Wild West RV Park

The Great Outdoors

An hour’s drive north of Wild West RV Park is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which encompasses the highest point in Texas. Begin your visit at the Pine Springs visitor center where the ruins of an old stagecoach station can be seen, then explore the small history museum in the restored Frijole Ranch. If you want to stretch your legs, you can hike to Smith Spring or embark on the Guadalupe Peak Trail that ascends over 3,000 feet and offers spectacular views of El Capital and the Chihuahuan Desert. Also of note is the McKittrick Canyon Trail that leads to a 1930's stone cabin that once served as the holiday home of petroleum geologist Wallace Pratt.Directly north of Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which encompasses two historic districts and a large tract of wilderness in New Mexico. A highlight is the large limestone chamber of Carlsbad Cavern, a show cave that can be accessed on foot along the Natural Entrance path or by an elevator from the visitor center. There are more than 100 caves in total within the park’s bounds, not to mention stunning desert views on offer from the Walnut Canyon Desert Loop. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, be sure to visit the desert wetland of Rattlesnake Springs, which attracts hundreds of bird species throughout the year.Also in New Mexico is the Brokeoff Mountains Wilderness Study Area, which contains 80,000 acres of rugged terrain. It’s carved by two canyons that are a hotspot for plant and wildlife species at the meeting point of the Chihuahuan Desert, semidesert grasslands, and conifer woodlands. Its rocky outcrops provide a nesting and perching habitat for various birds of prey while Rocky Mountain elk visit the area in the winter months.

Exploring the City

Campsites at Wild West RV Park are within walking distance of several restaurants, including a pizzeria, a tortilleria, and American-style eateries. There are numerous gas stations in the immediate vicinity if you need to fill up your RV rental and a couple of grocery stores for picking up essentials.Also in Van Horn is the Culberson County Historical Museum, which details the people and events that have shaped the region. Take time to browse the Native American artifacts, period costumes, and vintage furnishings on display, as well as photographs and articles that explore life for Van Horn’s early pioneers.If you’re after a cultural fix, spend a day exploring the sights of El Paso, which is renowned for its historic missions that can be visited along the El Paso Historic Mission Trail. Its three adobe churches include the 17th-century Ysleta Mission, the late-18th-century San Elizario Chapel, and the Socorro Mission. At the heart of El Paso is the historic Plaza Theatre, which was constructed in 1930 in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. It presents live shows and concerts throughout the year, so check what’s taking place during your visit.Also not to miss is the El Paso Museum of Art, which boasts an outstanding collection of American, European, and Mexican artwork. Its exhibits date from the 12th century to the modern-day, with a highlight being its large number of pieces by local and regional Southwest artists. After visiting the El Paso Museum of Art, follow the scenic drive that winds up the slopes of Franklin Mountain and offers incredible views across the city and neighboring Ciudad Juarez. Or, you can get up close to species from across the globe at the El Paso Zoo. It’s home to a diverse range of animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as featuring a massive treehouse playground that’s always a hit with kids.Whether you want to explore the mountainous landscapes and caves of the Southwest or get cultured in the streets of El Paso, book an RV in Culberson County and start planning your next vacation.