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Start Your Texas Adventure: Finding the Best RV Parks in Texas

by Boston Group | May 25, 2021 | Camping, RV Park, Travel & Leisure

Deer grazing in RV park — Top RV Parks in Texas | The Boston Group

RV travel feels a lot like freedom. You have the open road in front of you and landscape on every side. You can potentially go anywhere in the continental U.S. Generally, RV travel is less expensive than traditional travel. You don’t have to pay for an expensive flight or hotel. You are in complete control of your destination. So, why should you look into RV parks in Texas for your next trip?

Travelers come to Texas from near and far. The tourism industry in Texas is always bustling. Some RVers even come from the Lone Star State itself. There is a lot to see, even for those who were born and raised in Texas. The following insights will help push you in the right direction for your next trip.

Make a Choice: Why Is Texas a Top Destination?

Did you know that Texas is the fourth most visited state in the entire U.S.? The Lone Star State is home to the Alamo Mission, Big Bend National Park, Space Center Houston and so much more. With a state bigger than the entire UK, Texas has the charm of multiple countries in one. Enjoy the top three reasons to choose Texas.

You’ll Never Run Out of Places To Visit

Texas has diverse landscapes, climates and cities. You won’t run out of things to see between the forests, the swamps and the beaches. Additionally, each city has its own charm, nightlife and attractions. There are 268,597 square miles to explore.

The top metropolitan centers include:

San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
Houston
Amarillo

There are countless possibilities in every city. For those who love the great outdoors, there are mountains, deserts, national parks and rivers to visit.

You’ll Experience a Rich Culture

Texas is a unique state with diverse culture. You might find that it lives up to its bigger and better reputation. Throughout the state, you’re bound to meet a variety of people from many different backgrounds. Each city has its own rich history and culture behind it. While you’ll find your share of cowboys or western music, you’ll also find diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds.

You’ll Taste Delicious Cuisine

One of the most famous things about Texas is its food. If you love BBQ, Texas is one of the best places in the U.S. for authentic, smoked brisket. Every Texas city offers different types of cuisine. Not only can you find authentic Mexican cuisine, but Texas is also home to Tex-Mex, a blend of Mexican and American cuisine. You can also try delicious Native American food. In Texas, there is food for most people’s tastebuds.

Choose Your Path: What Are the Hot RV Parks in Texas?

Your choice of RV park will depend on the locations that you want to see. Many RV parks are within driving distance of major cities, national parks or other attractions. When choosing one, there are several considerations. First, how close do you want to be to major cities? Second, what amenities are must-haves at the park? Third, how long do you want to stay? Once you answer those questions, it will be easier to sort through the different RV parks.

If you want to travel through Texas, you may want to stay at several parks throughout the course of your trip. To help narrow down your choices, here are some of the best RV parks in Texas.

Southern Oaks RV Park

Southern Oaks RV Park is located near the Gulf of Mexico in Aransas Pass. This 270-acre RV resort has various amenities and activities and is a short distance from some prime locations.

Aransas Pass and the surrounding areas are booming with coastal life. If you’re interested in seeing Corpus Christi, it is only 20 miles away. Some local attractions you might enjoy include:

Texas Maritime Museum
Art Museum of South Texas
Rockport Harbor Aquarium
Goose Island State Park
USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Museum
South Texas Botanical Gardens

The resort itself has plenty for you to do. You can find live entertainment, a game room for the whole family, fishing ponds, walking trails and a heated pool for the ultimate luxury experience. The community building includes:

A bar and billiards area
A bathroom with showers
A kitchen
A library
A laundry facility

There is enough room that you can host pool parties, potlucks and other gatherings with family and friends.

Austin RV Park

Austin RV Park has 28 large RV spaces and full hook-ups. With paved roads throughout the park and low prices, you’re able to relax in a country setting before you brave the city. At the park, you can access laundry facilities and WiFi. The park allows you to stay for as long or as short as you like.

Austin is one of the most bustling cities in Texas. Austin RV park prides itself on being close to the city but an oasis away from the hustle of Austin and Georgetown.

