Rocky Point Mexico RV Parks: Ultimate Guide 2025

by | Travel & Destinations

colorful puerto penasco letters on malecon

Rocky Point Mexico RV Parks: Ultimate Guide 2025

Thestromads. Com contains affiliate links and is a member of the amazon services llc associates program. If you click and use these links we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you!

 Updated 4/15/25

Before you set off across the border to go RVing in Mexico, you will want to check out our 2025 Guide to Rocky Point Mexico RV Parks.

If you are looking to RV in Mexico in a beautiful place near the water or on the beach with amazing sunsets Puerto Penasco may be just the place for you.  It sure was for us and we loved living in our RV in Puerto Penasco.

Rocky Point and Puerto Penasco are the same place and will be used interchangeably throughout this article.

With little information available to first-time visitors of Rocky Point, we understand your concerns when it comes to RVing to Mexico.  There are plenty of obstacles to overcome when planning international travel, like logistics and paperwork.  

We were super concerned with crossing the border and driving our 40 ft. Renegade Super C and toad in Mexico.  The first time we visited Puerto Penasco, we chose to join the Xscapers Convergence.  Going with a group eased our mind and now we feel comfortable enough to go on our own.    

So to save you time and help eliminate frustration, this article lists the most popular RV Parks in Rocky Point Mexico.  We will also address some important travel information about crossing the border and suggest some things to do in Rocky Point.

So let’s go!

Rocky Point Mexico RV Parks

 

Sunset at rocky point rv park.

 

Playa de Oro:

Calle Mariano Matamoros s/n,El Mirador, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico

This large RV park offers well-defined RV spaces, full hookups, and beachfront sites.  The lot is gravel and level with 24-hour security.

With private beach access and a clean clear swimming pool to choose from, your only decision will be which one today?

Playa de Oro has a lounge on-site as well as a grill for guest use.  Right next door is Pitaya Bar which is nice for Happy Hour and a quick bite to eat.

 

San Rafael RV Park

83554, Calle Mariano Matamoros, Benito Juárez, Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

This small RV park has beachfront views with beach access just a few steps away.  San Rafael RV Park is quiet and offers discounts to seniors.

Pitaya Bar is just next door making your dinner plans a little easier. 

Captain Ron’s RV Resort

Av. José María Morelos y Pavón, Benito Juárez, 83554 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

Captain Ron’s RV Resort caters to long-term and permanent residents.  Tenants are community-aware and help with maintaining security.

The sites are full hookups with an on-site laundry facility, fire pit, and picnic area. The beach is a quick 10-minute walk while a convenience store, pharmacy, and full-service restaurant are only around the corner.

 

The Boulders RV Park:

C. Manuel Arista, Benito Juárez, 83554 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

The Boulders RV Park is only 2 blocks from the beach access.  Full hookups, a gated entrance, and a quiet residential area make this a nice park for those not wanting beachfront accommodations.

Pharmacy, convenience stores, and restaurants are just around the corner.

 

Playa Bonita:

Paseo Balbao final, Playa Hermosa, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

At Playa Bonita, you can experience beachfront camping at its best.

Full- hookups, private beach access, clean restrooms with showers, and an onsite laundry facility make this Rocky Point RV Park super desirable.

As a bonus, there is a jacuzzi tub for guests.  Campers offer plenty of good reviews based on cleanliness, location, and fun activities such as potluck dinners and games. Plus, there is a fantastic restaurant, Puesta Del Sol, within walking distance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pvy7ZD-Z-c

Concha del Mar:

C. Aquiles Serdán, Bella Vista, 83553 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

Concha del Mar offers dry camping only.

Beachfront sites are available as well as private beach access.  24-hour security helps keep the park quiet and safe.  There is a self-service dump station for convenience.  Otherwise, for a small fee, the staff will dump and fill your rig with fresh water.

Restaurants and pharmacies are within walking distance.  There is a pickleball court, clean restrooms, and laundry on site.

Robb and I enjoyed our stay at Concha del Mar.  Although the campground is a hard sandlot, the sites were spacious enough that you didn’t hear your neighbor’s personal “business”.

