1st time in Texas
 

Hi
We are a young snowbird couple who going to Texas for the 1st time this winter. We are going to be in a tent and sometimes rent. We would like to have advise to where to go and stay. We did a lot of research and the gulf cost seems to be a very nice place to stay but is there a region that is more suitable then another?

Texas is a huge state and the "Gulf Coast Area" covers just under 14,000 sq. miles. and has just under 400 miles of coastline so without knowing what type of things interest you and what type of experience you are seeking it's difficult to pin down a particular section that will meet your expectations. It would help if you could supply more information such as: Do you want to stay very near or on the actual coast, a bit further inland, near a more urban location or do you prefer a more rural area? Will you have your own transportation or do you plan on using public transportation? When during the "winter" do you plan on visiting? How long a stay are you planning and what type of activities do you envision doing during your stay?

There are a number of of very good camp grounds in the Texas Gulf Coast area - a simple internet search using topics such as "Texas Gulf Coast camping" will bring up scores of links with some vey helpful and informative websites about the many National, State and County camping areas. It's a good place to start your detailed research.

Keep in mind, that while winter is a good time to avoid the crowds and oppressive summer heat while camping along the Gulf Coast the daytime temperatures only average in the high-60's to low-70's F. so it may not be suitable for swimming in the gulf.

I'd start by checking out the areas around South Padre Island, Corpus Christi and Port Aransas.

Hi
Thank you for your answer. Here a reply to your question;

- We are not beach people so it doesn't matter if we are close or not.
- We will have our own truck with a tent so the temperature most be a little bit more nicer because of the type of accomodation we gonna use.
- We are gonna be in Texas from January to mid-february approx
- We would like to visit national park, free activites, walking, trekking, bicycle, outdoor activities.
- We would like to be able to move around and be able to visit several places since we plan to return each winter.

South Padre Island/ Harlingen/McAllen area is a bit more interesting IMO. You would be close to some of the State and Federal wildlife conservation areas along the lower Rio Grande River, eg Santa Ana NWR, National Butterfly Center, Estero Llano Grande, Bentsen-Rio Grande.

From which direction will you be entering (or leaving) Texas? If you are coming from the west or going west, you should visit Big Bend and maybe White Sands NM. If you are going east, check out the bayou country of Louisiana.

If you want really warm weather, you need to go to the Rio Grande Valley. Maybe near the town of Port Isabel. Plenty of good birding opportunities in the valley. Thousands of snowbirds flock into the valley, so you are probably going to need reservations for both campgrounds and lodging.

Hi
We will arrive by Memphis so east and we do all the south of Louisiana, Alabama.

Hi
Thank you for your answer. Here a reply to your question;

- We are not beach people so it doesn't matter if we are close or not.
- We will have our own truck with a tent so the temperature most be a little bit more nicer because of the type of accomodation we gonna use.
- We are gonna be in Texas from January to mid-february approx
- We would like to visit national park, free activites, walking, trekking, bicycle, outdoor activities.
- We would like to be able to move around and be able to visit several places since we plan to return each winter.

Mission in the Rio Grande Valley is also a good option. Great weather, plenty to do and see.

Big Bend and Guadalupe National Parks are a full days drive from the gulf coast/padre area. Weather in BB can include snow in Dec and January.

Check out the Hill Country area - Austin, Fredericksburg, Boerne area.