Chimney Park RV Resort

The Great Outdoors

A ten-minute drive west of the Chimney Park RV Resort is the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which serves as the headquarters for the World Birding Center. This organization manages a group of nine parks and nature preserves in the Rio Grande Valley that provide a sanctuary for over 500 recorded species of birds. Explore the hiking trails that wind through its 764 acres while keeping your eyes peeled for ocelot, jaguarundi, and some of the more than 250 butterfly species that have been recorded within the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park’s grounds.Drive in the other direction from the Chimney Park RV Resort, and you’ll arrive at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 2,000 acres along the banks of the Rio Grande. It lies at the meeting point of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Gulf Coast, and a large tract of subtropical wetlands, and was established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory bird species. Among its 400 recorded species are peregrine falcons, black-bellied whistling ducks, and blue-winged teals, not to mention almost half of all butterfly species found in the United States.Chimney Park RV Resort also makes a good base for visiting the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, which lies around 90 minutes’ drive to the east. This massive protected area spans 98,000 acres and is home to numerous endangered and threatened species. Aside from ocelots and jaguarundis, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is also home to more than 25 pairs of northern aplomado falcons, with captive-bred falcons reintroduced to the area in the 1980s by the Peregrine Fund.

Exploring the City

Campsites at the Chimney Park RV Resort are less than ten minutes' drive from the heart of Mission, where you’ll find a couple of supermarkets for stocking up on grocery supplies. There are also gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental and a good selection of eateries that include fast-food joints and Mexican restaurants. If you’re looking for something to do within walking distance of the Chimney Park RV Resort, head to La Lomita Chapel, a 19th-century landmark built by the Calvary of Christ so priests could deliver services to Catholics living on isolated ranches along the Rio Grande.If you want to delve into the local history, make a beeline for the Museum of South Texas History in nearby Edinburg. It occupies three large buildings overlooking the city’s main square and features exhibits that cover everything from the prehistoric era to the modern-day. Among its impressive collection are a prehistoric mosasaur and an ice age mammoth, as well as cultural artifacts belonging to the Coahuiltecan Indians. Learn about the events that took place in the Rio Grande Valley during the Civil War, the Citrus Era, and the Mexican Revolution, then browse the South Texas history books and memorabilia for sale in the museum store.Another museum not to miss in the region is McAllen's International Museum of Art & Science, which features a diverse range of exhibits that will appeal to all ages. It boasts an impressive collection of Latin American art, Japanese prints, and antique stained glass windows, as well as several images taken from the Hubble Space Telescope. Be sure to stroll through the peaceful sculpture garden and admire the European artworks that date from the 16th to 19th centuries. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a dedicated children’s space and a science-themed playground where they can let off some steam.Whether you want to spot butterflies in the wildlife refuges along the Rio Grande or discover the rich history of South Texas, book an RV rental in Hidalgo County and start planning your visit.