Texas

5 Best Camping Places in Texas 2020

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When you are talking about Texas and visiting its beautiful sites, you must be aware that you need to spend more than a day to drive from one edge of the state to the other one. Also, you need to know that Texas, because of its size, can provide you with so many camping places that we can’t even begin to count them. This is good news for people who are camping lovers and who enjoy staying for a day or two in one place in order to get familiar with the nature that surrounds it.

If you are fortunate enough to live in Texas, you will be happy to learn that there are many places where you can spend your weekends. There is a wide array of activities you can do and places you can visit. This is both good and bad. For example, when you have so many possibilities you can have a hard time to decide which one is the best. This was the reason we’ve decided to compile a list of the best camping places where you can camp while you are in the “Lone Star”. We managed to find five of them. Without wasting too much of your precious time, we are going to start this list of ours now.

Prude Ranch – Fort Davis

Source:tripadvisor.com

We are going to start this list of ours with Prude Ranch located near Fort Davis. It is located within walking distance across from Big Bend national park and McDonalds’ Observatory. This is a ranch that offers more than 30 lots for RVs. Plus, you are going to be provided with many different choices when it comes to housing. Its children’s program is really impressive, so you can have your children entertained at any moment.

Literally, there are countless activities you can undergo in this ranch, like paintball, orienteering, climbing wall and horseback riding You can join other campers in listening to local entertainers or on a hayride while tasting gourmets at the same time. There is a pool where you can have a dip whenever you are feeling like it. Plus, this ranch will offer you horse corrals and there are so many sites and spaces you can explore while staying here.

Rusk State Park – Rusk

Source:texasstaterailroad.net

Rusk State Park is located near a significant historical place called Texas Historical Railroad. This is a perfect place where you can install your RV and take out your camping gear and fun can start. If you are interested in looking for some high-quality camping gear, you can visit a site called thecampinggear. You’ll be happy to know that there is a lot of sites you can visit.

If the weather is not serving as it should you can prepare your meals in a clubhouse while you are participating in some of many board games. On the other side, you can start hiking on a 0.25-mile that will lead you under countless pine trees.

Stella Mare Resort – Galveston

Source:stellamarervresort.com

When it comes to Stella Mare resort located in Galveston, you can choose either a 70- or 90-foot concrete pads. It doesn’t matter which site you will choose, you will be provided with parking for two vehicles and a room. You can relax and sit back on lounge chairs who are in the swimming pool or you can have some fun in a big splash pad.

If you are camping with your kids, you will be happy to know that there is a playground that has multiple levels that are located on an island made of sand. Furthermore, you can find that you are provided with two dog parks that have a lot of space, so it doesn’t matter how big your dog is. When it comes to accommodation, you will be provided with a television lounge and an indoor kitchen. One of the best things is that you will have a free parking lot located across the Beach in the town.

Oasis RV Resorts – Amarillo

Source:goodsam.com

Now we’ve reached Oasis RV Resorts in Amarillo. This campground is offering more than 140 pull-through sites. Every site has its own private picnic area with electricity. You can relax in the outdoor pool with heated water. Also, you can relax in the adult-only spa. This resort is located one mile away from the well-known Cadillac Ranch.

You can enjoy a complimentary limousine service that can take you to “The Texan Steakhouse” whenever you feel like it. There is a place where you can take your dog for a run. You can spend some time in horseshoe pit, exercise room and game room where you will have a lot of time for relaxation. You will be provided with a cable service where you can watch some of your favorite movies or tv shows.

McKinney Falls – Austin

Source:en.wikipedia.org

If you are located in Austin or near the town, McKinney Falls is one of the things that you must visit. It is located near the end of the town. Whenever you feel like you need to leave the town in order to have some peace and quiet, this is the place to go. You will be able to choose one of the many camping sites. Also, all of them are equipped with electricity and water. If you are feeling like you need to cool down from the heat, you can always take a dive in Onion Creek.

