesome, too. As with many of your vids, they're way to short; you capture so much in so little time -- I always want more! Thanks for sharing. SP. Y'all Be Safe!

[@dona62851]

You have a poet's way with words that I find soothing, descriptive and even inviting. Keep sharing.