I visited Big Bend in January 2018. I almost didn’t make it there due to heavy snow fall on I20 as soon as I left Fort Worth. The low temps were foretasted at high 20’s at night. I almost turned around 2hrs into the trip.
Once I got to Big Bend ( 10hrs later) there was a fresh snow cover all over the desert. It looked very peaceful, like a painting.
The first two nights were cold. It was 27% outside, but as soon as the sun came up it warmed up to 50s in the morning and low 70s during the day.
The Chihuahuan Desert is extremely beautiful. Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to go into Chisos mountains. There is a 21ft length limit to go up that road, and I was at 24ft + bike rack. :'( Maybe next time.
Rio Grand Village Campground is located on the East side of the park, very close to the river. It was pretty empty in January, probably due to such low temperatures. There are no hookups, but it offered bathroom facilities and sinks to wash dishes. Cold water only, no showers.
Aesop enjoyed himself, even though in most national parts dogs can only go where cars go: Parking lots, roads and campgrounds. So any short hike I took I was solo, while Aesop chilled in the camper. Good thing the temps were low during out trip.
Santa Elena Canyon hike was a fantastic short hike with a very abrupt ending. If you are afraid of heights, this hike might not be for you. Most of the way up/down switchbacks have no rail.
Last but not least, Boquillas Canyon Trail. It a short drive east of the Rio Grande campground and offer great views of the river and the canyon.
The Park offers many desert, mountain and river hikes, I was very limited with the size of my rig plus having a dog.