So am I correct in that, I can go over to Pine Springs campground, set up camp and hike around the area as I please for a few days and do the summit? I want to go over there for a few days next week because I'm off and it sounds like during the week I should be able to get a spot there. Big Bend seems like it might take more planning, but if it would be better, even without much of a plan, I'd be up for that.
I do have 4X4 (just a stock Grand Cherokee) if that opens things up at all. I saw some stuff online about BB where they say you need 4x4, but can't find much that talks about how rough those areas are to drive through. And the backcountry spots I saw just looked like big sites for groups.
Really, since I'm inexperienced, I'd like to have a base where my vehicle and everything I need is and just hike trails during the day, with maybe a backpacking night away from my camp. But that part isn't necessary, just sounds like fun. That's why Pine Springs maybe sounded like the easiest (logistics wise) for a first timer, but I don't know shit about things over there besides what I've read, and that hasn't been terribly informative.
Also, I'm in decent shape. Not great, but a good trek isn't going to kill me.