Summer in Texas brings the promise of scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable memories for RV campers. However, the scorching heat can pose some challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and advice for RV camping in Texas during the warm summer months, including the best time to travel, staying cool, and essential safety precautions. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience while exploring the Lone Star State.
Best Time to Travel
When it comes to RV camping in Texas, it’s a wonderful state to visit year around. While summer offers long days and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, the peak months of June, July, and August can be warm, so it is good to be prepared. Consider planning your trip for late spring or early fall when the temperatures are more moderate. April to May and September to October offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. November to March is when winter Texans migrate to Texas for the warmer weather, great times, and Southern hospitality. Additionally, keep an eye out for any special events or festivals that might influence your travel plans and consider booking your preferred RV campgrounds well in advance.
Staying Cool in the RV
To beat the Texas heat inside your RV, start with choosing a well-insulated unit that can help maintain a comfortable temperature. When parking your RV, aim for shaded spots to shield your vehicle from direct sunlight. Utilize awnings or create your own shaded area with canopies to help keep the interior cool during the hottest hours. Proper ventilation is crucial, so ensure your RV’s air conditioning is in top-notch condition. To further enhance airflow, use fans or portable cooling devices inside the RV to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
Beating the Heat Outdoors
While Texas summers can be sweltering, you can still enjoy outdoor activities by planning smartly. Schedule your outdoor adventures during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are more bearable. Consider heading to nearby lakes, rivers, or water parks for refreshing water-based activities like swimming, tubing, or kayaking. Exploring higher elevation areas or seeking out nature spots with ample shade can also provide respite from the heat during day trips and hiking excursions. Don’t forget to wear breathable clothing, apply sunscreen, and pack hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun rays.
Hydration and Food Safety
Staying hydrated is paramount during Texas summers. Always carry an abundant supply of water with you and encourage everyone in your camping party to drink regularly. Be cautious with caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration. When it comes to food safety, store perishables properly to prevent spoilage and the risk of foodborne illnesses in hot weather. Consider using coolers with ice packs to preserve freshness, and ensure your RV’s refrigerator is functioning well.
Safety Precautions
As much as we want to make the most of our RV camping trip, safety should never be compromised. Familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and act promptly if you or someone in your group experiences these symptoms. Prepare a first-aid kit tailored for summer camping emergencies and keep it easily accessible at all times. Never leave pets or children unattended in the RV or vehicle, especially during hot weather. Lastly, be cautious with campfires, and always adhere to campground rules and regulations regarding fire safety. Remember that dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfires, so take extra care to prevent any accidents.
Conclusion
With the right planning, preparation, and safety precautions, RV camping in Texas during the summer can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. By choosing the best time to travel, staying cool in and outside your RV, and being mindful of safety measures, you can make the most of your trip while savoring the natural beauty of the Lone Star State. Embrace the warmth and immerse yourself in the wonders of Texas, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy camping!
At TBG RV, we’re happy to answer any questions about visiting Texas or staying at one of our RV Resorts, so call us today at (737) 252-0742!
Planning where to stay on an RV vacation is part of the fun of travel. There are lots of places to choose from when a road trip is on your agenda. However, when it comes to picking the perfect setting or getting the most out of your stay, not all stops are the same.
All camping areas provide a place to park the rig, but what they offer in comfort and style varies widely. Most RVers appreciate great amenities for a relaxing getaway, so here are essential differences to know about RV resorts and campgrounds.
The Grounds of RV Resorts and Campgrounds
Campgrounds are often located on public lands and give travelers a back-to-basics nature experience. The purpose is to get in touch with the great outdoors with few creature comforts at your disposal. In most cases, you have a gravel parking site but no service hookups. There are usually dumping and filling stations as you leave the park.
RV resort grounds are frequently designed to maximize the ease and comfort of visitors. The parking pads are permanent and make it easy to accommodate the largest mobile homes. The sites are spacious and well-manicured. The grounds of the best resorts have plants and trees that make them very appealing for walking or sitting outside.
The Amenities
In terms of amenities, there is little commonality between RV resorts and campgrounds. The best campgrounds may have full hookups, fire rings, benches for relaxing, built-in grills, and public facilities that include showers.
