In the heart of Texas, the fall shoulder season is undergoing a transformation. Once considered a quieter time for campgrounds and RV parks, it’s now buzzing with activity. The reason? A surge in campers seeking the perfect base camp for an array of outdoor activities, from vibrant food and music festivals to serene nature escapes.
Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO), captures the essence of this shift, stating, “Camping has never been more popular, and our campgrounds, RV parks and resorts expect to be busier than ever this fall.”
This fall, Texas is set to host a medley of events that are drawing crowds. San Antonio’s Day of the Dead Festival and New Braunfels’ Bavarian-themed Wurstfest are just a couple of the highlights. Given this uptick in interest, Schaeffer wisely advises outdoor enthusiasts to secure their reservations early, ensuring they have the ideal spot to soak in Texas’s autumnal offerings.
Diving deeper into the state’s offerings, the Alamo Fiesta RV Resort in Bourne stands out. Nestled in the German heritage town of Boerne, it’s a haven for those looking to explore both San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. With amenities ranging from playgrounds to park stores, it promises a comfortable stay.
Not too far away, in Abilene, the Aviator RV Park beckons. Designed with both short-term visitors and long-term guests in mind, it’s especially welcoming to military personnel from the neighboring Dyess Air Force Base. The park boasts spacious RV sites, a covered pavilion, and even a dedicated dog park.
For those seeking a blend of nature and adventure, the Fort Amarillo RV Park in Amarillo is a top pick. It’s a popular base for trips to the majestic Palo Duro Canyon State Park and offers a plethora of amenities, including a vast dog park, tennis courts, and a unique gift store named Lizzie Mae’s Mercantile.
In the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Loyd Park in Grand Prairie offers a sprawling 791-acre recreation area on the west shore of Joe Pool Lake. With its lakefront cabins, multiple yurts, and a lodge surrounded by majestic oak trees, it’s a slice of paradise.
Another exceptional option is the Summer Breeze USA RV Resort in Brookshire, located just outside Houston. This 33-acre resort features 99 full-hookup RV sites and is just 10 minutes away from Katy Mills Mall and the new Katy Convention Center. Amenities include a 50,000-gallon swimming pool, a tropical village-themed water park with a waterslide and dumping bucket, a fitness center, a country store, and high-speed, fiber optic Wi-Fi.
Texan RV Ranch in Mansfield is less than 20 minutes from major Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex attractions, including AT&T Stadium, and Hurricane Harbor and Hawaiian Falls water parks. This 145-site park features big-rig-friendly pull-through RV sites as well as one-bedroom and two-bedroom rental accommodations. Amenities include a swimming pool, a pavilion, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
Whitesboro RV Resort in Whitesboro complements its RV sites with a private pond, a clubhouse with flat-screen TVs, a playground, and a boat and RV storage facility. It offers a serene setting for relaxation.
West Bay Marina RV Park in Azle is another great choice with its 185-site park offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Amenities include a sandy swim beach, a playground, and a marina with boat slips, as well as boat and cabin rentals. Land storage units are also available.
Other notable mentions include the Pecan Park Riverside RV Park in San Marcos, a favorite among river tubing enthusiasts, the San Jacinto Riverfront RV Resort in Highlands, which offers over 300 concrete RV sites, Sea Breeze RV Community Resort in Portland with bay view RV sites and a private lighted fishing pier, and Shady Creek RV Park in Aubrey, known for its large RV sites with full hookups.
Adding to the allure of Texas campgrounds are companies like Platinum Cottages, which are decking out these sites with fully furnished park-model-style cabins. These accommodations can be found peppered across the state, from Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country RV Resort in New Braunfels to Sun Outdoors Lake Travis in Austin and then to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Kerrville.
As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, Texas’s campgrounds and RV parks are emerging as the go-to destinations for a memorable fall experience. Whether you’re a festival-goer, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Texas promises an unforgettable autumn adventure.
Featured image from Pecan Park Riverside RV Park.