Quickly drive to a variety of different food chains, specialty foods and local restaurants. The outlet mall in Austin is one of the largest malls in Texas. You can dine at all of your favorite retailers and food chains, including In N Out. In the Spring and Summer, there’s sure to be a live band playing every night of the week.

If you’re more interested in nature, make your way to hiking and biking trails in close proximity to the park. Lake Georgetown also provides you with fishing and swimming opportunities.

Island RV Resort

Other amenities include:

Island RV Resort welcomes you to enjoy an exceptional Gulf of Mexico getaway on Mustang Island in Port Aransas, Texas! The small island community encourages short-term and long-term guests to visit.

An outdoor saltwater pool and spa
24/7 management onsite
Complimentary WIFI and cable

Port Aransas is a work port located on the northern tip of Mustang Island. If you or your little ones love marine life, there are plenty of marine education opportunities and pristine beaches to explore. Take part in fishing, boating and birdwatching.

If you’re interested in the thriving nightlife, you are also within proximity to Corpus Christi. There, you can indulge in dining, golf and horseback riding.

Rio Bonito RV Resort

Rio Bonito RV resort is located in Liberty Hill, Texas, close to Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander and Cedar Park. Rio Bonito can easily host family gatherings, reunions and birthday celebrations.

The recreation center is decorated with rustic and vintage decor. The recreation center has an attached deck so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the outdoors. The resort also has two resort-style swimming pools, a bathhouse, laundry facility, BBQ area, and even offers cabins for non-RV guests to enjoy!

The surrounding area is also full of activities to indulge in. Some popular locations include:

Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
Austin Steam Train
Lake Georgetown
Lake Georgetown Hiking Trail
Inner Space Cavern

For some much-needed time under the sun, head to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge or plan a whitewater rafting trip.

Northlake Village RV Park

Northlake Village is a quiet RV park, only 15 minutes to Fort Worth and 40 minutes to Dallas. The park includes large sites and full hook-ups. The RV park allows guests who plan to stay overnight, for the long-term and any length of time in between. With on-site management and security lighting, the park feels secure.

Other amenities include:

Free WiFi
Bathhouse
Laundry facility
Dog park
Concrete patios
Swimming pool

The close range to Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth is perfect for all kinds of vacationers. If you’re a sport’s fan, the resort is only a few minutes from the Texas Motor Speedway, which hosts all types of American racing.

Other sports fans may enjoy the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, Lone Star Park for the horse races or the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

Other popular locations include Six Flags Over Texas, DFW Adventure Park, the Fort worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Time To Prepare: What RV Traveling Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Even seasoned travelers run into trouble on the road. The day that you leave will probably be the most stressful or even the couple of days leading up to the trip as you try not to leave anything important behind. While some mistakes are more difficult to avoid than others, there are two major errors people often make, and they involve planning and packing.

Here is what you need to avoid before you venture off on vacation.

Planning Mistakes

When preparing for your RV trip, plan your route. Imagine the frustration of getting lost in an unfamiliar place, cutting into precious travel time. Studying the map before you leave isn’t enough. Your route should be easy for you to access at every opportunity.

Consider using Google Maps to plan your route. Not only can it give you the best path to your destination, but it can provide alternatives if traffic or some other factor is causing delays. With turn-by-turn instructions, it’s difficult to get lost when you’re on the road. Likewise, Google Maps allows you to identify important locations on the map, such as restaurants, parks, shopping centers, and hospitals.

In addition to knowing your route, keep your vehicle’s limitations in mind. For example, low-clearance bridges can be an obstacle for large RVs. Ensure that your RV’s width and height will not become a problem on any routes you choose.

When it comes to planning, it can also be a double-edged sword. While a solid plan is important, you don’t want to be so rigid that you forget to have fun. In an RV, you have absolute freedom. You can always deviate from your plan. If you have your route mapped out, you should be able to pick it back up after your excursion.

Make the most out of your RV trip. Budget so that you can be spontaneous. If you see beautiful scenery, stop and take pictures.

Packing Mistakes

Packing might be one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a trip. By the time that you reach the packing stage, you probably want to be able to get behind the wheel and head to your location. First, you need to make sure that you’re ready for your destination.