A luxury RV resort in Texas is like being on another planet. These are some of the comforts and conveniences you enjoy at the finest resorts:
Deluxe shower facilities with 24/7 availability
Outdoor heated pools
Exercise rooms and playgrounds
Fenced dog parks
24/7 onsite management
Security monitoring
Green spaces on both individual sites and the surrounding grounds
Community buildings and social-gathering areas
A premium Texas RV park makes visitors feel at home while pampering them with the services of a top-notch retreat. Great resorts are located near outdoor and urban spaces that provide rich natural and cultural offerings.
The Communities
A recent study cited by the RV Industry Association shows that vacationing in a mobile home is 21% to 64% more cost-effective for four people than staying in hotels. RVIA notes that an even greater benefit of camper travel is “togetherness with family and friends.” Both RV resorts and campgrounds allow people to interact and enjoy each other’s company, but dedicated communities excel at providing opportunities for people to gather.
A top-tier RV resort promotes a group spirit among the people staying there. Community buildings host onsite activities and events that bring people together. There is customarily a calendar of events posted on the grounds and online so visitors can choose what they want to do and what works with their schedule.
Get the Relaxation You Deserve When Choosing Between RV Resorts and Campgrounds
The Boston Group has luxury properties that make it easy to decide between RV resorts and campgrounds. Our portfolio of RV parks provides visitors to Texas with beautiful places to stay throughout the state. Contact us to learn about all we have to offer.
7 Reasons To Consider Permanent RV Living Instead of Buying Real Estate
Living in a home on wheels has so many benefits that it’s easy to understand why people are taking to road life like never before. A fundamental shift is taking place for many individuals in the U.S., inspiring them to embrace the freedom of wandering full time. Permanent RV living is a great way to leave behind the cares and the costs that come with traditional homeownership.
Instead of purchasing real estate, people are buying cozy mobile-living spaces to stay near the best destinations that money can’t buy. Waiting for retirement feels like a less viable option, and deciding to live their best life is a guiding principle. Check out these seven reasons to see why jumping into the long-term-travel scene might be right for you and your family.
1. Travel More With Permanent RV Living
The most obvious reason to adopt a permanent residence in an RV is to see all the places you long to visit. Pulling up roots and heading out on a grand adventure is part of the thrill of having a motor home. Plus, you have everything you need with you anywhere you travel.
However, being in an RV doesn’t mean you must live a vagabond lifestyle. There are plenty of places to settle down and build community just as you would owning a home. The difference is you can travel as you like and are not held back by the burdens of a conventional residence.
2. Lower Your Expenses Through Permanent RV Living
The expense of owning a traditional home is a nonstarter for many young people. The American Dream seems less tenable, with unaffordable mortgage rates and the steep prices of buying or building houses. High unit rates mean that renting isn’t necessarily the answer. Moreover, a number of current homeowners are tired of all the expenses that houses bring. People worry that expendable funds are used to take care of their property instead of living fulfilling lives.
RVing has its expenses, including vehicle payments, maintenance and repairs, site rentals, and various living costs. Still, dollar for dollar, mobile living is less expensive than owning and caring for real estate. The most significant trade-off is living space, but with the great outdoors just outside the door, there are abundant ways to set up different living areas around an RV.
3. Work From Your RV
An astonishing 9.6 million households are considering purchasing RVs within five years. Part of the reason the appeal of this life has grown is the ability to work remotely. Many permanent RV living enthusiasts already work from home, so the transition to mobile work is relatively smooth.
One of the things people enjoy about working from the road is taking breaks by stepping outside into beautiful natural spaces. RVers appreciate having breaks where they can access the outdoors quickly, improving their sense of well-being and overall happiness.
4. Enjoy Living in Your Favorite Place
One unique thing that RVing offers is the option to live in an area you love affordably. Maybe you desire to reside near the coast, but property prices are not within your price range. Opting for a beautiful coastal resort is the perfect way to live the life you want.
A permanent RV living site is an excellent way to save money and enjoy mobile freedom. You don’t have to sacrifice your dream when you can call your favorite place in the world home.
5. Get Amazing Amenities
The features you find at quality RV resorts are a big draw to long-term RVing. Many of these parks offer these conveniences:
Heated swimming pools
Community clubhouses
Gorgeous grounds (including your RV site)
Sports and leisure areas
Kids’ play areas
Fenced pet playgrounds
24/7 onsite management
Security cameras
Home is even sweeter when you have all these amenities to make daily life easier and fun. Staying at a higher-end resort is more affordable when you are not paying property taxes and other traditional household expenses.
6. Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
Permanent RV living gives you time and access to a healthier lifestyle. Due to the nature of nomadic life, you have more opportunities to get outdoors to walk, run or hike. People who want to try yoga can do sun salutations and stretches in a beautiful setting outside the rig. You also have ample time to cook delicious foods gathered from local farmer’s markets. Preparing fresh and healthy regional dishes is a great activity for the whole family.
The key is to make the break from your former ways of living. It is the perfect time to turn off the TV and get out in nature. The surrounding environment beckons, and you can embrace the benefits of an active daily routine.
7. Have More Time With Your Family
There is no time like the present to enjoy being with your loved ones. Permanent RV living puts family togetherness on an entirely different level. It’s true that living in close quarters makes it harder to find personal space. However, families in RVs are active and engaged in ways that don’t often occur in conventional settings. You learn and grow together as you leave behind trappings that limit quality time. You have the opportunity for relationship building and sharing the joys that mobility and a pared-down lifestyle provide.
Find a Long-Term Living Space With Permanent RV Living
The Boston Group has a portfolio of properties that offer rich opportunities for permanent RV living. We want you to feel at home because the right property and community are precisely that for long-term RVers. Our properties are located throughout Texas, and one of them is bound to be right for you.
You can’t beat RV life when it comes to affordable living in beautiful places. Check out our list of RV parks and see where you’d like to land. Texas has fantastic natural and cultural offerings, and the sunshine is an RVers dream. Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.
The Advantages of Living in an RV for Working Nomads
For working nomads, travel is an inherent part of their jobs. You may be one of the estimated 1,696,386 traveling nurses, 96,024 petroleum refining employees or any other workers in the U.S. whose positions take them on the road with each new job they accept. If so, having a place to stay when you arrive is a primary concern. You may be able to find hotels that offer weekly or monthly rates, but those have you living out of your suitcase. There’s a better option: living in an RV.
Why Should Working Nomads Live in an RV?
Traveling for your job can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting. At the end of the day, it helps to have a comfortable place to lay your head. Here are a few advantages of moving into a home on wheels.
Take Your Creature Comforts With You
When you live in an RV, you no longer have to live out of a suitcase and hope the hotel has a comfortable bed and pillows. You get to take your own pillow everywhere you travel, along with your sheets, comforter and favorite coffee mug.
Eat a Home-Cooked Meal Whenever You Want
Working nomads often resort to eating out when traveling for work. Even when you stay in a hotel that has a full kitchen, it can be a challenge to cook at home if your room isn’t fully stocked with spices, oils and other cooking supplies that don’t make sense to purchase at each new location. When you live in an RV, you can stock your own cupboards and refrigerator with all the supplies you need to cook what you like to eat. Do you like to grill out? That’s also an option!
Enjoy Privacy and a Quiet Environment
When you live in an RV, you have your own space. You don’t have to share accommodations with other working nomads. You also don’t have to listen to the TV in the adjoining room, hear voices outside your door, or find yourself awakened by the sound of doors slamming shut. You may occasionally hear your neighbors at the RV park, but you will have a much quieter environment when there is room between you and your neighbors.
Save Money on Accommodations
Monthly rates at RV parks are often significantly lower than staying in a hotel or other types of temporary housing. While you have to purchase an RV, you can find new travel trailers that cost less than $400 per month and used trailers for even less. Additionally, you no longer need to pay rent or a mortgage for a permanent dwelling.
Where Can Working Nomads Living in RVs Stay in Texas?
Many working nomads find their way to the Lone Star State for their jobs. Whether you are a traveling nurse or a petroleum refinery worker, chances are that Texas offers excellent job opportunities. When you make your way to this part of the country, The Boston Group has a place for you. We manage several RV parks in Central and South Texas that provide monthly rates, a great place to rest, plenty to do during your days off and all the amenities you need to live comfortably. Get in touch today to find out what we have to offer.
Is the open road calling you? If so, an RV rental gives you the freedom to go where you want and have the comforts of home when you take a vacation. Best of all, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort when you stay at a luxurious resort with all the amenities you desire.
RV popularity continues to grow each year because of the flexible travel options and direct access to the great outdoors. People appreciate satisfying their wanderlust while having a comfortable place to live in as they roam. Learn how to select the right RV for your trip.
Why Is an RV Rental a Great Vacation Choice?
