dozerz

I know this had been asked alot, but I'm getting confused reading all the posts. We've never camped. We are a family of 5, and I want the first time we go to be a good one so we won't be discouraged from ever going again!! This is what we are looking for:
A nice campsite, with good tent spots. We want water and electricity. A nice area for the kids to play in the water, and a playground would be good. I prefer a river I think, but not sure. I like water that moves and isn't too stagnant.

The California in me wants to go to the beach, but I've heard the beaches here are not like the West coast at all. Am I right?

Sorry to be picky, just wanted some opinions. Thanks!

Turn Key

Hi "dozerz"! Welcome aboard and I hope you will find what you need here. It's a bit hard to say what would be best for you with out asking a question or two. I'll answer one of your questions first.

You asked about our beaches and how they might compare to California. I would have to say that they just don't. I haven't been to California but I have been to Pensicola and the beaches there are waaaay better. Texas is the greatest state in the union and I would live no where else. That said, it's a good thing I don't feel the need for nice beaches because it's about the only thing that Texas doesn't have. I know some that will disagree with me but our part of the Gulf just reminds me of a big mud hole. We seem to get the worst of everything on our coast. I apologize to all those who live on and love our coast but this is just how I feel about it.

That said, we have some wonderful lakes, rivers and other bodies of fresh water. If you can tell us where you live and how far you'd like to travel, I or another member would be more then happy to make some suggestions.

Looking forward to helping in any way I can and as always,

Happy Camping!

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Unregistered

Thanks for the reply. That helps alot in kind of ruling out the beach for camping. Maybe another trip when we can stay in a hotel, or down the road when we are more experienced campers.

We live in AUstin, and would like to stay with in a 2-3 hour drive. Any suggestions would be great! I've heard good things about Pederanales SP, but also heard its a little dangerous for young kids. Is that true?

Unregistered

Thanks for the info! That helps me alot in my choice between Beach and lake/river camping. For now I think we will stick to lake/river. So, that being decided, we would like to stay within a 2-3 hour drive of Austin. Any recomendations???

dozerz

Oops I tried to respond and it didn't go through - so here it is again.

Thanks for the info. That helps narrow it down for us for our first trip. I think we will save beach for another time, and stick to lake/river this time.

We would like to stay within a 2-3 hour drive of Austin if possible. We just want a family fun campground. If it had something there for the kids to do besides the regular camping stuff that would be great, but doesn't have to, like horses or something like that.

Any suggestions would be great. We've heard alot about Pedernales SP, but also heard it can be dangerous for little kids. Any suggestions on that also would be great!

happybooker1

You also didn't say WHEN you wanted to go. I would suggest a place that's not a state park: Krause Springs in Spicewood. Which is on the SW side of Austin.

I have been visiting Krause Springs since '86 and it is awesome for kids of all ages. They have a few campsites available with water/electic and also tent camping. You have to call them directly for reservations but I highly recommend it! In fact, I will be there next week for 3 days!

copuswalker

I did a search and that looks quite nice. They said the park is pretty good through the week and gets a little crowded on weekends.
I asked if the sites were close or not and she replied "I don't know what you consider close" Typical Texas answer

Perhaps you will offer a little more on the activities and camp sites??? Thanks.

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

4everfrio

dozerz, In my honest opinion, I would try to get a cabin at Inks Lake.
It is summer time in Texas and the heat can be unbearable for the first timers.
The cabins at Inks have A/C, they are close to the water, the playground is very close. All ++++'s .
You can check out the park site and see what other special things that are happening at the park; nature walks, fishing demos, canoe tours, etc.
There is a golf course up the road. Longhorn Cavern is close too. Hey, the bald eagle nest is down the road on 29 towards Llano. It is very close to the road, bring binoc's.( say 100 yards or closer, from the fence to the nest)
Good luck and have fun.

Turn Key

I'd 2nd a motion for Inks Lake State Park any time. One of our favorite places. A great place to play in the water and the lake is "constant level" so it varies little no matter what the rest of the lakes in Texas do (and that variance can be a lot!). Can give you a reference to a long review on this park, if your interested.

