Crossing TX on 2ndary roads

[Padlin]

Will be taking a slow trip to AZ starting after xmas. Thinking of taking side roads as opposed to I-10, staying a bit north of 10 from Lake Charles to San Antonio (190 an 290 being the lions share of it), then mostly 90 from just west of SA to Van Horn. Figuring about a week to cross the state staying in state parks.

Not knowing the terrain, does this sound like an okay way to cross this part of the state? I've heard I-10 gets very boring.

[Second_Chance]

TyroneandGladys wrote:
In my experience Texas side roads are as good or are in better shape than most states main highways. If you do not mind adding about 60 miles to your trip a great park to spend a day or so is Kerrville-Schreiner Park. We stayed in the deer field loop and had deer wandering through our site. You could take 41/377 from Kerrville to Del Rio and pick up 90 in Del Rio.
IMHO with as close to the border as 90 is I would only stay in RV parks and would not boon dock.
Do not know where in AZ you are heading but here is some ideas.
Take 136/9 west from El Paso and spend a day or two at Rusty's RV Ranch near Rodeo NM. Incredible night sky's since it is dark sky county and explore the Chiricahua Mountains.
From Rusty's take 80 down around and backup to Tombstone.

I'll second these recommendations. And, while in Kerrville, take the short drive to Fredericksburg to see the National Museum of WW II in the Pacific. One of the best things we've ever done. Also, one of the best sandwiches we ever ate was at Jennie's Smoked Burgers in Fredericksburg (not really a burger - so much more!).

Rob

[padredw]

The back roads of Texas are in general better than the main non-Interstate roads of most other states.

For our first time, out of state visitors it might be of value to know the "official" levels of highways in Texas other than Interstate routes.

U.S. Highways: as indicated, better than in most states.

Texas State Highways: often as good as, or better than U.S. highways

FM or RM Roads: (Farm/Ranch to Market) not as wide and often much more curvy, yet I do not hesitate to tow my fifth-wheel on most of them.

County Roads: No recommended unless you know. A few are as good as FM Roads, but some would be completely unacceptable.

[Padlin]

Thanks all, merry xmas

[2milesup]

RoyB wrote:
Not too many years ago before Interstates it was you could expect to see the Sun set three times before crossing Texas from East to West.

Roy Ken

I had a truck like that once, too...

😮

[one_strange_tex]

Let me echo what others have said here. The back roads of Texas are in general better than the main non-Interstate roads of most other states. You will generally have an interesting drive, thought I cannot say you will make up time in the bargain. It will certainly be less stressful than fighting traffic. That being said, I sometimes take the back roads in other states just to see what most people don't see by traveling the interstates.

[Tom_Trostel]

Even with Interstates one can still say "the sun has riz, the sun has set, and we ain't out of Texas yet". Texarkana to El Paso is still 812 miles.

[RoyB]

Not too many years ago before Interstates it was you could expect to see the Sun set three times before crossing Texas from East to West.

Roy Ken

[2gypsies1]

Your planned route will work very well. We traveled secondary roads all the time wherever we went and they're all good for RVers. We've done the roads you have planned. Have a good trip!

[artguys]

You won't have any issues using those routes .

[Padlin]

Planning on Lost Maples State Natural Area then Seminole State park or maybe Amistad National Rec Area, then on to Davis Mt SP. At least that's the plan...

[TyroneandGladys]

In my experience Texas side roads are as good or are in better shape than most states main highways. If you do not mind adding about 60 miles to your trip a great park to spend a day or so is Kerrville-Schreiner Park. We stayed in the deer field loop and had deer wandering through our site. You could take 41/377 from Kerrville to Del Rio and pick up 90 in Del Rio.
IMHO with as close to the border as 90 is I would only stay in RV parks and would not boon dock.
Do not know where in AZ you are heading but here is some ideas.
Take 136/9 west from El Paso and spend a day or two at Rusty's RV Ranch near Rodeo NM. Incredible night sky's since it is dark sky county and explore the Chiricahua Mountains.
From Rusty's take 80 down around and backup to Tombstone.

[agesilaus]

Padlin wrote:
Was thinking of being south of 10 by then but I'll mark it down as a possible for the return trip, looks like a nice spot on google map, thanks.

I don't think we've ever ventured south of I-10 except for the time we went to Big Bend NP when we followed US90 west. That road was interesting especially the section west of Del Rio. There is another town along there that also lays claim to the Judge Roy Bean, Langtry.

[Padlin]

Was thinking of being south of 10 by then but I'll mark it down as a possible for the return trip, looks like a nice spot on google map, thanks.

[agesilaus]

I think I-10 is boring until you get passed San Antonio where you at least have hills to look at. If you drive thru Mason TX they have a great city CG. We were doing the secondary road route going from I-20 down to I-10 when we came across it.