Connect with us

Outdoor Blog

20 Best Places to Camp Within Two Hours of Houston, TX

Published

on

A view of Houston, Texas.

Texas is massive. We all know this. That size means that you can just point your car in any direction and you’ll find a campsite. That sort of freedom can be paralyzing, so we’ve narrowed down the 20 best campsites that are close to home. We’ll take some of that mental load off so you can just worry about whether your gonna pack a polyester or merino wool jacket for your weekend trip.

 

Camping under the stars.

The stars are probably the only thing bigger than Texas.

 

1. Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a beautiful state park that’ home to a plethora of flora and fauna. If you’ve ever wanted to lay your eyes on an alligator or add nearly 300 species of birds to your birdwatching catalog then this is the park for you. 

This 5,000-acre state park is never dull, and the facilities provided make for a comfortable stay out in the great outdoors.

 

Pros:

  • Great for seeing a wide array of all kinds of American life
  • 21 miles of biking
  • Free interpretive hike guides

 

Cons:

  • The knowledge of your proximity to gators and bobcats may be stressful

 

2. Galveston Island State Park

This 2,000-acre state park is full of fresh-water ponds, wetlands, a beach, and sand dunes. The full-throated variety of this park is a sight to behold and it makes for great camping, so bring a tent and settle in.

Pelicans, tree frogs, spoonbills, and sandpipers will keep you company while you fish, mountain bike, and tackle the four miles worth of hiking this park has to offer you.

 

Pros:

  • A quarter-mile interpretive hiking trail
  • A fish-cleaning shelter
  • Outdoor showers

Cons:

  • Beach swimming is unsupervised
  • Hurricane season could take this campground away from you for a while

 

3. Lake Houston Wilderness Park

If forested campsites are more your speed, then Lake Houston Wilderness Park is the one for you. 

This park has horseback riding trails for you equestrians, and visitors are openly encouraged to bring along bikes and car-top watercraft like kayaks and canoes.

The birdwatching here is plentiful and the photo ops are everywhere. This beautiful wilderness park just keeps on giving. The hikes here lead to the gorgeous gem-like ponds hidden just off the well-traveled paths.

 

Pros:

  • Lots of exploration
  • A quiet wooded area solidly hidden from civilization

 

Cons:

  • The hiking may turn off campers not willing to make the treks

 

4. Stephen F. Austin Park

This Texas state park lives right alongside the Brazos River near the old ferry site. History lives in the Stephen F. Austin Park, 12 acres of which are set aside to honor such history. This very park was where the “father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin and nearly three hundred families came to colonize what would soon become Texas. 

Now, however, nobody has to struggle in this forested park. Now it’s home to 18-hole golf, historical tours, and some river fishing. 

 

Pros:

  • Great for history buffs
  • An opportunity to get away and come back with more knowledge of the history of Texas 
  • Access to the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site

 

Cons:

  • Comparatively small when sized up against other Texas state parks

 

5. Huntsville State Park

Huntsville State Park is a quiet state park with 21 miles of trails, great for biking and hiking. Take some time to swim in the designated swimming area, and cast a line in Lake Raven to try to catch some lake bass. Maybe you’d like to get your hands dirty and get some catfishing done.

The robust ranger program here has opportunities for kids to become junior rangers, and check in often to see the programming the rangers have planned for you throughout the year.

 

Pros:

  • Robust fishing
  • Motorized boats are allowed on the water

 

Cons:

  • Motorized boats may be allowed, but they have to run at idle speeds
  • No lifeguards
  • Alligators live in the park, be sure to follow their alligator safety tips

 

6. Houston North KOA

This KOA campsite is right next to Lake Conroe. Bring your RV and pull into one of their patio RV sites and take advantage of their full hook-ups. 30 amps? 50 amps? No problem, they’ve got you covered. 

If you’re not an RV camper, they have comfortable fully furnished deluxe cabins with spacious patios and grills if you’re looking to flame lick some meats.

This campground is near downtown Montgomery and gives you easy access to golfing and a plethora of restaurant eating.

 

Pros:

  • A hot tub and pool on site
  • Great for sports like basketball and volleyball

 

Cons:

  • If you’re staying in a cabin and want to use a fire pit, you’ll have to rent one

 

7. Sam Houston National Forest

Camping at the Sam Houston National Forest is pretty hot during the summer, but the nights are always comfortable.

Should you decide to stay here, you can hike on part of the famous 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, the wilderness here is vast and conveniently divided by three creek drainages, making for manageable methodical navigation of everything the National Forest has to offer.

There’s a picnic shelter, a separate day-use area, and plentiful hunting and fishing.

