El Paso Zoo
Home to lions, giraffes, and more, the El Paso Zoo is a wonderful attraction to visit when journeying through West Texas on an RV camping trip.
Event information
See wolves, alligators, lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, tigers, and more at the El Paso Zoo in El Paso, Texas. Centrally located in this dynamic West Texas city, the El Paso Zoo makes for a fascinating daytime adventure. Choose from special events that include wildlife encounters, educational programming about the animals of the Chihuahuan Desert, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, or go for a self-guided tour.
The El Paso Zoo’s central location makes it a great stop along your RV road trip through Texas. If you’re visiting West Texas wilderness destinations like Guadalupe Mountains National Park (home to the state’s highest peak!), Big Bend National Park, and the incredible rock climbing attraction that is Hueco Tanks State Park, it’s definitely worth passing through El Paso. Travelers can look forward to seeing all the city has to offer—especially if you happen to love zoos!
Texas may be known for armadillos and longhorn cattle, but at the El Paso Zoo, you can see monkeys, leopards, and so much more. This year-round zoo is a fun family-friendly attraction, and it’s also easy to access in your RV. Whether you’re camping in El Paso or somewhere nearby in Texas, you will want to check it out during your adventure through the Lone Star State.
Tickets
Tickets to the El Paso Zoo can be purchased online or on-site. Plan on spending about $10 to $15 for an adult. Teenagers, children, seniors, and military members usually receive discounted admission. Additional programming and special events may cost extra or be priced differently. Contact the zoo about field trips and group rates.
Explore El Paso Zoo RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
El Paso is one of the largest cities in this sparsely populated region, so don’t expect the kind of traffic you might find in Houston or Dallas. That said, the El Paso Zoo is located centrally in this city, and as such, RV drivers should be comfortable with highway driving and navigating downtown areas. Keep in mind that Juarez, Mexico is adjacent to the community of El Paso, so remember to have proper identification if you plan to cross the border.
Parking areas
Parking is free at the El Paso Zoo and is not restricted to specific types of vehicles. Depending on the season, day of the week, and special events, it can fill up quickly. In this event, the zoo may direct visitors to additional parking lots, some of which will require a nominal fee for parking ($5 to $10). Plan on getting to the El Paso Zoo early to avoid missing out on a spot.
Public Transportation
The El Paso Zoo is accessible by public transportation, as well as by cab, rideshare service, and of course, by your own vehicle. Public transportation may be a good option if you end up parking elsewhere, or if you’re camping at an RV park that is close to a bus stop.
Where to stay
Onsite
As wonderful as it would be to sleep among the animals at the El Paso Zoo, there is, unfortunately, no RV camping or lodging of any type on-site. With the exception of special events, the El Paso Zoo is only open during the daytime. The parking lot is subject to these same hours. You’ll find camping options near El Paso and outside of the city in the desert wilderness.
Nearby
Whether you seek to camp in El Paso so that you might be close to the El Paso Zoo and all of the city’s great cultural offerings or you want to experience the nearby state and national parks, there are a number of RV camping options for you.
The El Paso West/Anthony RV Park is located north of El Paso in Anthony, Texas, approximately 22 miles from the zoo. You will also find camping options at Texas State Parks. The drive to the zoo may be longer, but it may afford you a chance to take in some scenery.
Getting around
Plan on getting around the El Paso Zoo on foot. Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and skates are not allowed inside zoo grounds. The zoo is well-marked, but refer to the map to make sure you don’t get lost, and to make sure you get to see every exhibit that you want to while you’re there.
What to pack
Clothing
Visiting the El Paso Zoo is an outdoor experience. Pack clothes with this in mind, including comfortable walking shoes and layers for various temperatures. El Paso is in the desert, where temperatures can vary dramatically depending on the season and time of day. A raincoat is always a good idea if showers are in the forecast, and hiking or climbing apparel is also recommended if you’re planning on visiting the nearby state and national parks.
Gear
Bring camping gear for the desert, including foldable chairs for enjoying the sun and cookware for campground meals. When visiting the zoo, bring a bag with your cell phone, charger, wallet, and cash for souvenirs. Selfie sticks are allowed, but must not reach past animal habitat barriers inside the zoo.
Health & Safety
Sunshine can be abundant in El Paso, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses. As the area around El Paso can be quite remote, remember to travel with several gallons of water and medical supplies for your safety. Depending on whether or not you camp in a wilderness area, you may want to bring a snake bite kit. Snake bites are rare, but it never hurts to be prepared.
Where to eat
Cooking
Check with your campground about fuel types and rules regarding outdoor cooking. As a general rule of thumb, campgrounds inside national parks tend to have stricter rules. You will find numerous grocery stores in El Paso. Options outside of the city are few and far between, so stock up here before traveling onward. Be sure to have tanks ready for use when traveling between locations in West Texas.
Restaurants
Take a break from campground cooking and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants near the El Paso Zoo. As this city hugs the border of Mexico, it’s all about great Mexican cuisine here, with plenty of Tex-Mex restaurants as well. Options range from taco trucks to upscale lounges inside downtown hotels serving fancy margaritas and queso. If you have your passport, you can even cross into Mexico for the real deal.
Vendors
Dining and shopping are limited at El Paso Zoo. Expect snacks and casual fare if you’re hungry while you’re here. And of course, don’t leave without visiting the gift shop and buying a stuffed animal version of your favorite zoo creature. Vendors may vary by season and are subject to change. Bring cash just in case credit cards aren’t accepted.
Safety
Security
Security may be present in the parking lot area, at the entrance to the zoo, and throughout the property. They're there for your protection and for the safety of the animals. If you need to leave and come back, security will check the stamp on your hand to verify re-entry. Be aware that security may also check for prohibited items like alcohol, noisemakers, and items that may be hazardous to the animals.
Weather
El Paso sits in a dry, hot desert. If visiting in the spring or summer, expect temperatures in the 90s. If visiting in the winter, expect cooler temperatures in the 50s. The El Paso Zoo is normally open regardless of the weather. Even if it rains, the zoo will be open. However, animals might take shelter from precipitation or be less active.
Medical
The closest hospital to El Paso Zoo is one mile away. You'll find additional hospitals in the city, plus plenty of pharmacies, too. Options for medical care thin out once you leave the city, and will be different if you cross the nearby border into Mexico just a few miles to the south.
