Best camping between New Orleans and Austin

[bugsyva]

Hello! Hubby, dog, and I will be working our way from the New Orleans area to Austin next month and we're struggling to find a couple good stops along the way to break up the trip. We're not so keen on big cities, so Houston and San Antonio don't really appeal. Are there any beautiful natural settings or quaint small towns we should check out along the way? Thanks for any advice!

[KJRitchie]

State Parks in Texas are open year round. They all seem to have at least water/electric hookups. There is an Airstream Park outside Zavalla on Lake Sam Rayburn. They offer guests sites.

Kelvin

[mojo]

The three nicest spots we have found on that route are Sam Houston Jones SP outside Lake Charles, LA, Stephen Austin SP just west of Houston, and Palmetto SP east of San Antonio near Luling, TX.

[55AS]

Also recommend Blanco SP.

[beachbouy]

We are on the road to Zavalla arriving Sunday.

[racoco]

TX state parks are great. Once you hit Austin, Pecan Grove RV Park is the spot.

[InterBlog]

I agree with the posters regarding Texas state parks, but you would be wise to reserve far in advance. This is the account set-up and login site.

I also agree regarding Pecan Grove. It's the only place I'd want to stay in Austin.

If you have questions about specific spots in this part of Texas, please post. I've been here for most of the past 30 years and know many of them.

[Lily&Me]

There is a very nice campground just inside Texas, near Beaumont, Gulf Coast RV Resort.

Clean, free continental breakfast....and, they are Passport America.

Great for an overnight stop.


Maggie

[AWCHIEF]

Heading south from New Orleans is Grand Isle State Park. One of the most untouristy tourist spots there is. People go there to fish and to do absolutely nothing. Very laid back and relaxing little park with long stretches of very private feeling beaches. You are in Cajun Country so take advantage of the Cajun hospilitity. If you are lucky there will be a festival or two going on with great food, company and music.

[Cannonball]

This is a very nice facility: www.brackenridgepark.com/

[87MH]

Originally Posted by beachbouy

We are on the road to Zavalla arriving Sunday.

Waiting on you.

Have a spot next to the lake with your name on it.

Our March rally will be the 10th thru the 13th. Schedule TAHI in for that weekend, if you can make it.

The crappie (sac a lait) are beginning to school - bring your fishing gear.

[wrhnco68]

Assuming that you're staying off of I10, I suggest that you take TX 105 and stop at Country Place RV park in Cut-n-Shoot (okay, they might have it listed as Conroe....), TX. There are also a few nice places on the north side of Lake Conroe off of FM 1097. The KOA in Montgomery is ....uhhhh.... busy.... but I wouldn't call it "quaint or picturesque".... most of the other places that I know between Conroe and Austin are pretty utilitarian and close to busy roads.....

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by bugsyva

Are there any beautiful natural settings or quaint small towns we should check out along the way? Thanks for any advice!

If you like natural settings, check out Mill Creek Park, a Corps of Engineers park on Sam Rayburn Lake— the largest lake entirely inside the borders of Texas, located in the middle of the Angelina National Forest. Or TAHI (Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.), which is also on the same lake.

Sam Rayburn Lake might be a bit out of your way; it's about 70 miles northwest of Beaumont, but well worth a detour.

[banderabob]

Great info for us, heading the other way in May. The Pecan Grove was mentioned in Austin. Be aware it is an older, inner-city park, mostly residential with tight lanes and spaces, and even tighter availability. Near Zilker Park, and five minutes from downtown. Availability is worse than limited, so reserve early, but no question it is the place to stay. Attachment 257518

Below is one of the surprises we found in the park, the TV is a 57 T-bird.

[wareaglewalt]

Checkout campindium.com

[wareaglewalt]

Correction...campendium.com

[housebg]

there is a small park in the town of Vinton La http://www.niblettsbluffpark.com/index.htm
very quite park when we went very low price and had some petting dear at that time

[Sphere Guy]

Consider taking Hwy 90 or I 49 out of NOLA since I-10 is rough. I49/90 will take you to Lafayette then you can hit I-10 there heading West. not too bad from there except just after the Lake Charles bridge, it's horrible for about a mile.

Also, look at the railings on the LC bridge. It's all crossed six shooters.

We stayed at VRV campground (Vinton LA) for a night. it's OK, lots of full time workers though. For a over night stay, it's a 6/10.

In Texas, a must stop are the Bucky's, excellent parking and fill-up room. The cleanest BR's around and good food.

Happy travels!

[mandolindave]

For me, this is a very worthwhile thread, as the route between NOLA and Austin seem almost like a given for most cross country trips taking a southern path.

The original poster might not want to stop this close to home, but the Lafayette area and more coastal Cajun areas are rich in culture and diverse in campgrounds.

So I am listening.

[barrettjl]

McKinney Falls State Park in Austin is a nice place to stay. Some areas may be closed due to flood damage so call the park first.