On the other hand, if you are a type of person that wants to stay active, you can undergo a hiking trail that is 2.8-miles long. Or you can opt for hiking on some smaller hiking trails. You will have park rangers at your disposal for any question or action you would like to take. More precisely they will provide you with some really exciting programs like historical crafts, fishing events, Dutch oven cooking, or night hikes. Also, you can visit a state park that is just 13 miles away.

Five Must-Visit Theme Parks in Texas

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Texas is a huge state, so it should come as no surprise that there are endless things to do. However, if you’re looking for all-day fun, visiting a theme park is where it’s at!

When other states may only have one or two theme parks to choose from, Texas goes big by offering multiple theme park choices to residents and visitors alike.

If you’re looking for a theme park adventure in Texas this year, consider one of these five must-visit parks.

SeaWorld San Antonio

If you are looking for the fun for the whole family, it doesn’t get any better than SeaWorld. This rendition of the popular SeaWorld chain of parks is located in San Antonio and features thrilling rides, exciting adventures, and enchanting encounters with a wide variety of amazing wildlife. There are tons of things you can do at SeaWorld that include:

source: tiqets.com
  • Get your heart pumping on one of their rides that include The Great White and the Steel Eel.
  • Relax and catch a show that includes Pets Ahoy and A Beluga Story.
  • Mosey your way through an exhibit like Dolphin Cove, Flamingo Cove, and Alligator Alley.
  • Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that include the Rio Grille and Shamu’s Smokehouse.

SeaWorld also partners with Aquatica, enabling you to buy a ticket bundle so you can enjoy both parks during your vacation.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

What SeaWorld is to animals, Six Flags is to rides, and it doesn’t get any better than Six Flags Fiesta Texas if you’re looking for a thrill.

source: businesswire.com

This theme park is located in San Antonio and features over 100 rides. Some of those rides are perfect for those who are seeking thrills they won’t find anywhere else. This park features many coasters, but none are as daring Wonder Woman’s Golden Lasso Coaster. It is the world’s first single rail coaster, and it’s the only floorless roller coaster in the southwest.

There are plenty of rides that are perfect for the whole family too. Pile the crew into the Crow’s Nest Ferris wheel, have some fun driving bumper cars, or let the kids hop on the Kiddee Koaster.

Wonder World Park

If your idea of a fun time at a theme park includes taking in natural wonders and moseying through the park at your own pace without the distraction of long roller coaster lines and thrill rides, Wonder World Park is the perfect choice for you.

source: usatoday.com

This park is the first show cave in Texas. Located in San Marcos, it has been in operation for over 100 years.

In addition to touring the cavern that was created by an earthquake, you can take a train ride, make a pit stop at the petting zoo, or shop at the gift shop.

Although there are dining opportunities, another perk of this park is the fact that you can bring your own food. It’s a great way to have fun without spending a small fortune on food that commonly costs an arm and a leg in other theme parks.

Western Playland

Western Playland is favorite amusement park for those who are looking for the classic theme park experience with a carnival feel. You aren’t going to find fancy, modern, record-breaking coasters at this theme park, but you’re sure to find plenty of thrills.

source: westernplayland.com

The Tsunami is a favorite on hot days because it features a drop that results in a massive splash. The Hurricane is a fun coaster to try, while dizzy rides like Wipeout and El Loco 360 will have the whole family holding their breath.

Six Flags Over Texas

Texas is one of only a few states that are home to more than one Six Flags theme park. Texas is extra special because it is home to Six Flags Over Texas, which is the first park built by Six Flags.

source: youtube.com

It sits on over 210 acres in Arlington, Texas and has been open since 1961. It offers the perfect combination of new thrills and old favorites, which includes multiple roller coasters, family-friendly rides, shows, and more. If you love theme parks, and if you particularly love Six Flags, you definitely have to visit the park where it all began.

Theme parks are great because they can keep the entire family entertained all day long. That’s especially the case if you visit one of the amazing theme parks in Texas! Whether you’ve lived your whole life in the Lone Star State or you’re visiting for the first time, every theme park on this list is worth a visit.

