With so many different locations to explore, it can be difficult to plan your trip, and especially so when visiting Texas. Texas is a huge state that offers an array of different experiences, from ranch land to mountains, you will find a great selection of things to see, tourist attractions, and the ability to reconnect with nature.
Camping is a wonderful way of exploring new areas, connecting with nature, and traveling on a budget! Instead of spending loads of money on hotel rooms, you can enjoy fresh air, a simple campsite, nightly bonfires and save that money for experiences during your trip.
When planning your camping trip here are a few things to keep in mind that will make your trip run smoothly and give you the best experience possible.
Careful Trip Planning
Texas is HUGE! And this means you will want to plan your trip carefully, to make sure you get the most out of the time you have available. If there are specific “must-sees” on your list, then it is important to plan your trip surrounding these areas.
Texas has some beautiful scenery and depending on where you travel there are loads of fun things to do, but due to the size of Texas, considerable travel time is needed to ensure you see all your goals are met. If you are unable to traverse the entire state in one trip, then it may be preferable to focus your planning on one section per trip, depending on the available time you have.
If you have different areas of focus, then carefully consider exactly what area to focus on your panning.
Methods of Camping and Exploring
If you are working on a limited timeline, and only have a week or two to explore, then you won’t be able to cover as much ground as you would think. Ensuring that you are planning your trip to make the most of your desires is incredibly important. One way that you can ensure ample time is by renting an RV as this will allow you to be fully mobile, take a closer look at these RV options, as they could change the whole outcome of your trip. Deciding whether to take your camping gear or simply rent an RV and hit the road will change the trajectory of your trip, so consider it carefully when planning for your adventures.
Where to Stay
Making sure that there is availability at your chosen campground is important, but it is not the be-all to end all of your trips. There are many unique options on where to park your camper or RV while on a road trip. While it is incredibly important to have a place to stay, there are always options if something happens with your chosen spot or problems with your reservations. Especially when working on a shoestring budget there are always options for places to park and camp, and if you do the proper research you will never be left with nowhere to stay!
What to Bring on a Road Trip
Packing is one of the hardest parts of any trip. Sometimes it seems like you either don’t pack everything you need, or pack everything and end up not using any of it! Carefully packing can not only make your trip easier, but it can also protect you in the case of emergencies. When taking off on a camping trip, some items are incredibly important, especially if you will be venturing into unknown territory, or taking time out to explore nature. Ensuring that you are packed appropriately means that you can do everything you want, from a hiking adventure to dinner at a 5-star restaurant.
When you are packing for your trip here are some essentials that can make or break your vacation:
- Emergency Roadside Kit
- First Aid Kit
- Jumper Cables
- Weather Appropriate Clothing for Hiking
- Jacket
- Boots
- Extra Blankets/Sleeping Bag
- Waterproof Supply Bag
- Tire Patching Kit
- Emergency Stock of Food and Water for at least 3 days
- GPS/Download Offline Maps
- If planning on hiking or heading to remote parts, a satellite emergency beacon can be a lifesaver if you accidentally get lost.
- Paper maps of the area
- Compass
- Jerry Can with Gas (especially when heading to more remote areas)
- Set of Dress Clothes
- Set of Casual Clothes
- Solar Power Bank
- Drivers License
- Insurance and Roadside Assistance Information
- Cash and Bank/Credit Cards
When packing, make sure that you have all the necessary items you will need, for fun and emergencies. It is best to leave behind less important items and to ensure you have the most important, especially if your space is limited.
While there are more considerations to take into account, these tips and this list will allow you to start your trip planning with confidence. The most important thing to consider when planning your trip is making it count! Make sure that you are focused on making the trip as memorable as possible. Don’t try to jam pack the trip, biting off more than you can chew can end up making the trip worse rather than better. Having a clear idea of where you are going and what your top goals are is the most important part of planning your trip.
While you may think that throwing caution to the wind is a great way to start your trip, and simply hitting the road will bring you great joy, it is important to take these considerations into account. You can have a great trip while still planning, and being well informed. Ensuring that you at least have a game plan and are prepared for any emergencies can give you the best option available for starting your trip.
While you may not want to think of the worst-case scenarios, it is always best to plan for the worst and hope for the best, rather than running the risk of encountering an emergency without being well prepared. No matter what your plans are, a trip to Texas can give you a great reprieve from the stresses of everyday life, and offer you an eye-opening and adventure-filled experience of a lifetime.