 

Pros:

  • Day-use visitors won’t disturb your camping
  • Lots of deer for watching and hunting
  • Potable water is available on-site

 

Cons:

  • No glass in the swimming areas, 
  • No offroading
  • No fireworks allowed in the forest, period

 

A man swimming in a pool.

Be sure to get your swim on at Lone Star Jellystone.

 

8. Lone Star Jellystone

A stay at Lone Star Jellystone guarantees you all of the fun and comfort you’d expect from a campground branded all over with Yogi Bear. There’s a water park on-site, a swimming pool, and a stocked up fishing lake, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

The tent camping sites are on lush beautiful grass, full RV hook-ups in back-in or pull-through sites. If you’ve got a whole crew with you, then the group tenting area is a great site to gather together. 

 

Pros:

  • You get to hang out with Yogi bear
  • A lazy river, and all the joy a water park brings to the table

 

Cons:

  • Water parks tend to be loud, so not great for quiet camping

 

9. Sea Rim State Park

Sea Rim State Park is a unique coastal park on the Gulf shoreline with 4,000 acres of marshlands.

This park provides several opportunities for fishing in the marsh and in the gulf. If fishing isn’t your thing, then there’s also a generous hunting season, lots of bird watching, and it’s a great place to just get in a relaxing walk.

If you’re looking to get some horseback riding there are about three miles of Gulf Coast beaches for you to run wild. Be mindful, however, that there aren’t any facilities for horses to stay in overnight. You may need to bring a portable pen, or if you’re comfortable with tethering your horse to a trailer, that’s an option as well.

 

Pros:

  • Horseback riding, fishing, and outdoor recreation galore

 

Cons:

  • Alligators live in the park
  • You’ll have to provide your own solution for keeping your horse overnight

 

10. Spring Creek Park

Take a trip to Tomball and visit the Spring Creek Park for some free camping. If you’re new to the hobby and not ready to shell out some cash for a tent site, then this makes for a great testing ground, you don’t even have to leave grimy, because there are showers on-site.

There’s a playground, plenty of picnic tables, and barbecue grills provided for you big eaters. If you’re feeling sporty, you can hit the archery range or work in some beach volleyball skills on the sandy court.

 

Pros:

  • Camping is free for tent and RV campers
  • Camping reservations can be made as far as three months in advance for you long term planners

 

Cons:

  • Free camping means you may have trouble booking the exact date you’re aiming for

 

11. Pace Bend Park

Pace Bend Park offers serene cliffside picnicking overlooking Lake Travis, and that’s just the beginning. 

You can get down to the grand clear lake and use the on-site boat ramp to shove off into the quiet.

The campground has over four hundred, primarily first-come, first-serve campsites. The 1,300-acre site is mostly unmarred by the campsites because the bulk of them are no-frills primitive sites. Just come on in, set up shop, and drink in the relaxing landscape. 

 

Pros:

  • Primitive campsites for you backpacking purists
  • If you don’t want to get down and dirty, there are 20 “improved campsites” with water and electrical hook-ups

Cons:

  • Campsites are first-come, first-served.
  • Zebra mussels on the shoreline call for vigilance when you hit the water

 

12. Splashway Campground

Splashway Campground is lively and welcoming. Their emphasis on family is intoxicating. When you show up, you feel like part of the group immediately.

There are cabins, bunkhouses for groups, tent sites with electricity, and RV sites with all of the bells and whistles. 

The campground is full of things to do. Try your hand at some quick-paced laser tag, slow it down with some mini-golf, and rotating seasonal events.

 

Pros:

  • Pets are welcome 
  • Full hookups for RVs and campers

 

Cons:

  • Lots of events going on constantly at this park, it may be hard to settle in during the day for a quiet time

 

13. Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a quick drive from downtown Houston, but that doesn’t’ detract from its wild wilderness. 

This lush nature-filled park is excellent for horseback riding on about 13 miles of trail, fishing, and birding. If you’re more goal-oriented in your recreation, you could do some geocaching. 

Hiking and biking here is great fun, as you follow the trails encircling the Brazos Bend lakes. Be sure to check out the nature center to brush up on all of the wildlife you can find in the park, and grab some trinkets on your way out in the headquarters gift shop.

 

Pros:

  • Close to home
  • Great for day-use or camping
  • Lots of varied camping 

 

Cons:

  • If you’re looking for primitive camping, there aren’t many sites

 

RV camping by the lake.

Get ready for some amazing RV camping by the lake at Northlake RV resort.

 

14. Northlake RV Resort

The Northlake RV Resort lives up to its name. Bring the camper, and take a load off. If you’ve been driving across the country,  this is a tranquil spot with plenty of time to catch your breath. 

Take a dip in the jacuzzi, or wake up early and watch the sunrise over the fully stocked fishing lake. If you want to give your legs a good stretch, then the on-site fitness center will take your breath away.

