The beauty of RV travel is that the road itself becomes part of the destination. And if you’ve made it to the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, you’re in for some unexpectedly stunning drives.

Whether you’re chasing palm tree-lined highways, meandering river roads, or cultural gems hidden in quiet towns, South Texas delivers. Mission RV Resort puts you right in the middle of it all—offering the perfect launchpad for scenic, laid-back road trips that give you a true feel for the area.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 5 scenic RV routes in Texas you can enjoy within a short drive of Mission RV Resort. These drives aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with local flavor, wildlife, and wide open skies that’ll make you glad you took the slow road.

1. River Road Drive (Mission to La Joya via Military Highway)

Distance: ~30 miles round-trip
Best For: Border culture, historic sites, peaceful views of the Rio Grande

This drive hugs the southern border of Texas, following Military Highway (US-281) from Mission to La Joya and back. What makes it special isn’t just the scenery, but the story it tells—of Texas’ deep roots, border-town heritage, and connection to the Rio Grande.

As you cruise this route, you’ll pass citrus groves, sun-faded ranches, and glimpses of the river that defines the edge of the U.S. There’s very little traffic, so it’s a peaceful cruise ideal for morning or golden hour.

Highlights include:

• La Lomita Chapel, one of the oldest churches in South Texas
  
• Anzalduas Park, where you can stop for riverside birdwatching
  
• Locals-only food stands, where you can grab tamales or tacos 

For a dose of authentic South Texas life and a view into the landscape that shaped it, this route is hard to beat.

2. McAllen to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Loop

Distance: ~45 miles round-trip
Best For: Nature lovers, birders, peaceful scenery

Start from Mission RV Resort and head east on Expressway 83, then take FM 907 south to reach one of the most famous birding spots in North America: the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.

This drive winds through small farm towns and natural areas where mesquite, palms, and wetlands collide. The scenery shifts with every mile—one moment it’s flat open space, the next it’s lush forest canopy.

Once at the refuge, you can park and walk the shaded trails, or climb the 40-foot observation tower for a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Be sure to bring binoculars—Santa Ana is home to over 400 species of birds and butterflies.

This is one of those scenic RV routes in Texas that truly immerses you in the wild.

3. Farm-to-Market Road 1015 (Progreso to Weslaco)

Distance: ~35 miles round-trip
Best For: Local color, open roads, easy pacing

This is a favorite route among long-time Valley visitors. FM-1015 isn’t famous, but maybe that’s why it’s so enjoyable. It runs north-south through some of the Rio Grande Valley’s most rural, charming communities—from Progreso, a tiny border town known for its markets, to Weslaco, a growing hub with great food and shopping.

This route is especially appealing in the winter months, when the fields come alive with citrus trees and blooming bougainvillea. Snowbirds and Winter Texans often use this stretch to explore new restaurants or simply cruise under the South Texas sun.

Things to look out for:

• Roadside produce stands with fresh oranges and grapefruit
  
• Local taquerias and panaderías
  
• Wide shoulders for easy pullover and photo ops 

There’s no rush on this route. Just roll the windows down and take it all in.

4. Mission to Falcon State Park (via US-83 West)

Distance: ~120 miles round-trip
Best For: Day trips, lake views, stargazing, scenic borderlands

If you want a longer adventure without leaving civilization completely, this drive to Falcon State Park is the ticket. Take US-83 west from Mission and enjoy an easy but visually rich drive through towns like Rio Grande City and Roma—both steeped in border history and architecture.

The closer you get to Falcon Lake, the more wide-open the world feels. This stretch of road is what RV road trips are made for: long, quiet miles, desert plants, hawks circling overhead, and glimpses of the Rio Grande winding below the cliffs.

When you reach Falcon State Park, you can picnic, hike, or even launch a kayak if you’re carrying one. It’s also one of the best stargazing spots in the region thanks to low light pollution.

Just be sure to fuel up before heading out—the last stretch gets a little remote.

5. Historic Hidalgo Pumphouse to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Distance: ~25 miles loop
Best For: History buffs, nature trails, family-friendly routes

This is a perfect half-day loop that combines local history with South Texas scenery. Begin at the Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, which tells the story of the irrigation systems that transformed the Valley from desert to fertile farmland.

After exploring the museum, take FM 1016 west and loop around toward Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park — another gem of the World Birding Center network.

The roads are easy and quiet, with plenty of scenic pull-offs, fields, and greenery along the way. Once at Bentsen, you can stretch your legs on shaded trails, or hop on the park’s tram for a guided nature tour.

If you’re traveling with kids or just want an easy scenic outing without driving all day, this route is ideal.

Tips for Driving Scenic RV Routes in South Texas

Before heading out on any of these drives, keep a few things in mind:

• Watch for farm equipment — especially on rural FM roads
  
• Bring snacks and water, even for shorter drives
  
• Keep an eye on fuel levels — stations can be far apart west of Mission
  
• Use your camera — South Texas skies are some of the most photogenic around
  
• Mind the speed limit — many towns have strict enforcement 

And most importantly, don’t rush. The beauty of RV life is that you have the freedom to go slow, pull over, explore, and soak in what most folks are flying right past.

Why Mission RV Resort Is the Perfect Starting Point

All of these scenic drives are just minutes from Mission RV Resort, making it the perfect base for exploring South Texas by road.

When you’re not out cruising the backroads, you can unwind with:

• Shaded full-hookup sites
  
• Clean showers and laundry
  
• Friendly neighbors and peaceful surroundings
  
• Easy access to McAllen’s restaurants, museums, and parks 

Whether you’re planning one epic drive or hitting all five, Mission RV Resort keeps you close to what matters—comfort, community, and beautiful stretches of Texas highway.

Final Thoughts

Some of the best travel memories don’t happen at destinations — they happen between them. South Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “scenic,” but one drive through its citrus groves, wildlife refuges, or open desert roads will quickly change that.

These scenic RV routes in Texas are close to Mission, full of character, and made for taking your time. So if you’re parked at Mission RV Resort, do yourself a favor: fill the tank, grab your camera, and go explore the road less traveled.