The sunsets were spectacular as you could watch the big orange ball sizzle when touching the water.  The changing colors in the sky were nature’s artistry changing every night.  Edgar, the owner, is very accommodating and pleasant.

We will be back soon!

Rv parking in concha del mar rv park.

 

Sunset RV Park:

Plutarco Elias Calles and 25 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora C.P. 83550

Sunset RV Park may be the perfect Rocky Point RV Park for you.  The park is small and intimate with 24-hour gated security.   The park is alluring with its large saltwater pool and dog park.

Although it is not beachfront, it is only a short walk to the beach.  With an onsite restaurant and free hot breakfast, your days will be relaxing.

No bad days here!

 

Whale Hill Storage and RV Park:

Plutarco Elias Calles and 25 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora C.P. 83550

Whale Hill is a Small RV park and storage facility.  Some sites have electric hookups.  Free Wifi, water, and sewer are available.

They also feature recently renovated clean and affordable apartments.

 

The Reef RV Park

Blvd. Paseo de la Duna, Playa Arenos, 83560 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico

The Reef RV Park is spacious with full hookups, beachfront sites, and a lot of fun.  The adjoining restaurant Wrecked on the Reef has delicious food offerings, a full bar, and live music.

The private beach access and spectacular views make The Reef RV Park highly desirable.    

Tiki hut seating overlooking blue sea.

RVing to Mexico  

Directions to Puerto Penasco – Rocky Point

Driving an RV to Mexico can seem daunting and scary at first. However, with proper planning and the right information, we found it to be much easier than we anticipated.

Puerto Penasco is about 4 hours from Phoenix or Tucson, AZ.  Either way, you will make your way to Rt 85 South toward the town of Ajo and the border crossing at Lukeville, AZ. 

Timing your entry is extremely important.  Allow yourself enough time to cross and arrive at your designated Rocky Point RV Park during the daylight.  Driving to Puerto Penasco after dark can be dangerous and should be avoided.

When planning any road trip, we like to use RV Life Trip Wizard.  Not only does RV Life Trip Wizard provide alternative routes, but it also helps to identify campgrounds along the route.  We especially like the flexibility to add our places of interest or scenic stops.  You can sign up for a free trial or RV Life Trip Wizard right here!

 

Mexican Car Insurance for Rocky Point Travelers

Mexican Car Insurance for Rocky Point Travelers is mandatory. Be sure that you are covered and have proof of coverage before coming to the Lukeville Border Crossing.

Contact your US insurance carrier first to verify your auto and RV coverage in Mexico.  Many RV and vehicle policies do not include Mexico in their coverage.  

As with any service, we shop around for the best rate and coverage.  Mexican car insurance rates vary significantly.  Quotes from insurance providers can take a few days.  Do not wait until the last minute to secure your coverage.  

You can apply for coverage over the phone, on the company’s website, and in person with some companies in Ajo or Lukeville at the border.  Be sure to make an appointment if applying in person.

  

Documents Needed to RV in Mexico

If you haven’t done so, this is a good time to make copies of all of your documentation.  We keep an electronic file, plus 2 hard copies.  Immigration may require a hard copy, so be prepared. 

Lukeville Border Crossing

Lukeville Border Crossing: Preparation

You can find current information from US Customs, at the US Embassy mx.usembassy.gov, and the Mexican Consulate.

Inspection:  What Not to Bring to Mexico
(A.K.A. “Don’t ruin your vacation before it starts.”)

Border crossings can be smooth—unless you pack something that gets you in trouble. Before you head to Rocky Point, do a quick once-over of your gear. Trust us, nobody wants to deal with customs officers explaining why they packed turtle eggs or a pocket full of poppy seeds.

