Carlsbad NM to Lahitas / Maverick RV Resort

[Love-to-campp]

Trip Wizard takes us from Carlsbad, NM to Fort Stockton Texas and then goes south to this RV resort. It shows two choices of routes from Fort Stockton and both show that parts of the route on are unpaved roads. Has anybody made this trip to this RV resort lately ? Are the roads bad or are they Ok ? We will be pulling 43FT 5TH wheel.

[DougW]

We were there a couple of years ago, took 118 out of Alpine and the roads were fine. I don’t remember any unpaved roads. There are a couple of places where you cross a stream that has no bridge but the streams are dry most of the time. In the last few miles there are a couple of places where there are very steep hills with sharp crowns at the top they might surprise you, they are easily manageable just a bit of a surprise.

[moose074]

I don’t remember any bad roads either now 285 has been under construction for years between Carlsbad and Pecos. Also very heavy oil field traffic. Now if it was me I would get of 285 at I 20 go west I believe two exits and go thru Balmerea Ft Davis then into Alpine about 20 minutes longer but scenery is better.

[Sergiop]

On March 1st I was in Lajitas in my 25ft Forester Class C. Went from Houston to Fort Stockton. Get gas at the Walmart there just off of I-10. Will be the cheapest gas to Lajitas/Big Bend. Then I took 67 south to 90 to Alpine. I topped off in Alpine. There I got on 118 to Lajitas. The road is paved the whole way. There’s a few climbs and turns but not terrible. The scenery is awesome so going slow isn’t a bad thing. I think it was 2 hours from Alpine to Lajitas.

[Reverse_snowbird]

There are driving directions on the Maverick RV Resort page and the appear to use 118.
Check the bottom of the page here: https://www.lajitasgolfresort.com/de...travel#driving

[Love-to-campp]

Thanks everyone, both routes show a dirt section on my gps. Just wanted to make sure I don't get myself into something I would regret. I'll check out HY 118 on my way back north.

[Reverse_snowbird]

If you're planning on taking 385 through the park, I would encourage you to take the route west of the park. There's a reason why the website routes you onto 118. You can drive the park by car, but you're pulling a 43ft 5th wheel.
Route 118 will test your driving skills by itself because it's not 'flat' like a freeway.

[Love-to-campp]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

If you're planning on taking 385 through the park, I would encourage you to take the route west of the park. There's a reason why the website routes you onto 118. You can drive the park by car, but you're pulling a 43ft 5th wheel.
Route 118 will test your driving skills by itself because it's not 'flat' like a freeway.

Thanks, After looking at my map again I'll stick with route 118.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Love-to-campp

Thanks, After looking at my map again I'll stick with route 118.

Excellent. Have a great trip. It's beautiful there. The one thing we didn't get to do and regret is not taking a guided tour into the back country. One has several tours in an air conditioned Expedition to keep out of the heat. I'm sure the resort will have info.

[muttinthehut]

We stayed at Maverick Ranch in January and did not have any issues with unpaved roads. On the trip in we came down from Davis Mountain State Park via 118 and there was some construction and obviously quite hilly. We took 385 out on the return trip and found it a bit of an easier drive. As others have said it’s a beautiful area and we had a fantastic trip. Be sure to make some time to take 170 out of Lajitas to Redford. It’s a beautiful day trip drive along the Rio Grande through the canyons. (There was some construction and a couple of one lane bridges along there so don’t take your camper.) And if you have an off-road vehicle make time for a trip off the pavement to some great places in the NP. Say hello to Clay Henry the Goat, the mayor of Lajitas! You’ll have a great time and we’re looking forward to going back one day.

[downeyr]

We just did this trip in January 2022. We went from Lajitas and spent a few nights in Fort Davis. The roads were great with no gravel roads at all. Most of the Texas roads are really very good.