Overview and History
Visiting Fort Stockton, Texas, is a great way to experience the spirit of the Old West while enjoying a mix of history, culture, and small-town charm. From exploring the historic fort and learning about frontier life at the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum to snapping a photo with Paisano Pete, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re savoring authentic Tex-Mex and barbecue, staying at a welcoming RV park, or simply soaking in the desert landscape, Fort Stockton offers a memorable glimpse into Texas’ rugged past and vibrant present. It’s the perfect stop for history buffs, road-trippers, and anyone looking for an authentic taste of West Texas.
Activities in Pecos
1. Explore the West of The Pecos Museum
Delve into the rich history of Pecos and the surrounding region at the West of The Pecos Museum. Housed in a historic 1896 saloon and hotel, the museum offers over 50 rooms of exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Old West, Native American culture, and the early days of ranching and railroads. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stories of lawmen, outlaws, and pioneers who shaped the area’s heritage.
Address: 120 E. Dot Stafford Street, Pecos, TX 79772
2. Visit the Memory Lane Car Museum
For automobile enthusiasts, the Memory Lane Car Museum is a must-see attraction. This museum features a collection of vintage cars and Coca-Cola
memorabilia, offering a nostalgic journey through automotive history. Visitors can admire classic vehicles and learn about the evolution of car design and technology.
Address: 301 S Oak Street, Pecos, TX 79772
3. Snap a Photo with the Pecos Bill Statue & Western Boots
Embrace the local folklore by visiting the Pecos Bill Statue & Western Boots. 
Pecos Bill is a legendary cowboy character, and his statue stands proudly in Pecos, symbolizing the town’s rich cowboy heritage. Additionally, throughout the town, you’ll find oversized decorative western boots, each uniquely painted, reflecting aspects of Pecos’ culture and history. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the town and capture memorable photos.
Address: Various locations throughout Pecos, TX
Places to Eat in Pecos
Pody’s BBQ is a local favorite renowned for its authentic Texas-style barbecue.
The rustic decor, reminiscent of the Old West, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Diners can indulge in melt-in-your-mouth brisket, dry-rubbed ribs, and flavorful sausage links. Popular sides include their creamy potato salad and green beans, with the award-winning hominy being a standout choice. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a casual diner, Pody’s BBQ offers a genuine taste of Texas.
Address: 1330 S Cedar St, Pecos, TX 79772
Alfredo’s Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that has become a staple in Pecos for authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. The casual and friendly ambiance makes it a perfect spot for families and groups. Guests rave about their flavorful chile sauce and hearty dishes like the ground beef and bean burrito combo. With generous portions and attentive service, Alfredo’s ensures a satisfying dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Address: 1002 S Cedar St, Pecos, TX 79772
Arti’s Italian Restaurant brings a slice of Italy to West Texas, offering a cozy and intimate dining environment. Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, the menu
features a variety of pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and classic entrees. Favorites include the rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo and the savory Baked Ziti. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes ensures a memorable meal for all Italian food enthusiasts.
Address: 214 S Oak St, Pecos, TX 79772
RV Parks Nearby
1. TRA-Park – Escapees RV Parks
TRA-Park, part of the Escapees RV Parks network, provides a welcoming 
atmosphere for travelers. The park offers full-hookup sites with 50/30/20 amp electrical service, accommodating both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Amenities include a clubhouse equipped with a big-screen TV, laundry facilities, showers, and restrooms. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site dump station and tire inflation services. The park’s proximity to local attractions, such as the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame and the West of the Pecos Museum, makes it an excellent base for exploring the area.
Address: 3100 Moore St, Pecos, TX 79772
Phone: (432) 447-2137
Kings Road RV Park spans 22 acres in the heart of Pecos, offering 300 fully shaded RV sites paved with crushed asphalt. Each site is equipped with 50, 30,
and 20-amp electrical service, along with city water, sewer utilities, and high-speed internet. The park features a range of amenities, including a seasonal swimming pool, on-site laundry facilities with 24 washers and dryers, a resort-quality fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, children’s playgrounds, and designated dog runs for pets. The park is fully gated, providing secure access for guests, and offers daily, weekly, and long-term stay options.