Here’s a list of definitely-not-okay items you’ll want to leave behind:

  • Guns or ammo – Mexico doesn’t mess around. Even a stray bullet can land you in jail.
  • Pepper spray – Not welcome here.
  • Machetes or large knives – If your blade is over 8 inches, it’s a no-go.
  • Live predator fish – Yep, it’s specific for a reason. Don’t bring your pet piranha.
  • Totoaba fish – Protected species. Also, probably not your dinner.
  • Turtle eggs – Just… don’t.
  • Poppy seeds – No matter how good your lemon muffin recipe is.
  • Marijuana in any form – Edibles, oils, seeds, gummies, vapes, medical cards—it’s all illegal.
  • Heroin or opium – No explanation needed here.
  • Certain meds – Especially anything made with morphine derivatives.
  • Banned chemicals & pesticides – If you can’t pronounce it (Aldrin, Heptachlor, etc.), it probably shouldn’t cross the border.
  • Air-compression spearguns – Rubber band ones are fine, but leave the high-tech gear at home.
  • Seeds or fresh plants – Even in granola bars or trail mix.

Crossing the border can create some anxiety.  The first step to reducing anxiety is having all the necessary documents and being sure you are in compliance with what you have in your possession.  It is a good idea to put all purses and valuables away and out of sight.  No loose change or cash lying around.

Lukeville Border Crossing Operating Hours

The Lukeville Border Crossing is open daily from 6 am-8 pm. 

Plan accordingly, or you will be turned away until the following day.  Weekends and holidays can affect your time at the border.  It’s a good idea to check the calendar and try to avoid busy times.  You can monitor the wait times at the US Customs and Border Protection site.

Puerto Penasco is still an hour’s drive from Lukeville, so again, be sure to give yourself enough time to arrive at your RV Park before nightfall.

As you approach the gate, be confident and respectful.  You may or may not be stopped and inspected.  Be prepared for either. 

If stopped for inspection, allow agents to access areas of your car and RV that THEY request to see.  Stand with them, and never leave your rig or vehicle unattended or let anyone be out of sight while they are inspecting.  

Once you’ve been given the green light, proceed through the inspection area and PARK along the side of the roadway.  Do not block businesses or driveways.  There is no official parking lot, so you may have a long walk.  

Caravanning with more than 4 other RVs can make finding parking difficult.  If you are traveling with a group, consider staggering your arrival times to alleviate frustration with parking oversized vehicles.

 

Lukeville Border Crossing: Immigration

Everyone in the RV and Car MUST appear in person at the immigration office that you just passed as you entered the inspection lane.  

LOCK your rig & vehicle before walking away.  

Proceed to the immigration office WITH all of your documents.  The immigration officers will verify your passport and FMM card.  They may ask for vehicle identification and insurance as well.  This is a very simple procedure, but it may take some time if the border is busy.  

Once you have been stamped and have been given your FFM card, you are ready to proceed to Puerto Penasco!

Welcome to sonyta banner.

Driving To Puerto Penasco: Road Conditions

 

Driving to Puerto Penasco should be fairly easy, as long as you obey the speed limit signs. However, it is very easy to become distracted in a new country, so stay aware.

Although the locals will be driving fast and loose, it is far better to stay within the posted limits and keep your eyes on the road.  

Speed limit signs are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. If possible, set your speedometer to kilometers for easier driving. Speed traps are common, so drive aware.  

ALTOS means STOP.  Come to a COMPLETE Stop and count to 5 before proceeding with caution.  

Although the drive to Puerto Penasco is designated as a Trouble-Free or Safe Zone, sometimes police officers pull vehicles over and intimidate drivers into paying exorbitant fines in cash. 

Please be aware that this is not the standard procedure.  

Simply ask the officer to escort you and your RV to the police station, where you can pay the magistrate.  Many times this will alleviate a disingenuous situation, and you will be permitted to continue with only a warning.

The main roads can have large potholes, so take caution to avoid them.  You can easily damage a tire or rim.

Avoid shortcuts and side streets until you have investigated them yourself.  Stick to the main road and follow the directions given by your RV park or host.  

RV drivers should always know their unit’s height and weight. Side roads and residential areas may have low-hanging power lines and lights. 

The train runs through town, making some of the track crossings extremely steep.  You can easily bottom out and get stuck while trying to cross.   

Severe weather, such as rain or high wind, can impact driving conditions in Puerto Penasco.  Being a coastal town with subpar drainage solutions, flooding is common.  Many side streets are unpaved and have huge potholes.   Advance with caution.

Rving in mexico desert road.

