The Public is Welcome

Raton, New Mexico
NRA Whittington Center

Today was a travel day and you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.  We stopped at Cline Corners Truck Stop since it's a little famous that it's been around since 1934.  Actually, I had some old cheap route 66 road sign earrings I bought years ago in Oatman that I lost in Paris and was hoping I could find a replacement.  FYI they also have a nice looking overnight campground.

In the past we visited Fort Union so we didn't stop today.







We started looking for exit 446 from I 25 which is south of Raton about 8 miles.  There isn't a lot of signage but at the exit we drove 4 miles west on highway 64.  Anybody been here before?

The entrance is very impressive.  The entrance has all the state flags lining the driveway.

Bill drove the rig to the western RV park which has 72 sites.  We stayed in this one last time.  The east park also has 45 full hook up sites.  Did I mention that they are all pull thrus?  The rate is the same whether you are a NRA member or not.  $32 for 30 amp and $35 for 50 amp.  The sites are huge but not perfectly level in some sites.  They also have primitive campsites for those who do not want hook ups. Yes, it is open to the public.  

This guy decided to check out our site for us.  I took this photo through the living room window.

The center has 33,300 acres of which 10% is developed and the elevation ranges from 6,300 to 8,100 feet.  It reminds me of our trip to Alaska last year.  

These are the competitor housing.  There is housing for youth and different cabins. There are 17 separate shooting ranges.  If you like to hunt they offer 5 day all inclusive hunts.  They do rent firearms if you want to rent any.  There is so much going on here, police training, self defense programs and youth firearm training.

There are a lot of signs warning you about bears.

I could practically touch this one it was so close.

Bill avoided running over this creature.








Besides enjoying a different kind of RV park, there is also history here.  Imagine camping in the same area as those on the Santa Fe Trail.

"The Scout--Charlton Heston as the Scout Providing Everlasting Vigilance Over the Santa Fe Trail And Sacrifices Made Along the Way"

The buildings in this photo are at the entrance of the center.

Here's a picture of the front gate and the buildings that house a free museum, gift shop and a library.  We'll tour them tomorrow.  

If you love the wide open spaces, you'll love NRA Whittington Center.  If you pick a park by pools and spas you won't want to stop here.





I forgot to mention  yesterday when we drove to Tinkertown we also drove the musical highway on old route 66 returning to our RV park.  Bill drove over the rumble strip at precisely 45 mph and we could hear America the Beautiful.  

Turtle Safely.........