Headed home from South Padre

12 05 2024

After 3 weeks on SPI, we’ve once again crossed the Queen Isabella causeway bound for Harlingen.  We’ll spend 3 days in Harlingen cleaning and resupplying for our trip home. We’re planning a fairly rapid departure from South Texas, it’s gotten way, way too hot and humid!  We’ll spend 3 nights on the road across Texas and then 2 nights in New Mexico before arriving back to Colorado

Site #23, Isla Blanca RV Park, SPI

Our first night out is at favorite state park, Lake Casa Blanca in Laredo.  Normally we stay on the “100” loop, this year we’ve opted for a new location at site 303.  This is a long (over 100’) pull through on the far north end of the campground.  Providing 30/50 amp power and water this is a very private site and was perfectly level allowing us to stay connected to the truck.

Lake Casa Blanca, Site 303

Another 3 hours or so takes us to Del Rio at the Sleeping Lady RV park where we spent one night last year.  This is a well maintained park, gravel roads and concrete pads on pull through sites provide full hookups and even a bit of shade from the small trees.  As we arrive, the temperature tops out at 109 in Del Rio, and about 60% humidity, and we’re anxious to hit the road the next morning.

Sleeping Lady RV Park, Del Rio, TX

Continuing west from Del Rio, we leave the Rio Grande valley at Sanderson and turn north to connect with I-10 at Ft. Stockton.  We’ve stayed in Ft. Stockton many time but today decide to continue to Balmorhea State Park, home of San Solomon Springs which creates the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.  The campground at Balmorhea has been closed for refurbishment for years, and we’re anxious to check things out.  The pool is closed for cleaning this week meaning the normal throngs of people won’t be able to access the park.  We’re among only about 10 others in the RV new campground and have a very quiet evening.

Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale, TX

San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park

Our 4th day on the road takes us out of Texas, and into eastern New Mexico near Carlsbad.  We continue to Roswell for a quick overnight at Town & Country RV Park. The original plan was to spend one more night on the road in Santa Fe. But, we get an early start and decided to make the 6 hour run all the way home.

Spanish Peaks, Huerfano, County, CO

It’s been a great trip.  115 nights at 25 different parks and resorts for a total of about 4300 miles.  Our next trip is already completely planned, we’re headed to the Pacific Northwest through Oregon to Washington where we’ll spend the 4th of July holiday with family in Sequim, WA.  More from the road to Oregon…





Casa Blanca SP, Larado

1 04 2017

Casa Blanca International State Park #119

We’re parked in site #119 at Casa Blanca International State Park.  This former city park is located within the city limits of Laredo and with a clear view of the control tower and jets parked at Laredo International Airport.  Originally assigned site #112, we arrive to find it occupied.  Moving to the pull-through #119, we’re not too picky about where we end up for this quick overnight stop.  The sites on the “M” loop also look promising.  Water and Electric sites are $18/night, limited availability Water, Electric and Sewer are $21/night (plus Texas State Parks entrance fee of $4/person)

The ongoing construction of Loop 20 or Bob Bullock Blvd is making access to Casa Blanca difficult at best.  Approaching from the North, the exit from I-35 is nearly a parking lot with big semi rigs detouring around the city on 69W.   From the loop, the left turn into the park can be a bit frustrating with northbound traffic.  Upon departure, lefts turns are not allowed forcing you to head north, then make a U-turn as soon as possible.  Hopefully the new construction will eliminate some of these frustrations.  Of course for northbound travelers, easy right turns into and out of the park make things much less frustrating.

Next stop Harlingen for a day or two to resupply and then out to South Padre Island.  More from SPI…

Casa Blanca International State Park #119





Lake Casa Blanca State Park, Laredo, TX

21 04 2016
Lake Casa Blanca SP, Site 116

Lake Casa Blanca SP, Site 116

Good Morning from Laredo.

After departing Harlingen at about 11AM yesterday, we’re unhitched and set-up at this favorite State Park by about 3:30PM.  This very urban park is a convenient stopping point when traveling to or from the upper Rio Grande valley.  We’re parked in back-in site #116; #112 would be another good back-in site with a bit wider driveway, possibly no need to un-hitch, and a clearer view across the lake.

This was just a quick overnight – today we’ll pack up and continue along the Rio Grande to Del Rio.  More from there…

Lake Casa Blanca SP, Site 112

Lake Casa Blanca SP, Site 112

Lake Casa Blanca SP

Lake Casa Blanca SP





Lake Casa Blanca State Park

20 03 2013
Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

After bypassing several Texas State Parks due to inadequate internet and or cellular coverage, we’re parked at Casa Blanca Lake State Park site #113 with full bars of 4G service.  Formerly a Laredo city park, in 2001 Texas State Parks started managing this urban park of 360 land acres and 1650 water acres.  The campsites are located on 3 loops with many right at water’s edge.  Each site has a covered picnic table and except for the walk-in tent sites, all provide water and electricity hookups.  Some sites also offer a sewer connection. There’s a boat ramp, group picnic areas, an RV dump station, playgrounds and scenic biking trails.  In all, this small State Park has a lot to offer and is very convenient to city amenities.

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park

Casa Blanca Lake State Park