 Things to do in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

 

There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point).  While some want to sit endlessly and watch the quiet surf of the Sea of Cortez, others want to explore the town.  What’s your pleasure?

Rocky Point Beaches:

For many,  white sandy beaches, and blue-colored water is alluring.  The clear water and the soft waves are inviting to swimmers and beach walkers.

Long stretch of quiet beach, soft surf, clear water in puerto penasco, mexico

However,  Puerto Penasco Beaches are quite diverse.  As the name Rocky Point implies, there are also rocky beaches along the Sea of Cortez perfect for tide pooling and fishing.

Rocky shoreline in puerto penasco.

 

As with any coastal town, there is a constant breeze.  The bright sun keeps the sand warm.

Water temperature in Puerto Penasco averages about 73 degrees Fahrenheit with lows in the winter of 61 degrees.  As the summer heats up, the water temperature in Rocky Point can reach 83 degrees.

Whether you are a sunset seeker or wave-runner, Puerto Penasco Beaches are beautiful and friendly.

One of the biggest advantages of RVing in Mexico is camping on and near the beach.  Imagine walking just a few steps from your RV to the beach!  There are very few places in the United States that have this type of view for the price.

🏄‍♂️Playa Encanto.

🏄‍♂️Pelican Beach.

🏄‍♂️Mirador Beach.

🏄‍♂️The Mayan Palace Beach.

🏄‍♂️Las Conchas Beach.

🏄‍♂️La Playa Jolla Beach

 

Bird Island

Take a lovely boat ride out to Bird Island off the coast of Puerto Penasco.  See for yourself, sea lions, dolphins, and other marine life, in their natural habitat.

Kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring are fun things to do while visiting Bird Island.  If you are lucky, you might even spot black fin or humpback whales as they migrate to the Sea of Cortez in the winter months.

Fishing Rocky Point

When it comes to fishing in Rocky Point, what’s your pleasure:  Surf fishing or deep sea adventures?  How about both/and for an answer?  There are plenty of charters that leave from the Puerto Penasco marina early in the day.  The fresh catch includes sea bass, grouper, flounder, and red snapper.

For surf fishing, pick a spot on the pier at Wrecked on the Reef, or just pull up your chair and toss a line into the water at your RV park.

Fishing is a way of life in Puerto Penasco.  Just ask a local.

 

Fishing boats in harbor at rocky point.

 

Golf Rocky Point Mexico

Of course, you can golf in Rocky Point.  Enjoy the saltwater breeze, beautiful blue sea, and gorgeous views as you putt around the green at any one of 3 golf courses:

⛳️Vidanta Golf Puerto Penasco

⛳️The Links at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort

⛳️The Club at Islas Del Mar Golf Course

     Shopping in Puerto Penasco

     

    Rodeo Drive Puerto Penasco

    Rodeo Drive is a fun shopping area where you can find souvenirs, Mexican art, and pottery.

    Located on the outskirts of town the dirt streets and run-down buildings may give the appearance of a ghost town.  However, Rodeo Drive Puerto Penasco is definitely inhabited and worth visiting.

    There is also a wonderful restaurant serving up margaritas and guacamole, to hungry shoppers.

     

    Colorful calaveras line the shops on rodeo drive puerto penasco

    Walmart Puerto Penasco

    Bodega Aurrera is a subsidiary of Walmart in Puerto Penasco.  Staples like paper products, laundry detergent, as well as groceries, are available here.

    Can’t find what you’re looking for at Walmart Puerto Penasco?  Check out the Sam’s Club right next door.

    Still not satisfied?  Puerto Penasco has plenty of grocery stores, fruiterers, and convenience stores.

    Jessy’s Fish Market

    Right here at Jessy’s Fish Market, you can purchase fish so fresh it slept in the sea last night.  Fresh jumbo shrimp cleaned and deveined while you wait.

    The staff is super nice and helpful.  I think you will be shocked at the prices (in a good way that is).

    Jessy's fishmarket, shopping in puerto penasco

     

     The Malecon Puerto Penasco

    The Malecon is a fun vibrant area with shopping and dining along the sea wall of Puerto Penasco.   Whether you are barhopping or watching the sunset, the Malecon is the place to be.

