El Paso Dash
We have been grinding over this trip for the last 2 1/2 months as we wait out this stay-at-home decision. We have been isolated other than going to the grocery store and of course, my morning walks with Zoey for this entire time. I heard a phrase the other day that might describe how we are approaching this first trip out, “Calculated Risk Assessment” travel. We wanted to set a health baseline for our trip so we both have been recently tested for COVID and the results I am happy to say are negative.
COVID Impact
Not that we feel we have been exposed, but we wanted to be sure we were not asymptomatic. With that behind us, the trip to El Paso to visit our family could now be planned and booked. Our goal is to have the least amount of human contact possible as we make our way down. Our stops will be limited to one night with very little time to explore. This sounds a bit depressing and unlike your typical behavior while RVing doesn’t it? RVing is all about social interaction and such, enjoying your surroundings visiting new attractions, or taking a walk around the town. This should get us to El Paso safely and with proper COVID precautions and social distancing.
Real-Time Travel Updates
I plan to review, comment, and update you as we make our way down on Instagram @lovetowanderrv. I will be giving you observations on campgrounds, rest stops, fueling, carryout, and the general vibe as we make our way across the country.
Here is a look at the trip Itinerary, with a few reviews from previous stays. I mention a few attractions we have visited in the past however, we will not be visiting this trip.
Mileage: 1,383
Nights: 18
Diesel Fuel & RV Park Daily Average: TBD
- Little Rock-North KOA – Little Rock, AR
LTW RV Park Review – Little Rock North KOA
Phone: (501) 758-4598
Coordinates: 35:39009, -89.41045
Nights: 1
Must-See Attractions
The Old Mill – 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116 A historic re-creation of an 1880’s water-powered grist mill. It is in the opening scenes of the classic movie “Gone With The Wind.” It features sculptures by Senor Dionicio Rodriguez and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is just a hidden gem in North Little Rock that you should take the time to visit. Bring your camera this will be a great place to snap a few shots particularly in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. MAP
Junction Bridge & Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden – Arkansas River Trail, Little Rock, AR 72201 Ginny, Zoey, and I spent the morning touring this area of the River Trail in downtown Little Rock. This is a dog-friendly park tucked in between the river and downtown. There is plenty of award-winning sculptures to take in along with the Junction Bridge. Start your morning in Little Rock with a pleasant walk along the riverfront.
The Farmers Market is located at the entrance of the park and you will find something going on every weekend. Note this area is full of restaurant choices and of course the Clinton Museum. Parking can be found on the street or in a larger parking lot nearby. MAP
- Stinson RV Park – Campbell, TX
LTW RV Park Review – First-time stay – Coming Soon
Phone: (903) 455-7878
Coordinates: 33.12829, -95.99333
Nights: 1
Quick Observation: I will do a complete review later in the coming week. I choose this location on the east side of Dallas for one reason, I did not want to drive through Dallas on a Friday night. As it turns out we choose wisely for a couple of reasons. The park is located just off I30 in Campbell, TX. This has the feel of a relatively new location with new gravel sights and roadways. You will find a very welcoming staff that makes you feel good about staying at their park. They just opened The Tin Cup Tavern on site that serves up some great Texas-style BBQ. We would stay again, more on this park soon.
- Whip In RV Park – Big Springs, TX
LTW RV Park Review: First-time stay, see below observation.
Phone: (432) 393-5242
Coordinates: 32.27391, -101.37013
Nights: 1
Quick Observation: I was looking for a safe place to stop after a long day and I choose this park. As a heads up, you are in oil and gas country, there will be a ton of RV parks for the roughnecks, this in one. The park is 50% occupied by what I would call full-time stays. The sites are level, a bit tight but did fit our 54 feet of truck and RV without unhooking. The Park is good for overnight and that’s about it. No frills, good power, water, cable, and cell service not much else.
- Van Horn RV Park – Van Horn, TX
LTW RV Park Review: Coming Soon
Phone: (432) 283-2728
Coordinates: 31.03099, -104.826
Nights: 1
Quick Observation: This is our second stay at this location. We are not the biggest fans of driving over 4 1/2 + hours in a day. Typically that means 5 + with full stops and bathroom breaks. Our final stop was Las Cruces which was another 2 1/2 + hours away. This has become our layover go-to for trips along I-10. This was once a KOA, so when you arrive you will immediately recognize the A-Frame office building from the old KOA days. The park is now private ownership but has many of the old KOA amenities and signs still around. The sites are all very level with rows dedicated to big rigs and super rig parking. Have a smaller rig, no problem the rows near the front of the property are ample and have plenty of room for you to stay connected if you need to. I will give a full review of this location shortly with photos and more detail.
- Hacienda RV Resort – Las Cruces, NM 88005
LTW RV Park Review: Hacienda RV Resort
Phone: (575) 528-5800
Coordinates: 32.2866 -106.7871
Nights: 14
Must-See Local Attraction
White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field.
We arrived early morning on a rather rainy day. This had its advantages as the park was not crowded at all. We made our way to the end of the driving loop and had the view and park to ourselves. This is a dog-friendly park with plenty of areas to walkabout.
Be forewarned, check to see if they will be closing the highway due to missile testing. White Sands Missle Range is one of the most active ranges in the USA.