Texas has three types of climates. The climates include:

Continental steppe
Modified marine
Mountain

The continental steppe experiences an extreme range of temperature with low humidity and little rainfall. The modified marine climate, however, is considered subtropical. It has humid areas, sub-humid areas, arid and semi-arid areas. Mountain climate is much cooler and has more irregular precipitation.

When you’re traveling through Texas, make sure that you pack appropriate gear for the weather. Check the forecast before you leave and scan it often for any changes. Packing too much could bog down your trip, but if you don’t pack enough, you’ll be unprepared. Some items to remember include:

Leveling blocks
Folding chairs
Fans
Heated blankets
Outdoor gear
WiFI signal booster

Create a checklist before you leave and be sure not to forget anything. If you do happen to leave anything behind, check your map or phone for any retailers along the way.

Pack Your Bags: RV Parks in Texas Await Your Arrival

Whether you’re a traveler or a Texas native, you never have to cross state lines to find an adventure waiting for you. As the second-largest state, Texas has everything: sprawling cities, natural wonders, pristine beaches, various museums and delicious cuisine to fit everyone’s tastes.

When you travel by RV, you have the freedom to go anywhere. Not only can you enjoy the scenic view on the way, but you never have to worry about high hotel costs. Instead, you have your choice of RV parks in Texas while enjoying your comfortable RV. Enjoy the many amenities and activities close to key locations by contacting the Boston Group for more information about the various RV parks.

Sources:

https://www.tbgproperties.com/
https://www.northlakevillagerv.com/
https://www.rbcabinresort.com/
https://www.islandrvresort.com/
https://www.austinrvpark.com/
https://www.sorvresort.com/
https://www.outdoorsy.com/blog/is-rv-travel-right-for-you
https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/rv-road-trip-tips-mistakes
https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Route-with-Google-Maps
https://sciencing.com/climate-texas-4566332.html
https://www.completenorthamerica.com/10-great-reasons-to-visit-texas/
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-visited-states-in-the-us.html
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/texas-ustx.htm
https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/north-america/united-states/texas/history-and-culture

10 Tips for Finding Good RV Campgrounds

by Boston Group | May 6, 2021 | Camping, RV Park, Travel & Leisure

Camper Travel Trailer. Travel Trailer Pop Up Style Camping in Colorado.

Knowing how to find good RV campgrounds is a crucial skill for RVing. It can determine whether you have a delightful or stressful experience on the road. Finding the right campgrounds is especially important for full-timers and snowbirds who spend long periods of time in one location. Just imagine being stuck at a campground you dislike for 30 days or more. So, what can you do to ensure almost every spot you visit is worth the trip?

1. Create a List

If you are new to RVing, you might not immediately know what to expect from campgrounds and RV parks. Even so, know what your realistic bare minimum expectations are:

Are you looking for an adults-only campground?
Should it have a pool or a hot tub?
Do you need to be close to a large body of accessible water?
Is it necessary to be close to or on a golf course?
Do you prefer to be in the city, suburbs or rural areas?
Do you prefer a location where fires are allowed?

2. Consider the Area

No matter how amazing RV campgrounds are once you get inside, if the surrounding area could use some work, chances are that you won’t like it there. If political affiliations are important to you, you can check this with a quick Google search or via the Niche website or app. For travelers concerned about the crime rate and the types of crime, Niche can help you determine this too.

There are some fun reasons to consider the area as well. Are there national parks nearby? What about national forests, famous restaurants and other attractions?

3. Consider the Season

Some places have excellent weather all year round. San Diego in California is one such location. Then, there are others where seasonal weather changes could make them unpleasant at specific times of the year. For example, the Southwest is a snowbird hotspot, but during the summer, temperatures reach triple digits.

Likewise, Florida has great weather all year round — unless a hurricane batters the coast. In the Midwest, tornadoes occur more frequently at specific times of the year. Note that some RV campgrounds charge cheaper rates during less favorable seasons.

4. Ask Other RVers

Whether they have been full-time RVing across America or only take regular vacations, other RVers can tell you where to go. Keep in mind that you might absolutely love some of the places other people have hated, so take one-off recommendations with a grain of salt.