    On weekends, it is not unusual to see 10-15 Mariachi bands lined up and playing music to well into the wee hours.   You can’t help but dance!

     

    The malecon is a walkway along the seawall in puerto penasco.

     

    Best Restaurants in Puerto Penasco   

    Moo Steakhouse and Grille

    Moo Steakhouse and Grille serves up steaks, table-side Caesar salad, and decadent desserts.  The dim red lighting and sexy atmosphere make Moo Steakhouse and Grille a romantic option for date night!

    Lighted sign for moo restaurant.

    La  Casa El Capitan

    We can’t say whether the view or the food is better because BOTH are sure to WOW you!  Afternoons on the patio are relaxing as you gaze at the sea with a margarita. And, the beautiful sunset is a perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner. 

    Couple posing with a scenic view of the city below.

    La Argentina Empanadas and More

    Empanadas are our favorite light bite.  Gooey Nutella and strawberries or something a bit more savory like shrimp and cheese might meet your craving.  Why not just pick up a mix of 12 different empanadas and enjoy dinner in your RV tonight?

    Outdoor restaurant serving empandas.

    Churros Penasco

    Churros Penasco is our favorite street food. Hot fresh churros are a perfect way to end the night.  Since they don’t open until 6 pm, there is no reason to rush your dinner!

    Churros street restaurant in puerto penasco

     

    Bars in Puerto Penasco

     

    As you might guess, there are plenty of bars in Puerto Penasco.  You can find live bands, DJs, and even a mariachi band throughout the week.  While some have a “spring break vibe”, there are a few bars in Puerto Penasco that have a more laid back quiet feel.

     

    Leo’s Bar

    The laid-back vibe, great service, and live music make Leos’s a favorite stop.  Being located just a few blocks off The Malecon keeps the rowdy crowd away.  Leo’s is perfect for an afternoon cocktail, happy hour, or date night.

    Restaurant sign, leo's puerto penasco.

    Manny’s Beach Club

    Manny’s is what you would expect in a beach club.  You can enjoy the afternoon in the surf and sand while sipping a margarita.  When the sun goes down, the club comes to life with music and dancing.

    This really is a fun place, it even has swings and a pool.  Manny’s serves food, so you can stay all day!

     

    Guy on swing in a cabana bar.

     

    Tekila Bar

    Located near the center of the Malecon, the 2-story Tekila Bar is party central.    Although Tekila Bar has “this is a bad decision” written all over it, it is a fun place.  The crowd can be rowdy, but the bartenders and bouncers have the party under control.

    The second story has an outside patio which makes for a magnificent sunset.

     

    Bartender holding a bottle of tequila.

    Conclusion

    RVing to Mexico does take some coordination and pre-planning.

    With several Rocky Point RV Parks to choose from, you only need to decide what amenities you desire and make a reservation.  The winter months can be warm and inviting, especially if you are leaving the cold weather behind.

    Rocky Point is a fun place to visit, and while you are there, try some Bacanora (Tequila’s lesser-known cousin).

    Thank you for reading and enjoy your RV trip to Puerto Penasco!

    On your way to Puerto Penasco if you are traveling through Amarillo, Texas, or Terlingua, Texas to Big Bend, we have some great information to pass along.

    Travel Safe and Adventure Often!

    Maureen & Robb

    Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge

    The Stromads

    The stromads on a sunset beach in puerto penasco.

    Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and Full-time RV Nomads since 2016.  We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good.  Thanks for joining our journey and we hope to see you down the road!

    Cadillac Ranch
    Art, Iron, and a Spray-Painted Revolution

    Ten Cadillacs, tailfins and all, buried nose-first in a field just off I-40. From a distance, it looks like a surreal junkyard. Up close, it’s a rainbow of spray paint, rust, and road trip energy.

    Back in 1974, an art group called Ant Farm proposed the idea as a critique of American consumerism. Stanley Marsh 3 loved it. He gave them the land and the funding, and Cadillac Ranch was born.

    Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark. And Marsh? He loved the chaos.

    Graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried in the ground at Cadillac Ranch, one of the most iconic things to see in Amarillo.

