2025 U.S. Van Tour: San Elizario and Fort Stockton Texas

After Tucson we visited Licon’s Dairy and Petting Zoo in San Elizario, Texas.  It was 378 miles and 7 hours away as we travelled from Arizona, through New Mexico and into The southeast corner of Texas.  Everyone should travel cross country on Interstate 10 once in their life.  Doing so gives you a new appreciation for the vast distances  and hardships endured by those that settled this barren and hostile terrain.  I have new respect for the Pioneers and the Indigenous People who populated this territory.

We arrived at Licon’s Dairy in late afternoon.  While I worked on the computer, Beth explored their petting zoo. Licon’s is a Harvest Host location, where you can park overnight for free.  As Licon's is a commercial establishment, we made some purchases in their store to show our appreciation for their hospitality.  A member of the owners family greeted us and thanked us for selecting their spot for the evening.  It is located about 1 mile north of the Mexico/US border in San Elizario Texas, off Interstate 10.  Listening to the animals and the birds was much more pleasant than listening to traffic rushing by on the Interstate.  

When you stay at a Harvest Host you have to be fully self contained as water, toilets, pump outs, and electricity are not guaranteed.  In this case, toilets were available.  

Here's look at you kid!

Beth fixed a tasty   dinner. We  parked so our sliding door opened to the perimeter of the petting zoo, adjacent to llamas, sheep, goats, turkeys and miniature deer.  We dined to the serenade of animal sounds  One other couple arrived after sunset in a cab over camper.  We visited as they got settled and then we all retreated into our RV’s for the night.

That evening, we watched a movie from the beginning to the end without falling to sleep. 

The following morning we woke at a civilized time, had a quick breakfast and departed for Fort Stockton, some 230 miles further east on Interstate 10.  West Texas is empty, desolate, hot, windy and dusty.  If you are a geologist, it is likely very interesting as the road cuts expose layers of rock.  In a sense, the layers record the history of this portion of the continent.  Beth drove most of the way as I snoozed.  We switched when ~90 miles from our destination.  As I took over the driving position the winds kicked up and my sailing background paid dividends as I tacked skillfully to port in the Fort Stockton RV Park.  Friendly staff, clean facility and decorated in a 1970’s west Texas motif.

Fort Stockton RV Park

We took time to explore the town prior to settling down for the night.  We began by visiting the library as it was air conditioned and had good WiFi.  I think the staff has the best job in town.  Helping people, answering questions, and working in air-conditioned comfort. 

Fort Stockton's Public Library

Fort Stockton began as an army post during the Indian wars.  Many of the original adobe buildings still exist and are worth visiting.  A small museum occupies one of the buildings.  It was the home of the 9th Cavalry Regiment which was formed of black soldiers in the post Civil War period.  These soldiers were given the name "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Indians.

Our final stop was at the Cowboy Liquor Store where we picked up a chilled bottle of Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon-Blanc and some skinny margarita mix.  We carried this valuable cargo back to our site and set up for the night.  Surprise!  We were camped next to Dave and Shannon who produce an RV YouTube channel called “The Way We Did It”  They are from Boulder Colorado.  Check out their channel!

The "YouTubers" next to us at the Fort Stockton RV Park

Tomorrows destination is Austin Texas.  I’m looking forward to our visit as my brother lives there as well as two fellows I went to college with and then we all served in the military.  Should be fun.  Watch out Austin!