Overnight Problems in Van Horn, TX

[longdog2]

Just read this in the RV Travel Newsletter and thought it might be useful info for some of our members.


Reader Letter
Don't try to grab a nap in this town
From reader Sherry Geddes: "RV'ers traveling on I-10 in west Texas, take note. You will be fined for camping overnight at the truck stops in Van Horn, Texas. I pulled into the truck stop parking area right behind McDonald's early this morning for a much needed rest, short nap and breakfast. When I awoke two hours later at 7 a.m., there was a ticket taped to my windshield. Violation of City of Van Horn ordinance 12/12.010. Fine of $85 payable by money order only."

EDITOR'S NOTE: We have received other emails about Van Horn, none of it favorable. It appears it's a good idea to bypass this town.

[Irmi]

Wow! Thanks for the heads up!

[Travelinana]

I hate this word but sometimes it fits and this is one of them...This sucks Just another way to bilk the public. Sorry to you Texans but your state is notorious for such things. We traveled Texas often a few years ago while in business and I can't tell you how many towns we learned to creep into and out of for they would pull you over, give a ticket for speeding and then they had their little kangaroo court taking cash only. Maybe that's not happening so much anymore. On a personal level I live in a tourist town and there are too many traps for these people who have come to our area for fun and relaxation. Knowing a hundred dollar bill comes off the top of their spending money leaves a bitter taste and they don't come back. So yep, it does suck

[longdog2]

I was actually kind of surprised when I saw the article because we have seen a lot of small towns especially in west Texas that actually have a few RV spaces for visitors that are either free (for one or two nights) or else pretty low cost like $10. They even have electric hookups. They are often off the beaten track and like to have people stop by. Of course, there are always a couple speed traps out there in most any state.

[ali1257]

We stayed at a campground in Van Horn - it was quite noisy from the train and the neighbors. But we needed to sleep. I think we paid $20 or $25. Sorry you got a ticket. If you were on private property and the truck stop did not have a problem with it it surprises me you got a ticket.

[Bethers]

I'm very careful in "truck" stops as I am not a truck and I know it's not always ok to take their spaces. I've seen some truck stops where it's illegal for any other vehicle to even stop there. I'd be curious just what type of spot they were at.

That said, it seems they are looking for ways to give tickets and collect revenue.