    Floating Mesa
    An Optical Illusion in the Middle of Nowhere

    The top of the mesa looks like it’s levitating. Stanley Marsh 3 painted a strip of white metal sheeting around its rim to match the sky—an unfinished illusion meant to fool the eye and unsettle the mind.

    On clear afternoons, it works. The mesa floats. And Marsh, in typical fashion, never explained it.

    Ozymandias on the Plains – Giant Legs
    and a Not-So-Subtle Jab at Lubbock

    Two giant stone legs in the middle of a field. No torso, just socks. It’s a nod to Shelley’s famous poem, but also a rumored jab at rival city Lubbock—legend says the statue faces south, mooning them.

    Stanley Marsh 3 funded this, too. Satire, prank, or both? Probably both.

    Graffiti-covered giant pair of legs in a field—an unusual roadside attraction among things to see in Amarillo.

    The Dynamite Museum
    Street Signs That Ask the Wrong Questions

    No dynamite. No museum. Just hundreds of bizarre street signs placed across town in the ’90s by Marsh 3 and a band of local artists.

    Signs read things like “Road Does Not End” and “Hope is a Naked Dance.” Many are gone now, but some still pop up—tiny time bombs of confusion in Amarillo’s neighborhoods.

    Slug Bug Ranch – A Beetle Graveyard Gets a Second Life at the Big Texan

    Originally planted outside of town as a twist on Cadillac Ranch, five VW Beetles were buried nose-down and left to rot in colorful glory. The owners of the nearby convenience store had hoped this quirky installation would steer curious drivers off the highway and into their shop.

    But over time, the Longhorn Trading Post saw fewer visitors and eventually shut down. The corner became a graffiti-covered ghost town and a garden of Volkswagen skeletons.

    The Conway land was later sold, and Slug Bug Ranch found a new home in the parking lot of the Big Texan Steak Ranch. There aren’t any ghosts in this version (that we know of), but it’s still one of the weirder sights to stumble across in Amarillo.

     

    Helium Monument
    A Time Capsule with a $10 Bet on the Future

    A monument to helium, featuring time capsules sealed to be opened in 1993, 2018, 2068, and one in 2968. That last one includes a bank passbook with a $10 deposit from 1968. Some say it could be worth a quadrillion dollars by the time it’s opened—assuming we still use money.

    It’s nerdy, wild, and perfectly Amarillo.

    Close-up of the Helium Monument's atomic model sculpture—an iconic and educational thing to see in Amarillo.

    Jack Sisemore RV Museum
    Chrome, Campers, and Cross-Country Dreams

    A private collection of vintage RVs, including the motorhome from RV (yes, the Robin Williams movie) and the first-ever full-time RV family’s rig. Each one is set up with period furniture, maps, and decor.

    More than a museum—it’s a walk through America’s road-tripping soul.

    Amarillo Railroad Museum
    Where Model Trains Meet Cold War Secrets

    A great little museum with working model trains, but the star is outside: a Cold War-era “White Train” that once secretly transported nuclear weapons across the U.S. from the nearby Pantex Plant.

    No velvet ropes. Just a piece of history standing quietly in the Panhandle sun.

    Pantex Plant
    The Most Dangerous Place You’ll Never Tour

    Still in operation today, Pantex is the primary nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the U.S. It’s high-security, off-limits, and unnervingly close to cattle country.

    It casts a long shadow over Amarillo, one most people don’t talk about—but it’s there.

    Amarillo Botanical Gardens
    Growing Beauty Where It Shouldn’t Exist

    We probably would’ve laughed if you asked us to picture a botanical garden in Amarillo. Not because the Panhandle isn’t beautiful, but because it’s where the wind can knock over your coffee, dog, and will to live—all in the same afternoon.

    And yet, just behind the medical center, the Amarillo Botanical Gardens bloom defiantly—like a full-color dream planted in the middle of the Dust Bowl.

    The story starts in the 1920s, when a group of gardening enthusiasts—yes, in Amarillo—formed a club focused on landscaping and beautification. It wasn’t easy. The ground was dry, the climate harsh, and the odds were long. But after weathering the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and decades of development, that club grew into something permanent: a full-fledged public garden.

