I skilled some new adventures throughout November and into early December. I had the prospect to roll by each nook of Texas—from the windswept plains of the north to the peaceable Gulf Coast seashores and the rugged coronary heart of the Hill Nation.
Touring solo (nicely, probably not—Fortunate was with me each mile), I camped in free spots, tucked-away state parks, and even just a few surprising gems. Right here’s how the journey unfolded.
Northern Texas: Waylon Nation and Canyon Lands
Nov 1–4: Waylon Jennings RV Park, Littlefield, TX
This free RV park in Waylon Jennings’ hometown was a strong begin to the journey. It had energy and water hookups, with wonderful cell service, and you’ll’t beat the worth. A quiet spot to relaxation, stroll Fortunate, and keep dry as there was a serious rain storm that got here by whereas I used to be right here.
Nov 5: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Simply outdoors of Amarillo, I booked a spot within the Sagebrush Campground for $26, once more with energy and water hookup. I actually didn’t want both however I wished to discover the state park and there was no boondocking obtainable.
Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon within the U.S., is breathtaking! I took the time to discover and do just a few quick walks.
The most important rain over the previous few days had flooded a number of the decrease areas so quite a lot of mountain climbing trails have been closed. Sundown views from the rim have been spectacular, and Fortunate had loads of room to discover.
There was a great cell sign, which is all the time one in all my list when travelling solo.
Nov 6–7: New Adventures at Caprock Canyons State Park
Just some hours drive from Palo Duro is Caprock Canyons State Park. This park was a real hidden gem. The scenic drive was spectacular and I noticed serveral herds of bison.
For simply $17 an evening, I camped with a view of pink rock cliffs and as I walked to the bathe home there have been bison roaming freely within the subject subsequent to it.
Cell service was surprisingly good out right here, which made it simpler to share updates and preserve linked. If I had to decide on out of the 2 I might definitly head again to Caprock Canyon. Nice surroundings and wildlife!
Japanese Texas: Woods, New Adventures, Lakes & Quiet Roads
Nov 8: Sherman, TX – Cracker Barrel Lot
Generally you simply want a protected, handy cease for the evening. As I traveled throughout northern Texas, Cracker Barrel delivered—simple in, simple out, and a protected spot to park for the evening.
Groceries have been close by as nicely so I stocked up for the remainder of my Texas roadtrip.
Nov 9: Caddo Lake State Park (Mill Pond Campground)
Caddo Lake was not like anyplace I’d ever seen earlier than—moss-draped cypress timber and quiet bayous. My campsite at Mill Pond was simply $10. Whereas the cell sign was solely okay, and the humidtity was off the chart for my liking, it was value it for the peaceable setting and distinctive expertise.
I used to be in a fantastic spot for a brief stroll to the lake the place I took some fabulous photographs. It felt like I used to be in a creepy film with the cypress timber rising out of the lake, the moss hanging off the tree branches and the distinctive odor of the forest. This park’s ambiance created new adventures and experiences for me.
Nov 10: Dispersed Tenting close to Alto, TX
After a late begin and only some hours driving I discovered a bit of pull-off within the woods for the evening. Nothing fancy, a little bit of a tough drive attending to the spot, however quiet calm, and with a ravishing view.
Generally these unplanned stops find yourself being the very best reminiscences. I met with travellers from Germany and realized a bit about how they journey by Europe of their motorhome. A future journey maybe?
Southern Texas: Salt, Sand & Coastal Breezes
Nov 11–17: Bolivar Seaside, TX
As I travelled south I drove by Davy Crockett Nationwide Forest and Massive Thicket Nationwide Protect. Each have been stunning and I realized some attention-grabbing historical past about them.
After a protracted day driving I arrived on the southern Texas coast. With 27 miles of seaside shoreline on Bolivar Peninsula it was a chance for brand spanking new adventures. Free beachfront tenting, limitless house to stroll, and Fortunate may dig and sniff to her coronary heart’s content material. I stayed a full week right here, and with good cell service, nice climate and ocean breezes, it was laborious to depart.
Nov 18–19: Galveston Island State Park (Beachside)
We moved down the coast to Galveston as a giant wind and rain storm was predicted. Parking on the seaside will not be all the time the most secure spot when a giant storm is available in. I really like new advenutures however didn’t need to get caught or worse!
The beachside campsite for $35 USD ($45 CAN) had a powerful cell sign, however sadly no sand for Fortunate to dig into. Nonetheless, it was a stunning spot—clear and well-maintained the place I crammed up by battery, water tank, had a bathe and sheltered from the pounding rain.
Nov 20–21: Galveston Island State Park (Bayside)
Being on a funds and the climate nonetheless stormy I moved throughout the highway from the seaside to the bayside campground, It was cheaper, solely $25 USD. It was quieter, however the sand scenario was the identical for Fortunate. Cell service dropped a bit right here however nonetheless labored for the fundamentals. A number of birds and some peaceable sunsets when the rain letup.
Nov 22 – Dec 2: Magnolia Seaside, TX
A few 3 hour drive additional west alongside the coast I discovered a dream boondocking spot! Proper on the water, free, and pleasant fellow vacationers throughout. I stayed for 11 days and doubtless may’ve achieved extra (there’s a 14 day restrict right here).
There was nice cell service, loads of house for Fortunate, new adventures exploring the world and assembly different travellers. A stunning spot I’ll undoubtedly come again to.
Central Texas: Relaxation Stops and River Parks
Dec 3–4: Goose Island State Park
Needing a bathe and my battery charged I booked a spot at Goose Island State Park simply outdoors Rockport. This park has beachside websites that really feel distant, even when the campground is full.
I had nice cell reception right here, did some fowl watching and the peaceable shoreline walks have been a pleasant distinction to the busier seashores.
There have been numerous tenting spots within the timber as nicely, however I nonetheless wished to see the ocean so paid just a few {dollars} extra for the water view.
Dec 5: Stonewall Relaxation Cease, TX
Rolling again towards the Hill Nation heading north to New Mexico, I overnighted at a relaxation space in Stonewall. Not glamorous, however clear and protected with respectable cell sign. An excellent base for a fast cease.
Dec 6: Foster Park (close to San Angelo, TX)
After one other lengthy day on the highway I ended off at this little riverside park west of San Angelo. The cell service was poor however okay for one evening. It was quiet, with loads of birds singing and a spot for Fortunate to discover.
Ultimate Ideas
Texas is big—actually its personal nation in quite a lot of methods. From canyons and cactus to seashores and bayous, it gave me every thing I hoped for and extra. The free tenting choices have been ample, cell service was usually dependable, and Fortunate and I felt protected, welcomed, and awed by the land.
When you’re touring by Texas in a van or RV, don’t rush it. Let every nook present you one thing completely different. And preserve some seaside days open—you may simply keep a bit of longer than you deliberate.
I even have two different blogs you possibly can take a look at from earlier Texas roadtrips. Travelling through Western Texas and my first expertise alongside the Texas Beaches.
The publish New Adventures: Month on the Road through Texas appeared first on Sharing My Van Life.
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