If all of that is a little fast-paced for you, there’s a computer center, free cable, and WiFi for you to take advantage of. Catch up with your shows, and download some new ones for the next leg of your trip.

 

Pros:

  • An excellent place to recharge
  • Close to Houston, the Zoo, and Minute Maid Park

 

Cons:

  • No pets allowed near the lake
  • Pretty large, so you’ll be surrounded by other RVs

 

15. Escape the Pavement

Maybe 45 minutes outside of the city is too far for you. Escape the Pavement is an escape right inside of Houston.

Rookie campers can ease their way into the world of camping with camping, outdoor cooking tutorials, and campfire building. Once you feel like you’re up for it, you can escape the pavement with an overnight camping trip.

 

Pros:

  • Great for easing your way into camping
  • Inside of the city, so you don’t have to travel out into the wilderness
  • Unique trip for group events

 

Cons:

  • Can feel like your hand is being held if you’re an experienced camper

 

16. Bastrop State Park

This is an excellent place for a family outing. There are about seven miles of trail, you can grab a campsite or gather everyone up in a cabin. If you’re planning on bringing the family in an RV there are sites with full hookups for quick and easy camping. 

There’s a scenic drive (or bike) on-site, for taking in the Lost Pines, and during the right season, you’ll find a nice pool. If you want to continue the watersports, there’s fishing in Lake Mina.

 

Pros:

  • Lots of nearby attractions to continue the family fun if the outdoors loses its luster
  • Several options for lodging overnight, so there’s something for everyone

 

Cons:

  • Occasional burn bans may keep you from having a fire at your campsite

 

17. Lake Livingston

Aright, you don’t need anything but a fishing hole and a place to sleep. If your needs are simple, and you’re looking for some fishing refreshment, and one of the largest lakes in the state, then Lake Livingston is probably what you’re looking for.

You can bring a boat, but if you don’t have your own, then the park provides canoes as well as single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddleboats.

This is a fisherman’s delight, but that’s not the only thing going on here. You can also take advantage of the ball fields, bowling alley, and golf course. This campsite has something for everyone.

 

Pros:

  • Excellent for fishing aficionados
  • Lots of sports as well

 

Cons:

  • Nothing to speak of in the hiking department

 

18. Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State is named after the dwarf palmettos growing all over the place under the larger trees in the park. 

There are several water sources feeding into the park, that end up bringing lots of life to the campsite. That abundance of life means there’s great for fishing and birdwatching, but if you prefer to leave the animals alone you can get out in the water with the kayaks and stand up paddle boats the park has for rent.

Hiking, biking, and geocaching can be found on land along with your campsites.

 

Pros:

  • Great getaway on land and sea
  • Close to Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas

 

Cons:

  • You’ll be sharing the park with an outdoor adventure camp for kids during the summer

 

19. Double Lake Campground

Double Lake Campground was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, almost a hundred years ago now, and that means there’s been plenty of time to create a robust camping experience.

The friendly and helpful rangers will reduce the friction of your night outside a great deal. You’ll find a little bit of everything at the site, whether it’s hiking, swimming, fishing, or picnicking. 

The temperature is usually quite nice, and the lake is surrounded by rolling hills and hardwood pines, giving you an excellent natural feel while you take your time away in the great outdoors.

 

Pros:

  • You can take your boats out on the lake
  • Great for fishing
  • A little bit of everything for everyone, you’ll have no unhappy campers

 

Cons:

  • The boat ramp is restricted to small electric motorboats, so be careful about what you bring

 

20. Yegua Creek

Yegua Creek has flush toilets and showers, and a majority of its sites have 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as hook-ups for water. 

This lake shoreline campground is home to some great pelican sighting and interpretive trail hiking. If you’re feeling inspired by the pelicans on the site you can fish in the Somerville Lake for some white and hybrid striped bass, and roll up your sleeves and find some catfish.

 

Pros:

  • Simple campsite, if you know what you’re looking for, this one will provide it
  • Has all of the essentials for a simple camping trip

 

Cons:

  • The campsite is pretty simple, so there’s not a lot in the way of entertainment

 

Camping during sunrise in Texas.

There’s nothing like camping under that big Texas sun.

 

Final Verdict:

Pace Bend Park and its broad beautiful view of the lake make for serene relaxing camping. If you’re looking to get out and reset for a couple of days, you could do much worse than Pace Bend Park. The campsites are easy to set up at, and light on distractions. The trails are ample and the horseback riding is relaxing. And while, you’re at it you might wanna brush up on your survival skills with the 50 best survival books on camping!

 

Bonus tip: Check out this video of Houston Wilderness Park!

 

 

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Published

on

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Published

on

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

Continue Reading

Outdoor Blog

Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Published

on

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

Continue Reading

Trending