Texas To Deploy National Guard To Mexican Border

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AUSTIN, Tex. – National Guard troops have been deployed to the southern border of the US, and Texas has become the first state that did this. Move like this came following President Trump’s statement that the military will be sent there.

Total of 250 Texas National Guard personnel received orders to be deployed to the border according to the state officials. This was planned and executed within 72 hours as the mobilization started at about 7 p.m. Friday. Two light-utility Lakota helicopters with four service members take off from Armed Forces Reserve Center in Austin.

Here is what Tracy Norris, Brig. Gen. and commander of the Texas Army National Guard said about troops transfer, and their deployment to meet “the priorities of the governor and the president in securing our border.” This is not all as we did receive the statement that the Guard will also include ground surveillance vehicles and light and medium aircraft for their mission.

We could hear other governors giving support or criticizing the plan, and those are mostly dependent on the party of which they are members. The Republican governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, stated that approximately 150 National Guard members would be coming during the next week to the crucial parts of the borderline. Support also came from Susan Martinez, the Republican governor of New Mexico that agreed to deploy additional troops. On the other hand, the Democratic governor of Montana, Steve Bullock, opted against this move.

Another important thing happened on Friday, we could hear the news that Defense Secretary James N. Mattis signed orders for funding of 4,000 troops that will be under the “command and control of their respective governors.” This operation received a green light until Sept. 30, but it is unclear for how long it will last.

This isn’t the first time that the National Guard is engaged in similar operations and we could see both presidents and governors making similar moves. On top of that, it was done by members of both parties. After an Arizona rancher was killed in 2010, the Democratic governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, dispatched troops to the border.

For many local officials and lawmakers, this is slightly different situation since the mobilization that President Trump supports can ultimately bring thousands of service members to borders. As a result, we could see militarized communities that would give the impression that some of the cities are under siege. According to them, additional troops are not needed.

To support this claim, Representative Vicente Gonzalez, a Texas Democrat stated: “It sounds to me more like political rhetoric than something that is actually needed on our border. For example, McAllen is at a 32-year low in crime. We’re at a 46-year low in illegal entries. It’s the wildest thing in the world for us to hear that they want to bring National Guard troops to the border region.” McAllen is one of the border cities that is within his district.

Support for this plan came from President Trump and federal officials that emphasize the importance of the troop’s deployment to help the United States Border Patrol. As a result, it would be possible to reduce the growing threat of illegal immigration, crime and drug trafficking that are mostly coming from Central America.

At the moment it is hard to estimate the total cost of the mission as General Norris stated that it is “premature right now to know what the cost will be.” It is also added that the National Guard members would be armed for self-defense and “depending on the mission set.”

Financing of the operation is done by federal government, but the control remains in governor’s hands. This is allowed by a hybrid known as Title 32.

Initially, 250 troops will be dispatched, but the number can be changed, and according to Norris, it all depends on the situation in the field.

Immediate action from Texas officials doesn’t come as a surprise as we could hear many times over that the leaders would significantly increase military presence on the border. Republican leaders called for stricter control and further efforts to reduce cartel-related crime. Already for many years, we could hear their demands for National Guard deployment.

Prior to Mr. Trump announcement regarding mobilization, about 100 members of Texas National Guard was already engaged in border-security mission all the way from 2014. Total of 1,000 National Guard troops were deployed by Texas officials as a measure against drug cartels that used the situation where thousands of people were crossing the border.

According to Rick Perry, then the governor, this move was done to “help combat the brutal Mexican drug cartels that are preying upon our communities.”

This mission was planned to last until the next year, but after Greg Abbott took over the office from Mr. Perry, he decided to extend it. The cost of this deployment, which has been calculated last year, has been estimated to be at almost $63 million.

Most of the state officials describe this mission and presence of 100 National Guard members as a “force multiplier.”

Travis Walters, Lt. Col. and a spokesman for Texas Military Department stated: “We stand ready to support the needs of the state and the nation at the request of the governor or the president.”

Source – nytimes.com