Family camping vacations are about unwinding and relaxing, but they are also an opportunity to attempt new things, be adventurous and have fun. Texas has a wide array of sport and recreational activities for the whole family. From the mountains to the coastal sand dunes, Texas is a winter playground and recreational destination for campers from across the United States and Canada. Texas offers pleasant winter weather with fresh air, sunshine and clear skies, giving you a place to escape the bitter winds of the north. Texas is a huge, diverse state with a wealth of historical and cultural destinations to explore. Covering 267,000 square miles, Texas presents a plethora of family-friendly campgrounds.
State Campgrounds
Lather on the sunscreen and head for the beach. Texas offers more than 600 miles of sparking coast line. A secluded cove or majestic sand dune is a great location for a family picnic. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico invite swimmers and divers. Texas provides over 90 State Park and Recreational areas for public use. Many state parks offer camping sites with water, electric and sewer hookups. State campgrounds are pet friendly, rules and regulations may apply.
Devils River State Natural Area, located in Val Verde County north of Del Rio, has rustic, no service sites for canoe campers who have traveled down the river. At Sea Rim, primitive camping platforms have been erected throughout the marsh. Sea Rim State Park covers over 4141 square miles of marshland and 5.2 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Adventurous campers enjoy hiking the rugged shoreline trails. The park is located in Jefferson County, south of Port Arthur, Texas. A daily entrance fee is charged for camping sites or an annual park passcard can be purchased that allows for unlimited camping in state parks. Special discounts are available for U.S. veterans and senior citizens.
Public Campgrounds
Recreational vehicle campgrounds are plentiful in Texas, and snowbirds are always welcome. Modern and convenient to interstate highways and country roads, Texas campgrounds offer a diversity of amenities designed to provide every comfort. Long, level and paved pull-through sites, 50-amp electrical service, Internet access and shaded areas are standard. Many Texas recreational parks now offer cabins or cottages in addition to tent and RV sites. The cabins are an excellent choice for friends and family who want to visit during your stay at the campground. Playgrounds, hot tubs, swimming pools, workout rooms and family hikes provide exercise and entertainment.
From playgrounds to pavilions, Texas family campgrounds are an ideal location to hold a large family reunion. There are activities for everyone. Hike, bike, play horseshoes, fish, swim, boat or just unwind and relax around the campfire.
Wildlife Viewing and Bird Life
Texas campgrounds provide a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Armadillos, alligators, coyotes, squirrels, foxes and rattlesnakes may be found around many camping areas. Recreational campers enjoy the plethora of birds and waterfowl found in Texas. Hundreds of different species of migratory birds journey to the warmth of Texas to spend the winter. Bald eagles, ducks, doves, jays, mockingbirds, Peregrine falcons, wild turkeys and whooping cranes can be readily sighted.
Fishing
Fishing is enjoyable and productive in Texas. Cast a line for black bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish and bullheads. Crappie, bluegill, trout and walleye are also found in Texas freshwater lakes and streams. Fishing in Texas requires a valid license and a stamp for various species such as a trout stamp. Day licenses are available. Many coastal or lakeside Texas campgrounds have full-service marinas, boat launches, bait and tackle shops and a fill line of fishing supplies. Drift boats, canoes or kayaks can be rented to explore the wetlands and marshes.
Cruisine
Campers can feast on the state's bounty of fresh seafood, prime Texas beef, organically raised fresh fruits and vegetables and organic breads to prepare tasty camp meals. Local fresh markets offer mouth sweet corn, tomatoes and Texas melons. Texas shrimp are delicious grilled outdoors. Fresh potable water may not be available at rural campsites, so an adequate supply of bottled water is a camping necessity. If your mouth is watering for some old fashioned Texas barbecue or chili, choose a restaurant with the "Go Texan" logo. The Texas Department of Agriculture program promotes establishments dedicated to serving only the freshest, locally grown ingredients and organically grown Texas wines.
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