Where do you like to camp? (Austin, McKinney: RV park, sales, rental)

[carlitasway]

I've only been camping once and it was this past year. I loved it! It was at Garner State Park. Luckily, we didn't have a site next to noisy people. I've heard that could be an issue. Our next place to camp will probably be Lost Maples. I want to buy a state park pass so we can regularly go. Off topic, where can I get reasonably priced camping gear? DH rented most of our stuff through UTSA for the weekend.

[mrstxcop]

garner is the place i was going to suggest --- as i understand it if you stay in New Garner you will get the less rowdy crowd, vs. staying in the Old Garner area, closer to the nightly dance

i have also heard that Blanco State Park is pretty nice --- i wanted to try Blanco this year

[fierce_flawless]

I just had my first camping weekend too.. without my mom I mean. My mom is a fairly frequent camper and I'd been with her in the past but this was the first time for us, as grownups, with our kids.

We went to Port A and spent 2 nights on the beach but on the first night we got in too late and slept in the car . We had quite an adventure with the tent but managed on night two. No more camping until it's cooler though for us!

We'd love to go to McKinney Falls state park next time (Austin).

We borrowed all the gear from my mom, but have found online sources that look like there are good prices. Mainly Amazon.com and Wal-Mart (online version sometimes have better prices).

[TXtrkgrl]

All of the state parks I have been to have been nice and clean. We bought a membership to a national campground and don't do the state parks too much anymore. Although we did go to Garner about 3 weeks ago, it was nice and not too crowded (we went in May so the crowds hadn't hit yet).


For camping supplies; Academy or Walmart. I also like Camping World but they are more for RV supplies and they can get pretty pricey.

[Camper1]

Be careful with the camping suplies. You really dont need as much as you would think.(Remember, you have to pack it all back up and bring it home).We just got rid of a bunch of stuff we bought when we first started camping in a tent,) including a huge tent we only used twice). Sold it all for nothing in a yard sale. They have the best deals if you can catch them. Most important,don't take anything your not willing to loose!!

TXtrgrl... where do you go now? We do all the state parks within 100 miles of S.A. and Medina lake but would love some new ideas and suggestions.

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by Camper1

Be careful with the camping suplies. You really dont need as much as you would think.(Remember, you have to pack it all back up and bring it home).We just got rid of a bunch of stuff we bought when we first started camping in a tent, )including a huge tent we only used twice). Sold it all for nothing in a yard sale. They have the best deals if you can catch them. Most important!!, don't take anythiong your not willing to loose.

TXtrgrl... where do you go now? We do all the state parks within 100 miles of S.A. and Medina lake but would love some new ideas and suggestions.

We go to Thousand Trails at Medina Lake (that is the membership we bought in to). We have only been to two of the parks (Medina Lake and Lake Conroe). Like you, we really just do the state park thing. We also live on a ranch and we have a campsite set up there for when I just want to get away from the house . Sounds silly I know but there is no laundry there .
My in-laws went to a place called A Peace of Heaven in Vanderpool A Peace Of Heaven - Texas Hill Country Cabin Rental and RV Park they enjoyed it but I have never been myself.

[chipsndip]

Check craigslist and yard sales for most camping gear - and I agree with needing less than you think. The one item I would recommend not scrimping on is the tent - If you're ever camping in the rain in can be the difference between a "never again" camping experience, and a nice pleasant stay... We got our tent brand new off of Ebay for over $100 less than the cheapest place I could find it online retail.

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by Camper1

Be careful with the camping suplies. You really dont need as much as you would think.(Remember, you have to pack it all back up and bring it home).We just got rid of a bunch of stuff we bought when we first started camping in a tent,) including a huge tent we only used twice). Sold it all for nothing in a yard sale. They have the best deals if you can catch them. Most important,don't take anything your not willing to loose!!

Great advice!!

[Camper1]

Yep, but to late for me! You should have seen all the stuff we would haul with us. Before I buy anything now, I check the dollar stores and see what they have. That way if something happends to it I'm not out much. A lot of stuff in my trailer came from Dollar Tree. CVS also runs a good end of summer clearance sale on all out door stuff.

[Camper1]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

We go to Thousand Trails at Medina Lake (that is the membership we bought in to). We have only been to two of the parks (Medina Lake and Lake Conroe). Like you, we really just do the state park thing. We also live on a ranch and we have a campsite set up there for when I just want to get away from the house . Sounds silly I know but there is no laundry there .
My in-laws went to a place called A Peace of Heaven in Vanderpool A Peace Of Heaven - Texas Hill Country Cabin Rental and RV Park they enjoyed it but I have never been myself.

So you have been to Medina Rv resort and Thousand Trails. How do you think they compare to each other? I have never been to Thousand Trails.

Texas RV Supply on Austin Hwy has some camping stuff. (txrvsupply.com )Most of what they have is rv stuff but I have bought a few odds and ends there. Cheaper and closer than Camping world and you can shop online.

Worth a rep?? I know, I'm pushing it. I will be good and humble. I'm a senior member now!!

It's not silly to "play " camping. Lots of us do it, right Jules? We do what ever it takes these days to stay sane. Staycations are great fun. You don't have the stress of traffic and it doesnt take alot of gas to get there. I wish i had a "lower fourty" to camp in!