Perdenales Falls SP is also and outstanding park. Set deep in the Hill Country, your a long way from any highway or city noise or lights. Have been there a couple of times and need to go again. As far as the park being of danger to kids, the only thing I can think of would be the area of the falls at the northern extreme of the park. This is a beutiful area but no swimming is allowed and that's probably best. With normal caution being the rule of the day for kiddos, I see no real danger in this part of the park and something you don't want to miss. The park does have a nice swimming area a bit further down stream but, given are drought of the last 14 months or so, I'm not betting on a good rate of flow. A call to the park should let you know what condition the river is in. Here is a site reference for this park. It will also give you access to all the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...ernales_falls/

For a first timer, could I suggest a place very close to home? McKinney Falls SP is right at your back door and could provide a very good place to break into camping. It's a good sized park with some pretty good sites. It is also pretty typical for Texas State Parks and will give you an idea what to expect. There is limited opportunities for swimming and if the river is running slow, they may close the swimming area for safety. None the less, this park could give you a chance to figure out what you need and how to use your equipment with out taking you too far from home. Until you get a feel for what your doing, you may find that just setting up camp can be a strain for all. This park will also keep you close to home in case you forget that one thing you just have to have (you'll find that a well maintained "camping list" will be your life-line, particularly with kiddos). Have another site:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f...ckinney_falls/

I could go on talking about Texas State Parks until your eyes crossed over and you were mad at me. Figure that's probably not the best thing to do so I'll leave it here. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and I'll do what I can to answer them. Until then and always,

Happy Camping!

PS: If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you should find an area marked "Similar Threads". At this time, it's listing a reference to my review on Inks Lake. A bit long but some find my ramblings of interest.

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campermom

For a first timer who lives in Austin, I have three suggestions.

1. Bastrop SP. The trees provide a ton of shade which makes summer tent camping more bearable. The hiking trails are pretty, shaded, and not difficult. Cabins are available to rent, these overlook the lake.
There is a road which encirles the entire park which is great for adult cyclists. There is a lake to fish. There is a real big pool for swimming. Next to the pool is a nice and shaded playground with picnic tables around. It's close to town so provissions are easy to get ( if you forget something). If the heat gets to you, take the kids to the movies.

2. Perdernales Falls SP. The sites are seperated with bushes and cactus. Trees provide shade or part shade to all sites. Hiking along the river in the falls area is easy and very interesting for the kids. This part is loaded with armadillos. We also saw deer. There is a bird blind on the road to the falls which is pretty neat, even if you aren't into birds. The river is clear and cool. It shouldn't be to deep or swift this time of year. You can fish for catfish and guadalupe bass. It is 9 miles outside of Johnson City. In JC, is LBJ national historic site, Sauer Beckman farm, and a pool. Antique stores, BBQ, Texas Hills vineyard, and a small zoo 4 miles north of town.

3. Inks lake. This park is a full service park, it has it all. Cabins are AC, but book up quick. Lots of waterfront sites. park events include "Fish with the ranger on Sat evenings", guided canoe tour to Devil's waterhole, etc. You can rent a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak for the hour 4 hour or day. The swim beach was nice, and of course you've got to swim at the waterhole. There are stores in Burnet for stuff and civilization if you need it. Longhorn Cavern is moments away as is the Inks Dam Federal Fish Hatchery. There's a Berry picking farm in Marble Falls.

"Diving in" to camping might be more difficult for one or two family members. Keep your entertainment options open. A quick drive into town for Sonic might just keep the peace another day. The nice part of camping is that it is a family event, you can have fun together and relax together. No TV, no phones, no work, no makeup, and wearing you rivershoes instead of dress shoes. Thats why we work, for vacation!

Turn Key

Thanks, campermom! Didn't think about Bastrop SP. Also close to Austin and it work well for a "first time" camper.

Happy Camping!

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dozerz

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and replies! You have narrowed it done quite a bit. Also thanks for the idea of the cabins at inks lake. We never considered this and will keep that option open too. When I say never camped before, I meant tent camping. WE did go to the beach in California and camp in a trailer. Not the real thing, but sort of roughing it. I'm anxious to try tent camping, although the heat does worry me.

Thanks again for the ideas!

Turn Key

One more thing I need to add here. Don't know how long you've been in Texas but spring in the Hill Country is outstanding! There is nothing better then camping in any of the parks mentioned in about mid- to late April. Weather is normally outstanding and the wildflowers are in full bloom at this time. Lakes and rivers are starting to warm so swimming is good during the afternoons and by evening, a nice campfire is in order. You just don't get much closer to heaven then that.

I know you want to get out camping and understand completely. Just wanted to make you aware of what to expect so you could plan accordingly.

Happy Camping!

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MissionCamper

Bastrop is probably a good choice for tenting in the summer as the trees will provide a good deal of shade. The only real "issue" with this park has to do with the road noise coming from Hwy 71.

I don't agree with the generalization about the Texas coast. Padre Island National Seashore is a crown jewel which goes virtually unnoticed by many. Check out this link. The pics represent a small glimpse of our experience there and all I can say is, I wanna go back! We had literally miles of beach to ourselves.

Haven't been to the other parks mentioned here, so I can't comment either way.

happybooker1

Having been to the Bahamas, the Florida Gulf Coast, Cozumel, Cancun, Veracruz, AND the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Padre Island may be NICE, but it sure isn't clear blue 100'+ visibility like much of the coast is! I WILL admit it's better than Galveston where I live however!