QuestionMark

Hey again all...

We're in the Houston area and have thanksgiving week to try a slightly further away place to camp. I've never been to the Tx panhandle and would love to consider Palo Duro, Caprock, etc. We are camping in a pop-up and we'll have furnace, heater, blankets, etc on a electric/water site.

BUT, we aren't exactly all that fond of very cold weather. How cold might it be that weekend? Should we avoid that part of TX?

Any other suggestions? We'd like to travel farther away than normal. An area that has a lot to see and do. Hiking, site seeing, etc.

Thanks

Mark

Troop198

Weather can be cool that far north (Panhandle) in late November and I am talking freezing and or snow try searching for historical weather for one of the cities near a park


I also know some parks fill up at Thanksgiving, you could consider parks like Lost Maples or South Llano both west of San Antonio and much further south (again some fill at that time so don't just head out)

You go also try beach camping at Padre Island or a park near Corpus

Choderus

Monthly Weather Forecast for Quitaque, TX - weather.com

Here are the averages for Quitaque for November. Looks like you'd be averaging low-60's for the highs and low-30's for the lows. I'd hope for a snowfall, personally!

Grnhead

If you are not that fond of cold weather camping I would say it may not be the best option. It's anybodys guess for predicting fall weather in the panhandle it could be sunny and 60 or a wintery mix and blowing 30mph out of the north.

However, if you are planning on staying the week then you should have at least a few good days as really cold nasty weather usually doesn't hang around more than a day or two if/when it comes.

Best of luck.

ploddinTod

You may want to also consider the recreation areas of the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. They're closer than the TX panhandle......8-9 hours from Houston. I've stayed at both Shady Lake and Albert Pike.......very nice.
If you like a hilly, mountainous setting, you'll like these.

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PloddinTod

xesse

camping in the cold with a heater has to be a lot better than camping in the heat! at least you can put layers on.

sounds like fun!

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QuestionMark

We had plans to go to Ouachita in the summer but it didn't pan out. Wouldn't it have the same 'cold' concerns as the Tx panhandle? Anyone been there in the fall/winter versus spring/summer? Still plenty to do?

Thanks

ploddinTod

Yes, you would have the same "cold" concerns but just check the long range forecast a day or two before your trip. Have a Plan B like beach camping if it's too cold for your liking.
Hiking, biking and fishing would be about the only activities in the rec areas. But if you're in the Mena vicinity, be sure to take the scenic drive across the ridge of Rich Mountain. There are a bunch of pullouts to view the vistas.
Enjoy!

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PloddinTod