To better determine whether this is a place that would appeal to you, ask a lot of questions and try to listen without interrupting. Then, refer to your list and see whether it matches up to what you’re looking for.

5. Google RV Campgrounds

Once you have an idea of where you plan to visit, checking online is fairly easy. Google will provide you with a long list of options just for querying “RV Parks in Texas” or another location. You can also rank these according to specific factors, such as the star ratings.

Ideally, you want to choose locations that have at least a four-star rating or higher. The aggregate rating helps to account for varying experiences. Google also provides the operating hours, website and phone number so you can do more digging.

6. Try Campground Apps

There are tons of apps on the market that are dedicated to helping travelers find the perfect RV campgrounds. Most of these are free and allow you to filter for free and paid campgrounds. Some other services might require payment to access premium content.

The downside to this is that most apps are focused on showing travelers free campgrounds on federal land or at parks. These sound appealing until you realize there are usually no hookups. Unless you have a small rig, dry camping for long periods might not be possible or might not appeal to you at all.

7. Join Communities

There are several RV communities available, particularly for long-term and full-time RVers. Common membership clubs include Escapees RV Club and Good Sam. Having access to these memberships makes it easier for you to connect with other RVers who might be able to answer your questions about which RV campgrounds to visit. They might even have extra tips on how to pick the best spots.

In some cases, memberships might also help you get discounts on accommodations. For example, campgrounds that partner with Good Sam sometimes provide 10% discounts.

8. Audit Reviews

When you start to narrow down your options, check reviews on Google and other sources. Be sure to look beyond just the collective numbers to identify what people liked or disliked about the space. You could find some revealing information.

For example, if you find a lot of people are complaining about the Wi-Fi being slow and you need that wireless connection to work, you’ll know ahead of time to find alternative connection options. It’s also important to check as many sources as possible, such as Yelp or TripAdvisor.

9. Check Websites

In the modern business world, you would assume all businesses have a website or at least a Facebook page. Sadly, some RV campgrounds fail to invest in this. This is not to say the campground won’t be a good one, but it usually sets the tone for lower expectations. Here are some things to look for on the website:

Rates
Amenities
Cancellation policy
Pet policy
The tone of the website

10. Look for RV Campgrounds Footage

Campgrounds often do not look like the pictures posted online. In the best-case scenario, they exceed expectations. However, quite often the opposite is true. Look through the photos on the website, but even more important is checking the photos in the reviews or Google image searches.

You might even find a full blog post or drive-through YouTube video. Knowing exactly what the property looks like will help you set realistic expectations.

Are you ready to discover some of the best RV campgrounds in America? The Boston Group manages some of the most beautiful properties in the RV community. Use our portfolio to help you narrow down your choices.

Sources:

5 Benefits of Full Service RV Parks

by Boston Group | Apr 30, 2021 | Camping, RV Park, Travel & Leisure

Family RV Road Trip Campsite. Caucasian Family. Father with Daughter Having Fun in Front of Campfire. Recreation Vehicle Traveling.

One of the amazing perks of RVing is the flexibility. You can change your lifestyle in a heartbeat. It’s easy to spend the winter snowbirding in Texas luxury resorts and then go boondocking in New Mexico for the summer. While dry camping is a great way to save money, most RVers are more interested in full hookups. This can require searching for full service RV parks near me.

1. Convenience

Some people enjoy roughing it, but most people buy RVs to ensure a smooth camping experience. Access to sewer, a constant supply of water and shore power makes it easy to enjoy the amenities of being at home while still seeing the world. That means no bothering with portable waste tanks to empty the black or gray water without moving the rig. You also won’t need to go outside every few hours to move the solar panels so they follow the sun.

2. High-Wattage Power

Limited AC power access means a limit to what you can run off it. Many appliances require higher wattages to turn on. Even with big off-grid inverters, battery power can severely limit the length of time certain tools can run for, such as air fryers and blow dryers. When you have full hookups, however, you can run whatever you want, whenever you want.

