Trip Hill Country with RV and little kids - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Vanderwoude · 11-12-2005, 02:58 PM

HI!

We are planning a trip to Hill Country last week of March. We are from The Netherlands (Europe) and visiting family in Austin during Spring Break. For a week or so we want to rent a RV (any suggestions where to rent?) and see more of Texas. What RV parks are also suitable for little children? We have a 2 year old and a baby. Our 2 year old loves to swim. Are some of the lakes warm enough to swim in at the end of March or are there also parks with heated pools? Inks Lake State Park seems very nice ,does it have swimming possibilties?

THANKS!
Yvonne

audreyhtx1 · 11-12-2005, 07:05 PM

There are several places in the Austin area that rent RVs. Here is one: http://www.americanleisurerentals.com/index.htm

There is also one near San Antonio (Boerne TX) - it's probably the biggest operation around. http://www.txrvrent.com/location.asp?ID=1

There are several State Parks in the Hill Country that have camping facilities. Many are on rivers. A few are at lakes. Inks Lake, Pedernales Falls, Guadalupe River, Lost Maples, Garner, - are several very popular camping state parks near Austin. McKinney Falls SP is actually in Austin. All these State Parks are suitable for children. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/f.../hill_country/

Lake or river swimming will be too cold in March - but maybe not for you Europeans. Probably to cold for a 2 year old.

Audrey

Turn Key · 11-13-2005, 08:31 AM

Inks is a wonderful park with very good swimming. Last week of March may or may not be warm enough. Very likely afternoon temps will rise well into the 80's but the lake water will still be on the cool side. Have swam in early to mid April at Inks with no problems.

Have you seen the review that I have posted here on Inks Lake State Park? Here's a link and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions:

Inks Lake State Park Review

Should be adding a bit to this review in the next week or so. Be sure to check the pictures I have posted.

Inks Lake Review Pictures

Plans are for us to return to Inks again this coming spring. Unfortunatly, it should be the second week in April. Would have been great to meet up with a new member of Wild Texas.

Hope you have a great time. Welcome to Texas and Wild Texas! Happy Camping!

copuswalker · 11-13-2005, 08:52 AM

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

You have probably seen that but!!!

The area around Garner State Park is some of the most beautiful in Texas.
Blanco is also nice.... So much to see so little time

Vanderwoude · 11-17-2005, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the great websites!

Another question: We are are thinking about making a 'round trip' (for about a week) . Departing from Austin to the Gulf coast, staying at a park for a night or two, and then back through hill country where we will stay at maybe two different parks. What can you recommend on the Gulf Coast?
We ourselves were thinking abouth South Padre because of the warmer temperatures. But is it the nicest? We are looking for a nice beach for our daughter to play. It would be great if the RV park is also on the beach.

Thanks
Yvonne

dwalsdorf · 11-18-2005, 11:10 AM

Rather than heading down that far south, you may want to save some time and stay near Corpus Christi/Pt. Aransas. I think the Malequite (sp?) Beach and Mustand Island beaches are just as nice as Padre this time of year. My .02
Have fun.

DayTripper · 11-18-2005, 06:05 PM

I would watch my calendar carefully at this time of the year if planning a trip to any of the Texas beaches. If your trip happens to coincide with the spring break of colleges, many of the Texas beaches -- especially South Padre -- will be crowded with college students and you might not want to expose your young daughter to some of their antics.

I do hope you enjoy your stay here.