Marathon, TX
January 26, 2026
January 26
We arrived at Sanderson RV Park — an unmanned park with a handwritten sign that simply says, “Pay the piggie.” That felt like the perfect introduction to West Texas.
Once we made it to our campsite, the view completely caught us off guard. Wide open space. Breathtaking skies. The kind of quiet that feels almost sacred. It’s amazing how quickly the world can go from busy highways to absolute stillness.
Dinner was frozen pizza — simple and easy after a travel day — eaten while looking out over one of the most beautiful backdrops we’ve had so far.
January 27
We woke up to frozen water lines. No running water in the morning — one of those RV lessons you learn quickly. Winter camping keeps you humble.
Cal and I grabbed coffee from a little shop on what appeared to be Sanderson’s attempt at a “strip.” Small town charm at its finest.
From there, we made our way to Marathon, Texas. What a fun little town. We stopped at the local grocery store to stock up before heading closer to Big Bend. It felt like the last real supply stop before entering something wild.
By afternoon we arrived at Stillwell RV Park. We made gyros for dinner and realized we were completely alone — the only family in an 80+ site RV and camping area. No lights for miles. No neighbors. Just us.
That night the sky exploded with stars. With zero light pollution, it felt like we could see the entire universe. Cal and I had our own little star party outside while the kids settled in. It was quiet, vast, and honestly unforgettable.
January 28
We left the Stillwell Store and RV spot and headed into Big Bend.
