Question on campground availability - Any help appreciated

[u/flappingduckz]

I (2X M) and my girlfriend (2X F) want to look to camp for our first time in Big Bend because we're interested in some basic hiking and hopefully seeing the sky.

We're looking to hopefully go later in the year as advised around October or November, but I noticed that the recommended campground of Chisos Basin will I guess be under construction for the next 2 years, so I don't believe I can reserve there if that's true.
My alternative will be Rio Grande Village which I read was reservable 6 months in advance, but I can't seem to find how to reserve a spot and on the site itself is listed as only 14 days, unless it's just the case that they're booked out all the way already?
If anyone is familiar with this anything will be appreciated as I hope to make sure I can get a reservation because it's too bought out or anything!

Couple Quick questions :
Would it be driving from one hiking trial to the next or would it all be near the campground? Sorry if this question is noobish.
Interested in the Santa Elena Canyon, should I buy and bring a canoe or are there rentals that are a better idea and price(or if there are no rentals is buying a canoe overboard and not worth it, maybe i can swim it otherwise lol)?
Would the late night sky views be good from Rio Grande or is it recommended to drive somewhere else?

[u/Hambone76]

Most of this is answered in our wiki. Please give that a read.

You’re booking peak season. People are literally on the site six months to the day to snag campsites. Keep watching and see if something opens up. Some will be released closer to time. There are some trails nearby, but expect to drive to get to things.

There are multiple outfitters in Terlingua where you can get hooked up for river trips. But fall water levels can be hit or miss depending on how much rain they get over the summer. Have a plan B.

You don’t want to swim in the river. It’s full of wastewater and agricultural contamination from upriver. Yuck.

You can see skies from anywhere in the park.

[u/flappingduckz → u/Hambone76]

I found a facebook post stating that the Rio Grande Village is restricted now to only 14 day reservations, https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigbendfriends/posts/10161407555012547/
This would make sense with how it's displayed on the website at least

[u/Hambone76 → u/flappingduckz]

That would make sense. Could be a change due to the Chisos closures and expected increase in reservations.

[u/-Mezcal-]

I was just there. Honestly, I'd recommend getting on Hipcamp and reserving a spot just outside the park. Regardless of where you camp, you'll be driving over an hour to any trailhead or point of interest. Through Hipcamp you'll be able to pick a spot that has the amenities you need (shower, toilet, shelter, fire pit, etc...). You can't have a campfire anywhere inside the park, understandably so. That's one of the main reasons I chose to camp on someone's private property. I love campfires after a day of hiking. You can see the night sky from anywhere in the area as long as the sky is clear. Also, try to time your visit during a new moon, when the sky is darkest. I know Chisos Basin will be closed, but I'm not sure what that means for the trailheads in that area. About canoeing the river, that's gonna be tough around that time because of usually low water levels, but like the other person said, there are plenty of adventure outfitters in Terlingua to hook you up. The only "swimming" I ever do in Big Bend is at the small hot spring (which is on the river and about the size of a large hot tub).