RUSTY’S RV RANCH - RODEO, NEW MEXICO

Our Opinion: Rave.  Spacious sites, friendly owners, and beautiful vistas make this a winner IF you are looking for a remote yet interesting spot.

Date of Stay: January 3rd through 10th, 2010.

Weather During Stay: High desert winter weather.  Low’s at or below freezing; highs in the 50’s and 60’s - warm in the sunshine, cold in shade.

Site Description:  All the sites here are enormous; two rigs share a ¼ acre site.  A long, diagonal driveway though each “site” has two utility boxes (20/30/50 amps) and two sewer hookups, allowing two big rigs to share one driveway without peeking in each other’s windows.  During our stay, no one needed to share - each rig had their own ¼ acre.  Interior roads and sites are dirt.  Some sites have a small patio and wooden table; all sites have a large fire ring and dry firewood is sold onsite. 

The campground is flat, landscaped with spare desert plants and small trees. All 40 RV sites are 200 foot long pull-throughs, very level.  No restroom buildings – this park is best for self-contained rigs – but a unisex restroom with shower shared with the office is available 24/7.  Two washers and two dryers in the clean laundry room attached to the office.  Basic food items (including milk and eggs) are sold in the office, along with minimal RV supplies.  Coffee and cookies are available there, along with comfortable seating, big screen TV, DVD’s, books, and friendly conversation.  Fenced dog run.

Rate: Standard daily rate is $24/night, but many discounts apply, including monthly rates.  We paid the the 50% off Camping Club (and PA) rate of $12/night plus a $2 electric surcharge per day, no restrictions, unlimited length of stay.  A true bargain.

Phone/radio/TV:  No Verizon service, cell phone or aircard. No obstructions for TV satellites.  No radio stations unless you have satellite radio.  EXCELLENT WiFi is included in the rate.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  This flat park is surrounded by ancient, rocky mountain ranges with great views all around.   Elevation 4,100 feet.  Views are of other (distant) rigs, campground buildings, desert flora and distant mountain ranges.  Incredible star-gazing.

Lighting/Noise: One nightlight on the back of the office.  That’s it.  NO noise

Favorite Sites: Choose a site based on your view and sun orientation preference.  We were in site 21, without a patio or table - but with good morning sun to help heat us up after a freezing night.

Hiking/Walking:  Pleasant walking around the perimeter of the park.  Excellent hiking in the nearby Chiricahua mountains. 

Comments: This is a very remote area in the “boot heel” of New Mexico, well know for birding and for its “dark skies”, of interest to astronomers.  One gas pump in town, and two small grocery stores, a couple art galleries and an interesting museum. Rodeo has a population of 250+;  nearby Portal is even smaller.  The nearest large town is Lordsburg (pop. 3,000), too small for a Target or Wal-Mart!  Come here to savor the solitude and to enjoy exploring.  Great owners!  Huge sites!  Bargain rates! Website: Rusty’s RV Ranch