I tried searching for this information with no success, so I am calling on my fellow RVers for answers. DW and I are planning a trip which includes taking I8 from San Diego, CA to Yuma, AZ and I10 to Tuscon, AZ and El Paso, TX. We watch way too much Justice Network TV, including Border Wars. My question is this: do we need to be concerned about safety in these border areas? Also, are there better (read more scenic) routes to these places? This is part of a 10-12 week cross country loop, so we are interested in great parks and parts of America that need seeing. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Depends, some areas seem to be safe. Big Bend NP in TX for example. But others are so bad that the local police warn you to keep out, the AZ border fits in that category. That includes the Organ Pipe NM. Check locally if in doubt. Or use Google:Link 1Link 2Personally we camp well away from the AZ (and that would include the NM border) and daytrip into the area.

I'd be more concerned about some areas in San Diego than driving to Yuma. And in Yuma, we feel safer than in our house in Seattle. Of course always keep up on your "situational awareness", no matter where you are. "Yumans" people are Humans. (Little play on words).:)And if you use Fred Myers gas points, Fry's accepts them. Both are owned by Kroger Corp and usually best fuel prices in town.

From my experience, the closer to the boarder you are the safer you are. The Boarder Patrol are as thick as flies on a warm dog you know what. We've been playing out in the desert around Yuma this winter. I can't believe how many times we've bumped into the Boarder Patrol out in the middle of nowhere. That said, I do carry a handgun, keep the doors locked and my eyes are on swivels at all times when we're playing in the brush. On the main roads/Interstates, it is just life as usual.

agesilaus wrote:Depends, some areas seem to be safe. Big Bend NP in TX for example. But others are so bad that the local police warn you to keep out, the AZ border fits in that category. That includes the Organ Pipe NM. Check locally if in doubt. Or use Google:Link 1Link 2Personally we camp well away from the AZ (and that would include the NM border) and daytrip into the area.X2

The only death near the border that made the news of late occurred near Big Bend. It was natural though - unless you believe some tin hats.

Safety along the Mexican border | Good Sam Community

Rollnhome
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
I live at the intersection of 8 and 10. Never had or heard of a problem on the interstates. I have zero concerns traveling those roads and take no more precaution overnighting than any other place in the country.
Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
If you are talking about traveling these routes to get to the places indicated (Yuma, Tucson, and El Paso) there are no issues just driving through. They are heavily monitored via border patrol and are perfectly safe to use to drive to these destinations.

Are there better more scenic routes that all depends on where you are starting and where your destination is. These routes are routinely used by travelers and commercial vehicles alike. Camping off the freeway in the middle of nowhere may pose some risk but there are some nice RV parks along I-10.
paulj
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
The only death near the border that made the news of late occurred near Big Bend. It was natural though - unless you believe some tin hats.
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
agesilaus wrote:
Depends, some areas seem to be safe. Big Bend NP in TX for example. But others are so bad that the local police warn you to keep out, the AZ border fits in that category. That includes the Organ Pipe NM. Check locally if in doubt. Or use Google:

Link 1

Link 2

Personally we camp well away from the AZ (and that would include the NM border) and daytrip into the area.

X2
Thunder_Mountai
Explorer II
Feb 28, 2016
From my experience, the closer to the boarder you are the safer you are. The Boarder Patrol are as thick as flies on a warm dog you know what. We've been playing out in the desert around Yuma this winter. I can't believe how many times we've bumped into the Boarder Patrol out in the middle of nowhere.

That said, I do carry a handgun, keep the doors locked and my eyes are on swivels at all times when we're playing in the brush. On the main roads/Interstates, it is just life as usual.
path1
Explorer
Feb 28, 2016
I'd be more concerned about some areas in San Diego than driving to Yuma. And in Yuma, we feel safer than in our house in Seattle. Of course always keep up on your "situational awareness", no matter where you are.

"Yumans" people are Humans. (Little play on words).:)

And if you use Fred Myers gas points, Fry's accepts them. Both are owned by Kroger Corp and usually best fuel prices in town.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2016
Depends, some areas seem to be safe. Big Bend NP in TX for example. But others are so bad that the local police warn you to keep out, the AZ border fits in that category. That includes the Organ Pipe NM. Check locally if in doubt. Or use Google:

Link 1

Link 2

Personally we camp well away from the AZ (and that would include the NM border) and daytrip into the area.

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