3. Sanitation

A common sacrifice made by those roughing it in campers is to reduce hygiene standards. This might mean showering less often to conserve water, only flushing the toilet after a number two and not washing hands as often. While these may be possible practices for short-term trips and solo travelers, almost anyone wants full hookups after some time of doing this. With full hookups, you can shower, brush your teeth and flush the toilets as often as you like.

4. Long-Term Stays

If you are a snowbird looking to escape the northern cold, traveling all across the South might not be part of your plans. Instead you may be looking for a nice RV park to settle down at and relax for at least a month at a time. Not all RV parks allow monthly stays. However, RV parks with full hookups tend to be more accommodating of long-term RVers because they have the necessary infrastructure in place to support them.

5. Safety at Full Service Parks Near Me

Dry camping in the wilderness can be free, but it comes with risks. Paid RV parks, such as those that provide full hookups, tend to have security on site. Even when they do not, these locations are less isolated. As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers. You can worry less about leaving your rig to go hiking an hour away when you’re at an RV park versus boondocking in the middle of nowhere.

We are proud to manage many of the campgrounds that may appear in your full service RV parks near me search today. Check out our full portfolio to see all the other amenities we bring to the table.

Source:

https://alwaystheadventure.com/vanlife/showering#:~:text=While%20that%20answer%20may%20be,works%20really%20well%20for%20us.
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/are-campgrounds-and-rv-parks-safe/

Space Saver to the Rescue

by Boston Group | Jan 21, 2021 | Camping

We’ve all been there, the dreaded feeling associated with the utter lack of space in your RV. Even with a great deal of effort to prioritize and minimize what you pack, it somehow still doesn’t all fit. Obviously, you can’t lug around a trailer from place to place just to store the extra stuff and throwing it away is out of the question – so what are you to do when your camper is full? Luckily (or maybe not so much}, I’ve been in this position; my RV cabinets were filled to the brim and the drawers over-flowing with miscellaneous items, there was absolutely no more room! That’s when I started getting crafty and began thinking outside the box, quite literally! So, from my experiences I’ve put together a shortlist of all the space saving hacks that changed my life. Hopefully at least one of these just might help you too!

The Bed Lift System

Have empty space underneath your bed but it’s too difficult to access? Say no more. My queen-sized bed had massive storage capabilities, but because of the weight of the bed and frame it was impossible to utilize it. Luckily, my father is an engineer and walked me through an easy installation of a hydraulic system.

I know what you’re probably thinking, “that sounds really difficult,” and contrary to your belief (trust me, I thought so too at first) it was quite simple! All you need is a second person to hold the frame during installation, two trunk door hydraulic bars (which can be purchased at any auto store), and a bar latch to secure the bed when it’s down (like you see in restrooms).

This trick gave me ample space and ease of use. All I had to do was unlatch the lock and raise the frame. Poof, instant storage, endless opportunities!

Stackable Food Containers

Nothing is worse than the tiniest wobble of your camper and everything comes crashing down in your kitchen. Luckily, Tupperware got smart and made stackable containers!

I would store my flour, sugar, breadcrumbs, etc. in individual containers and stack them to make one large tower· the same goes for my rice or various pastas. That way, you’re not having to move your flour out of the way and readjust your whole cabinet when all you needed was a cup of rice.

This way also helps reduce bugs and other unwanted guests from getting into your food because most of these containers come equipped with airtight seals.

Level Up Your Cabinets

In my RV, there were no “closets” to hang items. Everything was folded and went in one long cabinet over the bed. Well, when all your clothes are folded into large piles and you need a shirt that’s towards the bottom of that pile … you can probably guess it causes quite the mess coupled with frustration.

Enter plate racks 1 Plate racks (also referred to as stackable kitchen shelves) are used to stack smaller sections of plates atop one another to maximize the storage while decreasing the probability of breakage.

Well, the same method can help with your clothes. I used the plate racks as separators for my t-shirts, blouses, hoodies, etc. which allowed me easy access to each item without the need to take out and refold every piece of laundry.

You can buy these plate racks at Home Depot or Lowe’s and even Home Goods! They’re an affordable and easy tool to help keep your cabinets tidy without the hassle of large, messy stacks!

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