Sometimes when people take pictures of our place, it looks empty because the lots are so big," Rusty says, "And we have big lots so people feel like they are at home." Rusty is the owner of Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo, NM. Rodeo, NM is about as ‘middle of nowhere’ as one can get. The unincorporated town has a population of 101 and it is in Hidalgo County, the boot-heel of New Mexico. This extremely rural place is exactly why Rusty's sells out in peak seasons and is quite popular with select groups of RVers.
"We fly the Canadian flag also because we get a lot of snowbirds from up there," Rusty says. Beyond snowbirds, Rusty's is a famous spot for birdwatchers, hunters, as well as amateur astronomers. "This is a dark sky location," Rusty says. Astronomers who attend the park are not taking pictures of Orion's Belt or things like that. “They are taking pictures of other galaxies." Indeed, Rodeo is 50 miles away from any significant population, resulting in a prime spot to view the stars. "Their equipment is just amazing," she says, "And lots of times they are really happy to share their findings with other RVers. I have a Canadian here right now who has three telescopes set up for viewing the stars." The pictures that Rusty advertises on her website are amazing - capturing nebulas, galaxies and planets as good as most seen from NASA or other official space organizations.
Bird watching is another draw to Rusty's RV Ranch. "We have over 300 species of birds that can be seen near the ranch," Rusty says. That is one-third of the bird species found in the United States. The Chiricahua Mountains, which surround the ranch, are ranked on every top ten list for birding destinations in the United States. Of the many birds known to frequent the area, one of the most unique is the Elegant Trogon. The Audubon website says of the Elegant Trogon, "With its brilliant metallic colors and odd croaking call, it brings an exotic touch to the wooded canyons and streamside sycamores where it lives." It is a pretty bird, with a beautiful red breast, that is said to be a bit easy to watch in the environment, as it will stay perched in one spot for a few minutes. Other birds such as orioles, owls, tanagers, hummingbirds, and many more come through Rusty's.
It isn't just the draw of the desert that has the birds coming to the area; Rusty has put in a few measures to attempt to bring some more through the ranch. "I started managing the park and when I learned the area and what folks are interested in, I did things to accommodate them," she says. She has ponds, including a koi pond, and gardens on the property to encourage birdwatchers and birds to have a place of peace and respite. "We have two black swans that are currently sitting on eggs," she says excitedly. "We are really hoping they hatch." She also does something a bit more extravagant. She started bringing in aviary cages and birds from all over the world- like Africa and Venezuela for instance. "I had a garden to begin with and a couple cages. I was provided with some parrots, but most people can get these in a household. I wanted something more wild," she recalls.
She originally wanted to do a wounded bird project, but she needed a license to be able to hold hawks and owls and the like, so she went with a broker for birds that helps bring them in. "We have about 20 birds right now and this is all fairly new," she says. "We don't even have signs up for the birds that are there, but guests are already wandering our garden enjoying the birds."
The area has historical significance that draws guests, also. Geronimo, of the Apache, is from the area and created his legend in and around the Chiricahua Mountains. The story of Geronimo is similar to many Native interactions with the US Government in the 19th century, one of loss and turmoil; however, Geronimo created a legend by resisting.
His wife and children were killed by the Mexicans and then the USA came and took over the area, giving him more animosity for newcomers. He and his tribe were forced onto reservations, which he resisted and escaped from several times. This caused embarrassment to the government, as well as excitement to the public and the Native people who were inspired by his rebellious nature. Eventually he surrendered and was banished from the desert and moved to Oklahoma. He was a living celebrity, though, and met the president and participated in the World’s Fair in St. Louis. Oddly enough, he was a prisoner of war that whole time and was never allowed to go back to his homeland. On his deathbed, he said he regretted surrendering and wished he would have continued fighting. Ironically, the descendants of his capturers, the military, used his name as a battlecry while jumping out of an airplane in World War 2, eventually spreading to the rest of the military. Geronimo’s story shows the complex relationship of respect and fear between the Native Americans and the USA.
Whether it is birding, astronomy, history, hiking or any of the other outdoor experiences one can have in the desert, Rusty’s accommodates them all. Add in a weekly potluck, friendly staff, and spotless grounds and it is easy to feel at home. So next time you are driving from Tucson to Las Cruces and you think there is nothing out there in that wide open desert, think again. Cross that border into New Mexico, take exit 5 and travel a few miles south on Route 80 to visit Rusty’s for yourself.