If you want to escape the cold during the winter months many people think of Florida or Southern California first, but The Lone Star State is an excellent place to visit. Texas has a rich history, fantastic moderate weather during the winter, and plenty to see and do for RVers.
If you haven’t visited Texas in your RV yet, consider heading that way this winter. Here are five destinations worth traveling to.
South Padre Island
Looking for a way to enjoy some pristine beaches? Visit South Padre Island right near the southern tip of Texas. Take state highway 48 east from Brownsville, Texas, and you’ll be out on one of the most beautiful islands the Lone Star state has to offer.
The southern end of the island is the resort town where there is plenty to do and a thriving nightlife scene. Head north and you’ll find some beautiful, secluded beaches. South Padre Island is also home to all kinds of unique activities like parasailing, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, waterparks, and other theme parks. It’s fun for the whole family.
Camping in your RV is easy. There are numerous RV parks on or near the island. The South Padre Island KOA is a great option for a more luxurious spot. If you want something a little more basic, you can always camp on the mainland closer to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and then head over to the island during the day.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Want to experience some history from long before mankind was the steward of the earth? Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. The park is home to dinosaur tracks. The tracks can be found in the riverbed. While not always easily visible, this is one of the coolest experiences to have with your family. Call ahead of time to find out how visibility is for the tracks.
In addition to the dinosaur tracks, you can go picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing at this wonderful state park. Camping in an RV is easy. The park has RV campsites with water and electricity hookups, making it a wonderful place to spend a weekend or even longer.
Fort Griffin State Historic Site
Indulge in some Texas history at the Fort Griffin State Historic Site in Albany, Texas. Remnants of the fort remain at this gorgeous place, and you can walk the grounds and imagine what it was like to be there in the late 1800s when the fort was in its prime. The site is also home to the Offical State of Texas Longhorn Herd, which makes for a great photo opportunity while you’re there.
The site is only open to the public from 8 am to 4:30 pm., but make sure to stay in the area well into the evening hours or consider camping close by. The lacks much of the light pollution many places experience and you’ll get a view of the night sky like no other.
Camping is easy. There are numerous campgrounds close, and the site itself offers 33 campsites ranging from primitive to full hook-up. To be sure you’ll get a campground at Fort Griffin, be sure to call and make a reservation.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
There’s a massive pink dome of a rock that rises above Central Texas known as the Enchanted Rock. The site is also home to fantastic hiking, camping, rock climbing, picnic areas, and plenty of other outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a good place to camp and enjoy nature for a few days, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is it.
Another close by attraction is Fredericksburg. There you can get some of the best food and wine that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. It’s a great place to go with just your significant other or with the entire family.
Camping at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is easy. The campgrounds are primitive, though, so if you’re looking for something with full hook-ups, you’re going to have to go down the road closer to Fredericksburg. There you can find everything from basic campgrounds to luxury RV resorts.
The Alamo Mission and San Antonio River Walk
If you’ve never been to San Antonio, then visiting the city is a must. You can check out all the city has to offer, including it’s beautiful and fun-to-wander River Walk. You can hit the shops the walk connects to, get some food and drink, take a little boat ride, or just enjoy the views.
Also, just up the road from the River Walk is The Alamo, the historic fort and Texas history museum. You can tour one of the most iconic and important historical sites in the nation.
There are a number of RV parks to choose from in the city. Most are full hook-up campgrounds, which makes RVing in San Antonio extremely easy. Two that are close are the Alamo City RV Park and Traveler’s World RV Resort. Both are only a short drive to the downtown area of the city.
Have you traveled to Texas? Where would you suggest newcomers go? Leave a comment below.
Alpine TX is great in the winter. You are near the Big Bend Oarks. Marfa, Fort Davis and the Macdonald Observatory.
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