With Spring Break approaching and the pandemic still in full bloom, what better way to enjoy some time off than camping outdoors with the ones you love!
Lake Waco is home to a number of fun places to camp, and if you are willing to take a short drive, we are not far from other lake-side campgrounds and several gorgeous state parks!
As you look into booking a site, be sure to know how you are wanting to camp. You’ll need to decide if you are tent camping (my hero), staying in a camper (Mama needs a bathroom), wanting a shelter (roughing it, but not too rough), or feeling like a cabin stay is more your style. Some campgrounds have all options available, while others do not, so it is important to start there on your search. Spring Break can also be a busy time, so many state parks book several months in advance. March is around the corner, so after you read this and get the camping itch, go book a site and start packing!
Lake Waco has several different campgrounds that can be found and booked at www.recreation.gov. Our family has enjoyed all the different parks around Waco with our children. One thing we like to do is take a map to the campground before we book and mark the sites we really like. Do you prefer to have a lake view? Do you want a lot of trees or space for the kids to run around? Do you want a cover over the picnic table? After we pick our favorites, we go online to see what is available. If you let the gate attendant know you are just doing a drive around to see the sites, they will let you in for free and even give you a map!
Many of the towns not far from Waco have beautiful lake-front parks to camp out as well. On www.recreation.gov, you can also book sites at Lake Whitney, Belton Lake, Lake Georgetown, and other nearby towns with great options for camping! This is a great site to also show you what amenities you will find at the park such as access to a boat ramp, fishing dock, grills, playground, etc. If you are looking for a fun and peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors, you are sure to find a great park without having to spend hours on the road to reach your lake-side destination.
State parks are another option that we love for our camping vacations. Texas is home to a vast number of state parks, and we have not been disappointed in any of the ones we have stayed at! To book a camping trip to one of these, you’ll need to go to https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ (or download the app Texas State Parks Guide). If you don’t have your heart set on a particular park, you can find the one that is perfect for you and your family by using their maps and filters. We have thoroughly enjoyed Mother Neff, Fort Parker, McKinney Falls, and have friends who have loved their trips to Dinosaur Valley, Colorado Bend, and Inks Lake! When you check out the amenities and know what you are booking, you really cannot go wrong at a state park! The hiking trails are so much fun to do with the kids (as long as you pack water, snacks, and maybe do a little Geocaching), and sites/bathrooms are kept up very nicely. Texas takes pride in its state AND its state parks!!