    We haven’t made it inside yet, but what we’ve seen from the outside is enough to spark curiosity. Locals rave about the mix of native plants, seasonal beds, and the glowing tropical conservatory that lights up like a greenhouse spaceship at night.

    But what makes it weird—in the best way—is that it shouldn’t exist here. This isn’t a garden built for Instagram. It’s a slow, determined response to a harsh climate by people who looked around at bare dirt and said, “Let’s grow something anyway.”

    Even just standing near the gates, it feels like a quiet rebellion. And on our next trip through town, it’s at the top of our list.

    Richard Daniel Baker Peace Park
    A Monument to Peace on Route 66

    Driving along Route 66, just east of Amarillo, you might spot something unexpected: a large peace sign rising from the prairie, surrounded by a circle of pedestals bearing dates and messages. This is the Richard Daniel Baker Peace Park, also known as the Stoner Patriot Peace Garden of All Faiths.

    The park is a personal tribute to peace and unity created by Richard Daniel Baker, a local farmer and retired telephone repairman. Each pedestal marks a significant date in history, inviting visitors to reflect on the events that have shaped our world. The park blends symbols from various faiths and philosophies, emphasizing a message of universal harmony.

    While not widely known, Peace Park offers a quiet space for contemplation amidst the vast Texas landscape. It reminds us that even in the most unassuming places, one person’s vision can create a lasting impact.

    The Nat
    Big Bands, Buried Pools
    and a Haunted Attic That Won’t Quit

    Step inside The Nat on Route 66; it feels like time forgot to move on. High ceilings. Vintage lighting. A retro stage just begging for a swing band. Today, it’s a sprawling antique mall—but behind the shelves of records and racks of rhinestone jackets is one of Amarillo’s best-kept (and strangest) secrets.

    It used to be a pool.

    Initially opened in 1922 as The Natatorium, it was a public indoor swimming pool—back when that was considered a glamorous, almost futuristic idea. Amarillo locals swam here in the roaring ’20s, splashing beneath stained glass windows and ornate fixtures. But by the 1930s, swimming was out, and swing was in.

    Rather than tear it all down, the owners did something wonderfully weird: they drained the pool and built a dance floor right over it.

    Suddenly, the Nat became one of the hottest dance halls in the Texas Panhandle. Everyone who was anyone came through—Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong. On any given weekend, you could dance the jitterbug straight across a former swimming pool, the music echoing off walls that once smelled of chlorine.

    But that’s not the whole story.

    In the attic—closed to the public and rarely talked about—people say something lingers. Past employees whisper about footsteps when no one’s upstairs. Cold spots. Doors that open on their own. One person swears they heard a piano playing softly, even though the building was locked and empty.

    No one’s quite sure who—or what—might be haunting the place. A lost dancer? A musician who never left? Or maybe just the building itself, too full of memories to sit still.

    We wandered the maze of vintage booths downstairs but couldn’t help looking up. There’s something about The Nat that hums under the surface. A little glamour. A little grit. And just enough mystery to make you glance over your shoulder.

     

    Amarillo Historical Museum
    One Man’s Obsession, Amarillo’s Memory Box

    We love a good museum. But what we love is weird; from everything we’ve heard, the Amarillo Historical Museum checks all the boxes. Tucked into a modest building just off I-40, it’s not flashy or state-run. It’s a passion project—curated by a local historian who’s spent years collecting Amarillo’s odd, overlooked, and offbeat stories.

    By the time we got there, the doors were closed for the day, but just peeking through the windows and reading about it later was enough to convince us that this place is high on our list for the next time we pass through town.

    From what we’ve gathered, the rooms are packed with memorabilia: signs from long-gone businesses, Civil War relics, rotary phones, cattle brand records, and—somehow—more mannequins than you’d expect in one zip code. It’s part thrift store, part time capsule, and completely Amarillo.

    The museum is run by a local storyteller known for giving off-script tours filled with local lore you won’t find on plaques. If the basement’s open, it might hold anything from a bomb shelter display to outlaw memorabilia to a forgotten fire engine.

