Planning a Family Weekend at a Texas RV Resort on Lavaca Bay

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A family weekend at a Texas RV resort doesn't need a packed schedule. It needs a good site, a few fun things for the kids, and enough downtime that the grown-ups can relax too. Port Lavaca, on Lavaca Bay in Calhoun County, makes that easy.

Here's a simple plan for two or three days at Texas Lakeside RV Resort, plus a few nearby spots worth the short drive.

Before You Go: Pick the Right Site and Timing

Start with your site. Families with a big rig or a tow vehicle and a boat trailer often like a pull-through, since you can drive right in after a long day on the road. Our sites run up to 80 feet, and we also have double-wide sites if you're traveling with friends or grandparents in a second camper.

If you want a view, ask about our waterfront and deluxe waterfront sites. Every site has full hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, a concrete pad, cable and Wi-Fi, so the kids can stream a movie on a rainy night.

A few timing tips:

• Check-in is at 1 PM and check-out is at 11 AM.
• Holiday weekends need a 3-night minimum, so book those early.
• If you're arriving on a Sunday, note the office is closed that day. Call ahead so we can help you plan.

Day One: Settle In and Enjoy the Resort

Friday is for getting set up and letting everyone stretch their legs. Our wide paved roads and 7 mph speed limit make it easier to relax while kids ride bikes or walk the dog. The gated entrance, security cameras and on-site management add some peace of mind too.

Once camp is set, head to the swimming pool or the hot tub. It's a great way to shake off the drive. If the family dog came along, let them run off some energy at the dog park.

For dinner, fire up a grill at one of the BBQ and picnic areas. The pavilions give you shade, and the kids can play nearby while burgers cook. Forgot ketchup or charcoal? The essentials store can help with the small stuff.

Day Two: Fishing, Then the Bayfront

Morning at the Lake

Kids love catching fish, and our private stocked fishing lake makes that a lot more likely. Guests catch catfish and other fish right on site, so you don't need a boat or a long drive. Bring simple tackle, some bait and a bucket, and let the little ones reel them in.

Early morning is usually calm and cooler. It's also a nice time for a quiet cup of coffee while the kids watch their bobbers.

Afternoon at Lighthouse Beach

After lunch, drive into town to Lighthouse Beach and the Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary. A long boardwalk runs above the shore, and the Formosa Wetlands Walkway leads out to the Alcoa Birding Tower. From up top, kids can spot brown pelicans, egrets and gulls over the bay.

It's a good spot to bring a picnic and let everyone wander. Pack sunscreen, hats and water, since the bay sun is strong even on breezy days.

Day Three: A Little History Before You Head Home

If you have time before check-out, or you're staying an extra night, visit the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca. It holds artifacts from the French ship La Belle, which sank in Matagorda Bay in the 1680s. There's also a huge glass Fresnel lens from the old Matagorda Island Lighthouse. Kids who think museums are boring tend to change their minds when they see that lens.

Near the Chamber of Commerce, you can also see the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse. It once guided ships in the bay and now sits on dry land, so it's an easy photo stop.

Easy Day Trips if You Stay Longer

Turning the weekend into a longer stay? Here are a few short drives that work well with kids:

• Six Mile Park: A small, quiet park north of town with a lighted pier, a sandy beach and marsh where kids can look for wading birds.
• Magnolia Beach and Indianola: A quiet stretch of bay shoreline with a big piece of Texas history. Indianola was once a busy port before hurricanes wiped it out.
• Port O'Connor: A fishing town on Matagorda Bay with a nature park, trails and a viewing deck for birds.

Our weekly rates make sense if you want to slow down and see more of the coast without rushing.

Packing List for a Family RV Weekend

Keep it simple. Here's what most families end up glad they brought:

• Fishing poles, a small tackle box and a cooler
• Swimsuits, towels and water shoes
• Sunscreen, bug spray and hats
• Bikes or scooters for the paved roads
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Board games or cards for evenings
• A leash and waste bags if the dog is coming

With laundry facilities on site, you can pack lighter and wash a load if someone falls in the lake. It happens.

Book Your Family Weekend

Ready to plan your trip? Daily stays at Texas Lakeside RV Resort start at $65 a night, weekly stays start at $325 and monthly stays start at $550 plus electric. Rates can change, so give us a call to confirm.

You can see our current RV site rates or send us a message about your family trip. Prefer to talk it through? Call us at (361) 551-2267. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.