The westernmost big city in Texas, El Paso seems like a world away, but it has all the amenities and attractions of a metropolis. Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert and bisected by the Franklin Mountains, El Paso offers numerous activities for the outdoors enthusiast, including hiking, bouldering, rock climbing, camping, and water sports. The city also has many world-class museums dedicated to art, culture, and natural history.
Many travelers go the usual route of flying into a location and renting a car; however, consider renting an RV as an alternative. When you have your own RV rental, you have your accommodations covered for the length of your stay; a big plus of this is that many campgrounds offer drastically lower nightly rates than hotels. Also, if you choose to do so, you can eat all your meals in your recreational vehicle instead of spending lots of money at restaurants.
Search RV rentals in the El Paso area
Preparing for Your El Paso RV Trip
Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find an RV rental in El Paso. You’ll find RVs of all shapes and sizes from towables to motorized vehicles. If your passenger vehicle has the strength to pull a towable behind it, check out trailer options from Jayco, Coachmen, and Forest River. If you’d rather be able to drive your RV yourself, check out the Class A and Class C options.
Here are some resources you can browse as you plan your two days in El Paso:
• Learn Some Important RV Packing Tips
• Find Out How to Park an RV
• Get Your RV Delivered Right to You
After reserving your RV, the next step is to find and reserve the perfect campsite. The region has numerous RV parks to choose from with amenities that include cell reception, cable TV, grills, fire pits, full hookups, playgrounds, and more. Some campgrounds to consider are Mission RV Park, Mission Trail MHP and RV Park, Desert Oasis Park, and El Paso West/Anthony KOA Journey.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in El Paso.
Day 1: Enjoying the Great Outdoors in El Paso
Morning: Hike in Franklin Mountains State Park
Start your first day in El Paso with a visit to Franklin Mountains State Park. The higher elevations here offer a respite from the city heat, especially in the summer. Hikes range from easy to moderate. Trails to try out include Cardiac Road – The Maze Loop at 3 miles and Tin Mines at 6 miles. If you’re prepared and in great shape, attempt the North Franklin Peak, which takes you 8 miles to the park’s highest point.
Lunch: Stop by L & J Cafe
After hiking all morning, it’s time for a hearty lunch. Check out L & J Cafe, “the old place by the graveyard.” Sample some of the best Mexican food in town; try the pollo en mole, the chile relleno plate, or a big steak burrito. Add a side of Spanish rice and red or green salsa, and save room for sopapillas for dessert.
Afternoon: Check Out a Desert Oasis
Come to the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site to view the namesake rock basins that collect rainfall and provide a precious water source for wildlife. You can explore the park on your own, or you can sign up for a guided tour. Activities include hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and rock climbing.
Setting Up Camp
When you arrive at your chosen RV campground, the first thing to do is to check in at the main office. You’ll get directed to your reserved spot, at which you’ll then need to maneuver your RV into the space and attach any available hookups. If this is your first time doing all this, not to fret — you can ask the RV’s owner to deliver their vehicle to your campsite. When booking your rental, make sure to verify that the owner offers this service.
Dinner: Dine at One of El Paso’s Fancier Restaurants
While you can choose to eat dinner inside your RV, since you’re on vacation, why not splurge a bit? Cafe Central has a dinner menu featuring salads, seafood, and steaks, along with sumptuous desserts like the chocolate mousse dome and vanilla bean mascarpone cheesecake.
Day 2: Top Cultural Attractions
Morning: Check Out the Exhibits at EPMA
The El Paso Museum of Art is the city’s top location for viewing Latin American, European, and modern art. The museum also features special exhibits throughout the year. Best of all, admission is free.
Lunch: Lunch at Anson 11
After exploring the collection at EPMA, head over to the nearby Anson 11 for an upscale lunch of American fare. This restaurant has both a bistro for more casual dining as well as Upstairs, where you can order filet mignon, lobster tail, and rack of lamb. Their drink menu features specialty cocktails like Smoked Sazerac.
Afternoon: Learn More About Regional History
At the El Paso Museum of History, dive deep into the stories of the peoples who settled the area as well as the cross-cultural aspects of this border metroplex that includes Ciudad Juarez, right over the border in Mexico. On display are thousands of pieces relating to the Indigenous community as well as Changing Pass: People, Land & Memory, a permanent exhibit documenting the region’s history going back 1,000 years.
Evening: Catch a Performance of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra
If you’re in town during concert season, which is fall through spring, get tickets to an evening show of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Shows range from classical music to special Christmas performances and take place at the Plaza Theatre downtown.
Day 3 and Beyond in El Paso
If your two days in El Paso leave you wanting more, go ahead and extend your trip for at least one more day.
• Explore Downtown El Paso on a Walking Tour – Take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s downtown to admire the historic architecture.
• Visit the Border Patrol Museum – Learn more about what it takes to secure the country’s border at the Border Patrol Museum.
Summer Activities
If you’re visiting El Paso in the summer, cool off at one of the city’s water parks, which include Chapoteo, Oasis, Lost Kingdom, and Camp Cohen.
Indoor Activities
Channel your inner Indiana Jones at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, with exhibits documenting thousands of years of prehistorical and historical settlements of the region. Explore an underwater wonderland at the Jungle Reef Touch Aquarium, an immersive and interactive facility that lets you see aquatic creatures up close.
This guide scratches the surface of what you can do in El Paso. Secure your RV rental today, and start exploring.