RVing is opening up new travel opportunities. There are numerous benefits of renting an RV for your next trip:
Get reasonable RV prices for individuals and families
Set the pace of your trip
See lots of new and out-of-the-way places
Bring the pets
Try different RV resorts and parks
Travel in comfort
You don’t have to leave your site due to poor weather conditions, and RV camping offers a safe way to store belongings when you go on excursions.
How Do You Choose the Right-Size RV for You?
Choosing the right RV size depends on the number of people and pets traveling together. These are the types of RVs available for rent:
Class A: This is a large, deluxe motorhome with all the conveniences of modern living. In most cases, you need to park these in resorts that accommodate the size.
Class B: This RV rental has lots of great amenities packed efficiently into a smaller living area. These models are popular due to the ease of driving and parking in resorts.
Class C: This is the smallest drivable RV that often includes a convenient over-the-cab bed. The Class C is an excellent choice for families, given the option of turning living areas into sleeping spaces.
Fifth wheel: This large and luxurious tow-behind trailer has lots of interior room and the ability to unhook and leave it at an RV site. These rigs need ample space to park, much like a Class A.
Travel trailer: This is a small tow trailer with fewer amenities but a good option for easy travel. You still have the important creature comforts.
Pop-up camper: This handy little camper is great for a fun family trip. This model provides comfortable sleeping arrangements while the focus of your getaway is the outdoor experience.
If you plan to take your animals, research rental companies that allow pets in the vehicles. Check how many and what types of pets are allowed and what deposits and fees are required.
Where Can You Get Rental RVs?
The growth of the RV industry in recent years has produced a need for RV rental businesses. Two of the top rental companies with their own fleet of vehicles are Cruise America and Good Sam. Another popular rental option is to rent from an RV owner. RVshare and Outdoorsy coordinate rentals of all types of recreational vehicles between owners and prospective renters. Road Bear is a company that deals exclusively with the rental of luxury RVs.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of an RV rental varies widely. The greatest cost determination is what is comfortable for your budget and meets your travel needs. Here are some essential factors that affect prices:
Size of RV
Type of RV
Age of the unit
Location of the rig
Length of rental
Season of rental
Many RV rental websites calculate a projected cost for you based on the RV type and vacation dates. Fuel expenses need to be figured into your trip budget. Gas can be costly depending on the miles you plan to drive. You may be required to pick up insurance to cover possible unit damages and losses. Typically, reputable companies offer insurance in the rental package for an additional fee.
Do You Need a Special License To Drive an RV?
You can drive most RVs with a regular U.S. driver’s license. If a vehicle is over 26,000 lbs., you need to check with the DMV in your state about the type of license required to operate the vehicle. If you are unfamiliar with driving a large vehicle, it is a good idea to get some instruction before beginning a trip. The weight, height and length make a big difference in how these units handle on the road.
Some schools offer hands-on training courses that teach you how to operate an RV rental. You can also take the RV on short drives before embarking on a trip to get a feel for the rig.
Where Can You Stay?
Looking for places to stay on your vacation is a fun part of RVing across the country. A Texas RV resort provides a unique experience because of the urban centers, cultural attractions, parks, restaurants and beaches that make this state a favorite to visit.
Do research beforehand to find a park with resources and activities for the whole family. Look for sites that provide plenty of space for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
What Should You Do Before Returning an RV?
Make an appointment to return your RV to the rental dealer. Make sure that a company representative does a return check of the vehicle to verify the condition (inside and out) and the mileage. It is always a good idea to take pictures that show the vehicle’s condition upon delivery and return.
Find the Right Places To Visit in Your RV Rental
The Boston Group has properties that are the perfect destinations for relaxing vacations. If you decide to go with an RV rental, you want to visit places with wonderful grounds, fun things to do and the best urban and natural spaces.
Our properties are conveniently located throughout the Lone Star State so that you can choose a favorite spot or several for an exciting getaway. Contact us to learn about our property portfolio, and we will help you find the right destination for a memorable trip!
Americans are snatching up campers and motor homes and taking to the U.S. highways and byways in increasingly large numbers. Total households that own an RV now top 11 million, and the rental market is also active, with peer-to-peer markets showing a 650% increase in interest over the past decade. In 2019, the findings in one survey indicated that 28 million people intended to travel in the spring and summer months that year.
When you tour in a recreational vehicle, you take your sleeping and living quarters with you wherever you go. It’s easier to plan your trips when RV parks are plentiful anywhere you go, but knowing what to take on your journey is more involved than packing a suitcase. We’ve created an RV essentials checklist so you can assemble everything you need for your next adventure.
