Texas RV Travel blog

Like to RV, but want to go offroading? EarthRoamer has two models that will help you. The EarthRoamer Xpedition vehicles are designed to travel to those remote locations that are only accessible by four-wheel drive. Even better, these vehicles provide a comfortable camping experience totally off the gird.

XV-JP

Jeep Rubicon Unlimited based EarthRoamer XV-JP is designed to carry two adults.

The XV-JP’s Loftop™ provides nearly 9 feet of interior height and a queen-size bed when deployed. From the loft, you can drop down another tent for additional living space. The XV-JP comes equipped with 25 gallons of fresh water capacity, an inside cassette toilet, inside shower, sink and cooking facilities. An electric fan provides ventilation and the forced air furnace is perfect for cold nights. No A/C.

XV-LT

Based on the Ford Super Duty F-550 four-wheel drive cab chassis, there is brawn to accompany the beauty. With a 17,950 pound gross vehicle weight rating and 10,000 pound towing capability.

The EarthRoamer XV-LT is designed for two adults and two children camping for extended periods. Equipped with up to 90 gallons of diesel fuel and 85 gallons of fresh water, you can travel as far as you like in comfort, complete with granite countertops, convection microwave, air-conditioning, king-size bed and an enclosed shower/bathroom.

From the website:

Preserving the environment for generations to come is very important to us so we design renewable energy sources like solar and biodiesel into our systems whenever possible. All of our vehicles utilize solar energy as a primary power source for lights and appliances.

The pictures above are from the EarthRoamer site (all rights reserved). While the price tags, approximately $110,000 for JP and $208,000 for the LT, are steep, the amenities are worth it. There is a waiting list if you are considering a purchase.

Click here to view film clips and news articles on the website.

Tags: earthroamer.com, jeep based earthroamer, ford 550 based earthroamer, luxury four-wheel drive RV

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Quite often people question me about free parks for camping, fishing and boating. While on the website for the Lower Colorado River Authority, I came upon these parks. There are no fees to use these park in the LCRA system. They are unimproved parks, without amenities, but also, without many people.

Click here to view interactive map of LCRA parks.

Lake Buchanan Cedar Point Features:

	Boat Ramp
	Hiking & Walking Trails
	Fishing
	Swimming
	Unimproved Camping
	Waterless or Chemical Toilets

Cedar Point Recreation Area is one of the largest public tracts of land on Lake Buchanan with 400 acres and three miles of shoreline. The park is suited for walking, boating access, bank fishing, camping, picnicking and wildlife observation. The free boat ramp has a paved parking lot.

From Llano, take FM 2241 and turn north at Bluffton. Go about 4 miles and turn right on FM 3014, then go 3/10 of a mile to the main site entrance. From Buchanan Dam, take Highway 261 to Bluffton and follow the same directions.

Lake Travis Camp Creek Features

	Boat Ramp
	Fishing
	Picnic Tables & Grills
	Unimproved Camping
	Waterless or Chemical Toilets

A grove of pecan trees gives campers great places to set up tents or picnic at Camp Creek. The park, on the north shore of Lake Travis, is popular with anglers, especially those in search of white bass. Boats can be launched from the free boat ramp.

Directions: Take FM 1431 west from Austin/Cedar Park or east from Marble Falls to County Road 343 and continue about one-half mile to the site entrance. Camp Creek is approximately 8 miles from Marble Falls.

Lake Travis Shaffer Bend Features:

	Hiking & Walking Trails
	Bicycling - Dirt / Gravel
	Equestrian Trails
	Fishing
	Swimming
	Unimproved Camping

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, with 523 acres, is one of LCRA’s largest recreation areas on Lake Travis. The undeveloped recreation area is good for camping, but campers should come prepared because there are no toilets, potable water or electricity. The terrain, ranging from bottom lands to bluffs and hills, makes for good hiking.

Directions: Lake FM 1431 west from Austin/Cedar Park or east from Marble Falls to County Road 343A and continue about one mile to the park entrance. Shaffer Bend is approximately 8.5 miles from Marble Falls.

Lake Travis Narrows Features:

	Day Use Only
	Boat Ramp
	Fishing
	Waterless or Chemical Toilets

Narrows Recreation Area has the only public boat ramp on the upper south side of Lake Travis. Narrows is closed at night except for the boat ramp. The park has an outdoor restroom, but no other amenities.

Directions: From Austin, take State Highway 71 West and turn right on Spur 191. Continue approximately one mile to the community of Spicewood. Continue straight through the intersection, you will be on County Road 410. At the intersection of County Road 411 you will again continue to go straight. You will now be on County Road 411. Follow CR411 to the entrance.

Please note that all boat ramps on the Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis and Lake Austin are closed until lake levels go down. This will be temporary as they feed the flood waters through the chain of lakes on the Colorado River.

Tags: free camping, free boat ramps, primitive camping, LCRA, equestrian trails

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