suggested camping in Texas for a n00b

[ArtW]

OK folks, I didn't make RTR (and cant) but I'd still like to try out the dirtbag if, and when, I ever get any of my vacation time
I've never actually visited any of the state or national parks in my own fool home state, I was wondering if anyone has suggestions
So if you're familiar with Tx state and natn'l parks, where would you point a first timer who lives in the Houston area?
Camping for me before has always been about motorcycling, so the campground was secondary to the riding

 

[Gunny]

Art check out Big Bend or Padre Island. Padre was where my daughter went almost every weekend when she was at Rice.

Rob

 

[ArtW]

Thanks Rob, I wasn't sure Big Bend had dispersed camping, being a touristy thing, I see that they do, probably that's where I'll go, if nothing stops me some more

 

[BobBski]

I've been free camping all along the Texas Gulf coast for over a month now.    Port Lavaca, several places in Corpus Christi, Port Mansfield, and Port Isabel.  Usually parked right on the water.

 

[ArtW]

That must be real nice, how's the bug situation there? any time the temps get up, I have swarms of skeeters here
hey, if I went that way, we might meet!

 

[BobBski]

Haven't had any bug problems at all. Port Mansfield has been my favorite so far. Watch this short video I made and you'll see why. It would be great to meet you.

 

[Gunny]

Art, Bobbski's right. That area is great right now. Wherever you go Have fun...

Rob

 

[BobBski]

I'm back in Corpus Christi/Padre Island now moving around to various spots on the intra coastal waterway.

 

[Txjaybird]

Art, How about The Big Thicket, I believe it's a National preserve.  Up by Ennis Tx there is Bardwell Lake, it's managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.  I had a favorite spot with only trees, & a small meadow between my back door and the lake.  I had a 1964  cabover trk camper mounted on a 10ft flatbed trailer.  Good bass fishing at Richland Chambers Lake, catfish big as a barrel in Grapevine Lake back in the '70s, that's 1970s not 1870s     Will you be camping out of your Ranger?  I miss mine.

Jewellann

 

[bullfrog]

There are some neat lake side camping in the Canroe and north of Magnolia areas in state parks along with some dispersed open fields surrounded by woods if I remember right.

 

[ArtW]

Man, Port Mansfield does look good, I'd be tempted to park under those shelters lol
Last time I saw deer that friendly was in Westlake
Gunny thanks, decompression would be great right about now, got some gear to try out, too

Yep, dirtbagging it in my cap, Jewellann, gotta see if it's something i take to. I don't fish, though, as a rule if you see me with a line in, there's no bait and I'm reading lol

bullfrog, I think that's in the Sam Houston NF area, I've got a friend that's recommending that, too

Have lots of recommendations for Big Bend, but also warnings about the peak season crowding

 

[Gunny]

Art, Spring Break at either Padre and vicinity or Big Bend is miserable unless you are one of the partyers. There are times Big Bend becomes a route for illegals to migrate thru. The Rangers there are nice and helpful. It's also hotter than the seven shades of hell in the summer. I do Big bend about twice a year and really like it, so damn big you can go forever.

Rob

 

[ArtW]

I'm keeping it on my list, might have to call, AFTER I know this latest 'you'll have vacay this next week' won't be another 'OOPS, SORRY'

 

[ArtW]

Weather checked, off to Port Mansfield

 

[BobBski]

Cool deal , enjoy!!!!

 

[ArtW]

Mission failure, Ranger with a cap isn't workable for me

 

[Gunny]

What happened Art?

 

[ArtW]

6 foot bed doesn't give enough room for someone who likes to lay on his stomeache and sprawl, lol, and by using a raised platform, I didn't leave myself headroom for sitting, and didn't like the roof that close
It was a weird combination of feeling overly confined, and simultaneously exposed, like being in a glass / fiberglass coffin
Didn't help not being able to lock the topper, either, of course
I think if I had a 7 foot bed and had put the platform on the bed floor I could have been OK

Also, apparently Tuesday night is party night at that park, and the traffic was bothersome
I shoulda tried someplace close, woulda saved some gas
might try once more with ply on the floor, but really I think I need some thing with more stretch out room, van or even mini van
Maybe I should rent a U Haul cargo, since I'm off the week, and hit a nearby free campsite to try that out

 

[Gunny]

Would a small truck camper like a Capri work for you? Just a thought but they are light and can be had fairly cheap, used.

Rob

 

[ArtW]

A Capri won't fit a Ranger, I asked
The main problem is the short bed, I might try a different setup though
might also be better on BLM / NP / state park land, where I'm not in a town