5th gen 4Runners in scenic locations

I shall spend time enjoying all the posts.
I will share my sleeping ventilation solution.
Basically a luan plywood (about 1/8 thick)
Carefully fitted to rear windows. A hole in center with glued plastic screen. A couple metal clips at bottom, a rain shingle (a piece of flexible wall baseboard) at bottom.
In freezing weather I use one side, in warmer I use both sides. My DIY awnings can be over both sides to keep wind rain and snow flurries from directly hitting screen. Quick and simple to set up when making camp.

 

Where at in Arkansas?

 

Big Bend NP, River Road West

 

Ozark Nat'l Forest. We did 27-ish water crossings over 4 days.

 

I'm doing two weeks to that area with probably 3 days dedicated to Big Bend State and NPs. Camping. Last week of April, first week of May.

Advice on stuff I have to see / do in or near the park and renegade camping or free dispersed camping spots you would recommend?

Based on that pic probably gonna add River Road West to the list...

 

I unfortunately got nothing for camping in the area this time (haven’t gone since before the 4Runner came along) but I do know dispersed camping isn’t allowed in BBNP, there’s a lot of remote, dispersed-style sites but you’ll have to reserve ahead of time.

It was our first time visiting, albeit on a fairly tight and very basic timetable and what I’d say was nice was that scenic drive on the park’s west side (you’ll likely be driving on this anyway) plus POI’s along the way like the vista of the Mule Ears. Santa Elena Canyon and the short hike that comes with it.

(Old) Maverick Rd was fairly unremarkable washboard to me but it’s another way to the canyon if you prefer it.

River Road East and West were also a lot of dirt/gravel/washboard/dips (West had some more rocky, sandy sections but nothing challenging, a Subaru and non-idiot driver could probably pull it off) and a lot of views but it’ll be a few hour drive to do both back-to-back so it’ll be a commitment. Saw three horses but that was it for fauna.

I did not attempt Black Gap(?) Rd or Old Ore(?) but if I come back, I’d try to hit those but it might be tough being bone stock.

I forget which one had it on the way but Mariscal Mine was a neat historical attraction and probably what I’d call the highlight of River Rd. I’d plan to stop there and there’s a nice view at the top with an optional hike.

In Terlingua I liked Espresso y Mas for food (tamales, waffle, pancakes, ok burritos), the Chili Pepper Cafe’s chilaquiles disappointed me immensely but the breakfast burrito was better.

For next time, I’d want to see more of the trails/“primitive roads”, find a hike closer to the Chisos Basin/Mountains, and I hear BB State Park has nice MTB trails too.

Edit: oh, and an activity on the river would be nice too.

 

Great info, thanks.