An RV Essentials Checklist for the Rig
One significant difference between packing for most trips and preparing to travel in a camper is that you need to include items for the rig. While some of these essentials may be similar to what you need when you tent camp, others are unique to RV travel.
Rig Setup Necessities
Setting up camp for a recreational vehicle is more involved than simply pulling into a parking space. You want to make sure you have everything you need to operate your traveling hotel and maintain comfort at each stop. Your RV essentials checklist for setup should include:
A 30- or 50-amp extension cord
An adapter to convert 50-amp power to 30-amp or vice versa
Surge protector
Blackwater and gray water sewer hoses with extensions, connectors and hose support
Water hose rated for RVs with no lead or other harmful materials in them
Water filter to attach to your hose and a water pressure regulator
Leveling blocks or chocks
Basic tools to make adjustments and repairs
Make sure you have a tire pressure gauge to check your tires regularly on your trip. You may want to include items such as a small air compressor to top off low tires and a hitch lock if you have a travel trailer.
RV Essentials Checklist for Inside the Rig
If you stay at hotels, resorts or home rentals, most of the non-personal items you need are already there for you. This may also hold in rental RVs for many necessities. However, whether you rent or own your recreational vehicle, your checklist should list everything that allows you to live with ease while on your trip.
Kitchenware
One of the benefits of RV travel is being able to cook rather than dining out for every meal. Make sure your kitchen is stocked with necessities:
Pots and pans, cooking utensils, plates and bowls
Measuring cups and spoons, as well as can and bottle openers
Drinking glasses, including your favorite coffee cup, travel mug and reusable water bottle
Seasonings and cooking oil
Aluminum foil, plastic wrap and sandwich, storage and garbage bags
Coffee maker or tea kettle
Cleaning supplies, including dish soap, dish towels and sponges
Paper towels, napkins and food storage containers
While you will undoubtedly find reasons to head out to a grocery store during your travels, it helps to do some basic menu planning. You can then stock your cabinets and refrigerator with staples and ingredients that allow for easy meal prep when you need it.
Bed and Bath Items
Your RV essentials checklist should include the items you and your fellow travelers need for a comfortable stay. It’s easy to overlook bed and bath supplies so make sure the following are on your list:
Enough pillows for everyone
Bed linens, including extras in case you need to change out during your trip
Comforters or quilts
Extra blankets if you’re traveling in the chillier months or to cooler climates
Bath and hand towels
RV toilet paper and hand soap
Bathroom cleaning supplies
Laundry bag and laundry supplies
Even if you keep some of these items in your RV throughout the season, it’s still good to include them on your list and visually check to make sure you have them in stock before every trip.
RV Essentials Checklist for Recreational Items
You may be on the go often during your travels or plan to participate in the recreational events at your destination RV resort. However, you should still take along items to enjoy hanging out at your campsite. Some ideas to consider include:
A portable grill with the fuel and cooking utensils you need
Portable fire pit and camp chairs for everyone
Skewers for making s’mores
Sunscreen and personal bug repellant
Campsite bug repellant, such as citronella candles
Bicycles, skateboards or kick-scooters
Outdoor games, such as cornhole, horseshoes and Frisbee
Indoor pastimes, including books, movies, board games, cards and coloring books
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you take along entertaining things for them to do inside the rig since the weather doesn’t always cooperate for outdoor fun.
RV Essentials Checklist for Personal Items
As with any other type of travel, your checklist needs to include personal items. While you can get most of what you need along the way should you forget something, it’s far easier to take what you already have and save your money for the fun stuff. The following list should give you a good idea of items to carry along:
Toiletries, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap and razors
Sleepwear, undergarments and socks, including hiking and walking socks
Swimwear and gear, such as goggles, flip-flops or water shoes
Any hats you might want to wear
Shoes for activities you plan, including comfortable hiking or walking shoes
Appropriate pants and shorts for the climate and your itinerary
Short- and long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters
Rain gear, light jacket and warmer outer layers, if cooler temperatures are even a remote possibility
Be sure your list also includes any specialty items you need for your trip.
RV Essentials Checklist Complete: Plan Your Next Getaway
Now that your RV essentials checklist is in hand, it’s time to plan your next adventure. Texas is an ideal destination that provides something for everyone. The Boston Group’s RV parks and resorts are located throughout the state’s popular tourist destinations. Get in touch today to learn more about what we have to offer.
