Retirees visiting Texas enjoy the open skies, fresh air and warm sunshine. Texas is a premier destination for campers from all across the United States and Canada that are seeking an amiable winter retreat. Texas is so large that there is always another magnificent scenic view, event or historic site to explore. From fancy first class RV resorts that are big rig friendly, to rustic tent campsites, Texas offers senior campers a large diversity of camping options.
Public Campgrounds
Modern and convenient recreational vehicle campgrounds are found all across the state of Texas. The majority of campgrounds participate in senior discount programs and offer quiet, shaded, long-pull through sites with 50 amp electrical service, water and sewer. Many provide exercise opportunities that include exercise and work-out facilities, swimming pools, sauna, hot tubs and golf driving ranges. Several camps are designed exclusively for senior citizens and children are not allowed. Pet restrictions may also apply. This can present a problem if you are traveling with family pets or grandchildren, however there are also a large selection of family campgrounds available.
Texas State Parks
Texas has over 90 state campgrounds located in scenic areas for hunting, fishing and recreating. Texas State Park management is divided into seven distinct geographic regions; Piney Woods, Prairies and Lakes, South Texas Plains, Gulf Coast, Hill County State Parks, Big Bend State Parks and the Panhandle Plains. Its hard to drive across Texas without encountering an inviting State Park. An entrance fee is charged for use of the sites. An annual passcard is available for purchase that offers unlimited entries rather than paying the daily entrance fee. Special discounts are available to senior citizens and U.S. veterans. Several campgrounds have water, electric and sewer connections with fire pits and picnic tables. Rustic sites are primitive and only containerized fuel is allowed. All campgrounds provide plenty of opportunities for exercise. Hike, bike on the diverse network of trails, climb sand dunes or mountain slopes, swim, fish, scuba or simply relax and forget the cares of the city.
Favorite Destinations
Located 100 miles southeast of Amarillo in Briscoe County, Caprock Canyons State Park is a favorite senior camping destination. Encompassing over 15,313 acres and a 64 mile long hiking trail that provides recreational adventure stretching from the top of the caprock escarpment clear to the eastern end located in the Red River Valley. A multi-use trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding, the path reaches from Estelline to South Plains, crossing 45 bridges and travels through Clarity tunnel, one of the last remaining active railroad tunnels in Texas. Many of the trails are easy enough for the physically challenged and provide handicap access at restrooms, picnic tables and recreational facilities.
1475 acre Atlanta State Park, located on Lake Wright Patman Dam in Cass County, is just a few miles southwest of Texakana. The park offers sandy beaches, a five mile hiking trail, swimming, canoeing and water skiing. The reservoir covers over 20,000 acres and has 170 miles of shoreline to explore. The fishing is spectacular. On shore, walk, go on a nature study, pack a picnic and explore the trails and shoreline. Bicycling is a favorite activity on the hilly parkways.
Retirement Resorts
Located throughout Texas, 55+ retirement resorts and campgrounds offer amenities and lifestyles to attract senior citizens, snowbirds and winter Texans. Many offer permanent sites for modular units or provide long pull-through sites for the big rigs. Camp clubhouses present dances, exercise classes and group walking tours to help residents meet their fitness goals. Swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs and exercise equipment are standard. The Mission Bell Campground in Mission, Texas offers a camping and retirement community that boasts a 20,000 square feet recreational facility, heated salt water swimming pool, sea therapy, dance lessons and fitness classes.
Weather & Advisories
With over 200 days of sunshine each year and average temperatures of 73 degrees, Texas offers fine weather almost all year long. However, it never hurts to be prepared. When planning a camping, biking or hiking expedition, include sunscreen, insect repellent, wet-weather gear and sturdy hiking boots. When camping and fishing in East Texas, campers should be aware of the USFS advisory that states "Largemouth bass at Ratcliff Lake, Bouton Lake, Boykin Springs, and Double Lake have recently shown elevated levels of mercury. This is a common occurrence in East Texas lakes. Only largemouth bass and bowfin are affected. Please observe Texas Department of Health's advisory that adults should limit consumption of largemouth bass from these lakes to no more than two 8-oz. meals per month."
Member Comments