Campground and RV park bookings in Texas are pacing “slightly ahead” of previous year figures, according to a press release. The data correlates with a recent cold snap in northern states, which has triggered the annual migration of “Winter Texans” to the region.
Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO), highlighted the upward trend in occupancy. He indicated that operators across the state are prepared for the seasonal influx.
“With a mild winter forecasted across the South, winter bookings are slightly ahead of last year’s figures in Texas,” Schaeffer said.
TACO represents over 400 campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts. The inventory available to incoming travelers ranges from traditional RV sites to park model RVs and rental accommodations.
Schaeffer noted that suppliers are playing a critical role in inventory expansion. Companies like Malakoff-based Platinum Cottages are currently supplying properties with fully furnished park-model-style cabins featuring separate bedrooms and kitchens.
Operators are differentiating their properties through high-level amenities to capture this market share. Forest Retreat RV Park in New Caney, for example, holds a 10-10-10 Good Sam Club rating due to its facility maintenance and resort-size swimming pool.
Glamping diversification is another strategy employed by parks such as Mystic Quarry in Canyon Lake. The resort complements standard sites with tipis and safari tents, while offering streaming-quality WiFi and private hot tub rentals.
Hidden Lake RV Park in Beaumont also features 70 well-appointed campsites that cater to a variety of RV setups, including both back-in and pull-through options. Many of the sites offer scenic lakefront views, providing guests with a peaceful and picturesque setting for their stay.
Infrastructure upgrades remain a priority for newer developments. Summer Breeze USA RV Resort in Brookshire recently deployed a fiber optic WiFi system and added pickleball courts to its amenity package.
Location-based assets continue to drive bookings for coastal and riverfront operators. Pioneer Beach RV Resort in Port Aransas provides a private boardwalk to the beach and a birding pond for nature enthusiasts.
Similarly, Rio Guadalupe Resort in New Braunfels leverages a quarter-mile of frontage along the Guadalupe River. The property offers 64 sites, including gravel-lined spaces designed to accommodate larger recreational vehicles.
Proximity to urban centers and events is a key draw for parks like Trader’s Village RV Park in Houston. The big-rig-friendly facility is situated adjacent to a large market venue featuring shopping and special events.
Other operators, such as Woodland Lakes RV Park in Conroe, focus on extended-stay features. Their amenities include stocked ponds, exercise rooms, and on-site propane refills to support long-term winter guests.
To support this traffic, TACO provides digital and print resources connecting visitors to member parks. The association’s website also links RVers with dealers, repair centers, and aftermarket suppliers.
“Texas campgrounds, RV parks and resorts are rolling out the welcome mat,” Schaeffer said.
Featured image by Mystic Quarry