    No promises—but if it’s open when you come through, it might be the weirdest attic in the Panhandle.

    The Big Texan Steak Ranch
    Gimmicks and Giant Steaks

    You can spot it from the highway: bright yellow walls, oversized cowboy signs, and a banner that dares you to eat a 72-ounce steak—plus sides—in under an hour. Welcome to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo’s most famous and ridiculous institution.

    This place is more than a restaurant. It’s an experience.  And yes, the 72-ounce steak challenge is real. You sit on a raised stage in the middle of the dining room while everyone watches you attempt to conquer four and a half pounds of beef, a baked potato, shrimp cocktail, salad, and a roll. Fail, and you pay the bill. Win, and your meal is free—plus you get bragging rights and a photo on the wall of fame (or shame).

    But the weird doesn’t stop at the steak.

    There’s a shooting gallery in the lobby. A full ice cream parlor and brewery on-site. Taxidermy watches you eat. And if you’re staying at the Big Texan Motel, they’ll pick you up in one of their custom-painted limos with longhorns on the hood. 

    And now, the restaurant is home to the relocated Slug Bug Ranch—because nothing says Texas like spray-painted Volkswagens next to a giant fiberglass steer.

    We’ve been here more than once, not because we needed another steak, but because the place is like a fever dream that somehow works. It’s weird, loud, a little unhinged—and somehow, perfectly Amarillo.

     

    So… Why Is Amarillo So Weird?

    Some places hide their weird. Amarillo wears it like a badge.

    You don’t just visit Amarillo—you try to figure it out. It’s a city that buries Cadillacs in a field, outlines mesas to float, and honors helium with a time capsule full of Spam. It’s where dance floors are built over drained pools, and old hospitals whisper secrets when the wind shifts. It’s art and science, kitsch and chaos, sometimes unsettling, often hilarious—and always layered with stories.

    And if there’s one thread that runs through it all, it might be Stanley Marsh 3—the millionaire trickster who helped turn public art into public curiosity. But Amarillo’s weirdness goes far beyond him. It’s in the antique mall mannequins, the painted Beetles, the radioactive past, and the peaceful protest planted in a park.

    We’ve wandered every corner of this town, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:

    Amarillo doesn’t care if you understand it. It just wants you to look twice.

    So if you’re driving through and tempted to skip it, don’t. Pull over. Wander. Let the wind slap your face and the stories sink in.

    Because in Amarillo, the weird isn’t just a sideshow.

    It’s the main event.

    Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge

    The Stromads

    The Stromads at a speakeasy for date night.

    Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and Full-time RV Nomads since 2016.  We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good.  Thanks for joining our journey and we hope to see you down the road!

    RV Couple with Renegade Verona LELTS

    ROBB AND MAUREEN

    THE STROMADS

    RVing, traveling, and exploring should be fun.

    Robb and I have compiled a list of resources that will help you save time and money.

    Our suggestions will help eliminate decision fatigue and get you on the road to your next adventure.

    Follow Us On Social

    RECENT POSTS

    2024 Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days? No Problem! Start Here!

    2024 Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days? No Problem! Start Here!

    2024 Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days? No Problem! Start Here! Las Vegas Itinerary 5 Days? No problem! We've got you covered! Planning a trip to Las Vegas might seem like navigating a maze of glitzy lights and endless choices, especially if you're a first-time visitor....

    What Stores Allow Overnight Parking 2024

    What Stores Allow Overnight Parking 2024

     What Stores Allow Overnight Parking 2024? Sometimes travel days are long and you need to pull in somewhere for the night.  Rather than finding a campground with amenities or a hotel you just want something convenient on your route.  At this point, you are wondering...

    Gate Guarding: Work Camping Jobs For Full-time RVers 2024

    Gate Guarding: Work Camping Jobs For Full-time RVers 2024

    Gate Guarding: Work Camping Jobs For Full-time RVers 2024 Are you familiar with Gate Guarding?  This article will provide valuable information, especially if interested in finding work camping jobs for full-time RVers. Work camping is a term describing how RVers live...

    Thinking About a New RV?

    Couple in Front of RV promoting How to Select Your Perfect RV