Address: 502 E 13th St, Pecos, TX 79772
Phone: (432) 243-0777
Hwy 285 RV Park & Propane is a clean, convenient, and affordable RV park 
located just north of Pecos. The park offers covered RV spaces with 30 and 50-amp hookups, pull-through sites, and utilities included. Amenities include an on-site propane fill station, laundry facilities, private showers, and a dog run for pets. The park provides daily, weekly, monthly, and corporate rates, accommodating both short and long-term stays. Its location offers easy access to surrounding areas, making it a convenient choice for travelers and workers alike.
Address: 2200 North US Highway 285, Pecos, TX 79772
Phone: (432) 286-1446
Books About Pecos
1. “Roy Bean: Law West of the Pecos” by C.L. Sonnichsen
This biography explores the life of Judge Roy Bean, a saloon-keeper and Justice of the Peace in Val Verde County, Texas, who dubbed himself “The Only Law
West of the Pecos.” Known for his unconventional rulings and courtroom antics held in his saloon, Bean became a legendary figure of the Old West. Sonnichsen’s detailed narrative provides readers with an in-depth look at Bean’s life, his unique approach to justice, and his impact on the region’s history. The book also delves into the myths and realities surrounding Bean, offering a balanced perspective on his legacy.
2. “The Village Horse Doctor: West of the Pecos” by Ben K. Green
In this collection of anecdotes, Ben K. Green recounts his experiences as a horse trader and veterinarian in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Set in the early to mid-20th century, the stories provide a vivid portrayal of rural life, the challenges of veterinary practice in a rugged landscape, and the colorful characters that inhabited the area. Green’s engaging storytelling offers readers a glimpse into the traditions, humor, and hardships of the time, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the cultural history of West Texas.
A Week in Pacos
The Morgan family had been on plenty of road trips, but this one was different. Pacos, a tiny desert town they’d only found on a faded map, wasn’t exactly on the list of top vacation destinations. But hey, sometimes the best adventures come from the unexpected.
They rolled into town on a Sunday afternoon, their travel trailer kicking up dust as they passed an old gas station with a hand-painted sign reading, “Cold Pop & Advice – One Free With the Other.” A wiry man in overalls waved them in.
“You’re new ’round here,” he said, squinting at them.
“Just passing through,” Mark Morgan replied. “Spending a week at the RV park.”
The man chuckled. “Then you’re not just passing through. You’re officially a ‘Pecos Resident of the Week.’ You’ll love it—whether you planned to or not.”
Day 1: The kids, Jake and Molly, discovered a rope swing over a shallow creek behind the campground. It was just murky enough to make them wonder what might be swimming in it. The mystery only made it more fun.
Day 2: Mark and his wife, Lisa, found the best breakfast burritos they’d ever eaten at Rosie’s Diner. Rosie herself plopped into their booth and told them about the time a UFO almost landed behind her trailer in ’78.
Day 3: The town had a museum that was technically just a guy’s garage filled with old radios, cowboy hats, and a two-headed snake in a jar. The kids loved it. Lisa, not so much.
Day 4: A local named Hank invited them to the weekly “Lizard Races.” No one knew why it started, but the whole town showed up. Jake’s lizard, Speedy, took second place.
Day 5: A storm rolled through, knocking out power for half the town. Everyone gathered at Rosie’s, where she cooked by candlelight and told ghost stories until the lights flickered back on.
Day 6: The kids joined a group of locals on an expedition to find “The Lost Gold Nugget of Pacos.” They found nothing but some old tin cans and a suspiciously boot-shaped rock, which they decided was almost as good as treasure.
Day 7: As they packed up to leave, the man from the gas station waved them down. “Leaving already? Y’all are practically locals now.”
Mark grinned. “We’ll be back.”
And they would be. Because as it turned out, the best vacations weren’t always planned—they just happened.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Pecos, Texas, isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a place where time slows down, strangers become friends, and every dusty road leads to a new story. Whether it’s the quirky locals, the hidden adventures, or the simple charm of small-town life, a stay in Pecos isn’t just a visit—it’s an experience. If you’re looking for a place where memories are made in the most unexpected ways, Pacos is the perfect destination.