Texas RV Travel blog

The day before we left Lake Conroe, we went out exploring the east side of the Sam Houston National Forest. We drove FM 150 east from New Waverly, almost to Coldspring. We turned right (south) on FM 2025 and made an immediate left on FS 210, entering Double Lake Recreation Area.

As soon as you enter, you you may explore either side of the lake.  On the east (left) side of the lake (as you enter), on FS210A, there is a loop of RV camping. On the right side of the loop (it is one way), sites #29, #32, #36 and #39 are pull through. On the left side, #31, #40-#44 are larger back-in sites. As you make the curve, #51 on right is fair sized back-in site and #55 and #60 are pull through sites. Before you leave the loop #65 is fair sized back-in site.

The reason I am being so detailed is that some of the sites with full hookups were not big enough for anything other than a popup or truck camper.   This was a lovely shaded camping area, with some sites overlooking the lake. Further down FS210A is group camping to the left and right. These sites are not suited for RVs.

Camping Site

Back around the other side of the lake on FS210, there are 23 camp sites without utilities on both sides of the road. There are decks and piers on the lake, and a hiking trail with bridges and a boardwalk that circles the lake. There is also an eight-mile mountain biking trail that I will write up in separate post.

Double Lake

If you hike on the biking trail, you are endangering yourself and the bike riders. From Double Lake RA, there is a five-mile hiking trail that will take you to the Big Creek Scenic Area.  The Lone Star Hiking Trail makes a short detour through the lower park area.

Double Lake Hiking Trail

Double Lake RA is stocked with bass, bream and catfish. There is one small boat ramp with parking. Only boats with electric motors are allowed on Double Lake. This 23-acre lake has a swimming beach. There is a wonderful CCC built lodge and pavillion that may be rented.  During the season, canoes and paddleboats can be rented at the concession stand at Double Lake which also has groceries, ice, and other items for sale.

This recreation area is a great spot for day use or camping. We will definitely camp in this spot in the future.

Posted by CyberCelt under Campground Reviews & Camping & Camping & Family Fun & Fish/Hunt & Hike/Bike/Run & Lakes & Nature & Wildlife Watching | 1 Comment »

Buescher State Park Fishing Lake (photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We spent a restful weekend at Buescher State Park outside of Smithville, Texas. This park has a recreation hall, amphitheater, residences and walkways built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1920s. There are screened shelters and cabins situated on the 25-acre fishing lake.

I noticed the walk-in camping sites were ideally situated in a clearing in the middle of the forest. The walk-in was not a long hike either.  The facilities included two playgrounds for children.  Dogs are not allowed in any of the park facilities and must be on a 6-foot leash in the camp ground.

I am going to share RV sites because some of these sites were really short, maybe 20-22 feet. In the Oak Haven multipurpose camping area, sites 16-19, 22 and 28 are the only sites that have space for travel trailers and RVs. The Cozy Circle camping area is designated for RV and travel trailers, but sites 1-4 are not shady nor private, and do not have enough parking space for your car. Site 5 is a beautiful handicapped-accessible site right across from the bathroom that has handicapped-accessible facilities. Sites 6 and 7 are okay, but awkward to back into. Sites 8 and 9 are too short (<15 feet). Sites 10-14 are the most roomy, shaded and private spots.

Antioch Historic Roadway on Lost Pines Hiking Trail
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We hiked about 5 miles total on the Lost Pines hiking trail, which was not as scenic as I was expecting. The walk through the woods was shady and full of wildlife and birds, but there was a long walk on the right-of-way in the sun. We turned back at the Antioch Historic Roadway and retraced our steps. We were so hot and tired, we just crawled in bed and passed out, including our dog, Rags.

Colorado River Valley from Park Road 1C
(photograph by Eileen Trainor, all rights reserved).

We drove just a few miles out Park Road 1C from Buescher SP towards Bastrop SP. There is a turn out where you may overlook the Colorado River Valley.

Another RV park in area:

I picked up a brochure for Toad Hollow RV Park & Campground (art & antiques, too).  They are located on 12 acres on Alum Creek and have nine RV spots, one vacation cabin, a tipi and camping sites.  There is a Toad Hollow Pond on the property. The phone number is 512 237 5969.  The address is 115 Fishers of Men, Smithville, TX 78957.

Posted by CyberCelt under Birding & Campground Reviews & Camping & Camping & Day Trips & Fish/Hunt & Hike/Bike/Run & Nature & RV Parks & RV Travel & Wildlife Watching | 2 Comments »

At 6pm on Thursday, March 29, the 34th Windfest festival begins with Carnival Night and admission is free! Friday the celebration begins at 6pm and includes arts and crafts, food booths, activities for children, art show, fireworks and live music.

Saturday morning begins at 10 am with a parade. Over 30 floats, dancers, jugglers and marching bands will thrill spectators as they make their way down Wildcat Drive. The festival grounds open after the parade. This day will be jam packed with live music, arts and craft vendors, food booths and an art show. The fun goes on until Midnight with clown shows, Wild West shoot out performances and magic shows for the kids and cook-off and horseshoe and washers tournament for the adults.

The children will truly enjoy the kid fair all day with special appearances by their favorite cartoon characters and a variety of hands-on activities. A petting zoo, face painting and a carnival full of adventure will also provide entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend.

Sunday, April 1, festivities will begin at 12 noon and Dachshund owners will gather from around the region to register their pet in the annual Windfest Dachshund Dash for cash and prizes. Families will seek excitement by watching the United Style Stunt Group perform throughout the evening with their bikes as they thrill the crowd with jumps, loops and high-ramp tricks.

While in Portland, you may want to stay at SeaBreeze RV Park, a nice Good Sam and TACO RV park on the water. Portland is just across the bay from Corpus Christi. For more information on the RV park and the surrounding area, please see this series of posts.

Tags: portland, windfest, family fun

Posted by CyberCelt under Beach & Campground Reviews & Camping & Family Fun & Hike/Bike/Run & RV Travel | No Comments »