Motor Home Across the Lone Star State

Texas is more than a state; it's a state of mind. Texans are proud of their state (which used to be an independent nation) and there are lots of reasons why - Texas hospitality, Tex-Mex food, a great tradition of Texas music, and plenty of natural beauty. If you want to get out and see the country in your recreational vehicle, Texas has lots to offer.

East Texas has the best of the American south, with woodlands and lots of water. Further up in the Texas panhandle, everything is flat and green with endless blue skies. Out in western and southern Texas, the land becomes desert and you can camp right against the border. Texas is huge, and there are things to see in every corner.

Big Bend National Park, located in the far southwest corner of Texas, is known for its rugged beauty, and also for its isolation. This makes it a great spot for those who want to get away from it all. While most of the country has been divided up and tamed, Big Bend is still wilderness at its best.

You'll find a variety of natural wonders in Big Bend - from the Rio Grande River to the sky high mountain basins only an hour's drive away. The park also features desert, which is why it's like three parks in one.

There are three campgrounds run by the National Park where you can take a motor home. Between these three parks, you can find something to suit your needs. Make a reservation if you plan to head out there.

For more rugged camping in Big Bend, try the Basin Campground. The drive down can be dangerous for big rigs, so this site is recommended for smaller motor homes. Big rig parking can also be difficult here. Still, it's a great place if you want to really be deep in the wilderness.

Enchanted Rock is named after a giant rock that inspired fear in both Indians and settlers alike. The Indians of the area believed the huge rock was inhabited by ghosts, and early adventurers avoided exploration for years by because they believed it swallowed people.

Located mid-state near Fredericksburg, the Enchanted Rock sits right on the edge of the Big Sandy Creek. It is one of the biggest "batholiths" (giant underground rocks) that has been uncovered by erosion. Nowadays, the ghosts are all gone, and you can go hiking, climbing and backpacking on the rock. If you don't feel up to climbing it, there are plenty of hiking trails that surround the rock, where you can get a good view of it.

Unfortunately, you won't be staying in your motor home right at the edge of the rock. The camping close to the rock has no RV hookups and no sites big enough to pull in to. You're better staying in Fredericksburg. One good spot in Fredericksburg is the Fredericksburg RV Park, a nice facility with all the conveniences you could want. It has 100 sites, Internet access, cable TV and pretty scenery. They take reservations

If you don't want to be land-locked, Padre Island National Seashore is an option. It is located just south of Corpus Christi, and stretches along the Laguna Madre. It is a barrier island with lots of wildlife, native plants and activities to enjoy. It's the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.

In addition to the ocean, Padre Island has rare animals including exotic birds and sea turtles. Watching the birds and the sea turtle releases are big tourist attractions. There is also great camping, a sky full of stars, and outdoor activities like bicycling to enjoy.

Destination South Padre RV Resort is perfect for all rigs. It's made specifically for recreational vehicles and offers a great view of the Laguna. It can be crowded during the tourist season, but with great views of the Gulf of Mexico and cooling ocean breezes, it is a popular spot. They take reservations.

There are things to do and see throughout the state. You can easily spend a couple of weeks touring around the state. The Lone Star State is a great place to explore with your recreational vehicle.