Packing Checklist for a Lakeside RV Getaway in Texas

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A lakeside RV trip in Texas sounds simple. Park the rig, grab a chair and watch the water. But the trip goes much smoother when you've packed the right things. Forget your water hose or your bug spray, and you'll feel it fast.

Here's a plain, practical packing checklist for a lakeside getaway on the Texas coast. Print it, save it on your phone, or use it to build your own list.

Hookup and Setup Gear

These are the items you'll reach for in the first ten minutes after you pull in. Pack them where you can grab them easily.

• Fresh water hose made for drinking water, plus a spare
• Water pressure regulator to protect your plumbing
• Inline water filter if you like extra peace of mind
• Sewer hose, fittings and a sewer hose support
• Disposable gloves for dumping tanks
• Power cord and adapters for 30- or 50-amp service
• Surge protector to guard your electronics
• Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
• Basic tool kit with a flashlight, zip ties and duct tape

Check your hoses and cords before you leave home. A cracked hose or a worn plug is easy to replace in town and a headache to find at camp.

Also tuck a small folder in the glove box with your booking confirmation, insurance card and RV registration. Add a list of any medicines your family takes. It takes two minutes to put together, and you'll be glad it's there if you ever need it.

Sun, Heat and Bug Protection

The Texas coast is warm and humid for much of the year, and the sun is strong near the water. Bugs love lakes too, especially around dawn and dusk.

• Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF and after-sun lotion
• Wide-brim hats and polarized sunglasses
• Insect repellent and a citronella candle or two for the picnic table
• Reusable water bottles and a big cooler with plenty of ice
• Light, breathable shirts with long sleeves for sun cover
• A small fan or two for the evenings

Drink more water than you think you need. Heat sneaks up on you when you're having fun outside.

Fishing Gear for the Lake

If you're staying somewhere with a fishing lake, you'll want to wet a line. Keep it simple. You don't need a boat full of gear to have a good time.

• One or two medium rods and reels with fresh line
• A small tackle box with hooks, sinkers and bobbers
• Bait that catfish like, such as nightcrawlers, chicken liver or a prepared catfish bait
• Needle-nose pliers to remove hooks
• A towel, a rag and a bucket
• A folding chair and a rod holder for long, lazy evenings

Before you fish, ask the office about the lake rules. Some lakes have catch-and-release areas or limits on what you can keep.

Kitchen and Cooking Basics

Lake days make people hungry. A few basics will cover most meals, whether you cook inside or out.

• Pots, a skillet, utensils and a cutting board
• Paper plates or reusable camp dishes
• Grill tools, a lighter and foil for cookouts
• Trash bags and food storage bags or containers
• Dish soap, sponges and paper towels
• Coffee gear, because mornings by the water deserve good coffee

Plan simple meals for the first night. After a long drive, nobody wants to cook a big dinner.

Comfort, Clothes and the Extras

This is the stuff that makes your site feel like home.

• Camp chairs and an outdoor rug
• String lights or a lantern for the evenings
• Swimsuits, pool towels and flip-flops
• A light jacket, since coastal nights can turn breezy
• Rain gear, because Gulf Coast showers can pop up fast
• Cards, books or a board game for slow afternoons
• Pet bed, bowls, leash and waste bags if your dog is coming along
• Laundry bag and detergent pods for longer stays

What You Can Skip at Texas Lakeside RV Resort

One nice thing about staying at a full-service park is that you can pack a little lighter. At Texas Lakeside RV Resort you'll find a private stocked fishing lake, a pool and hot tub, a clubhouse with a full kitchen, and BBQ and picnic areas with pavilions. There's also a fitness center, a dog park and several laundry facilities on site.

Forgot something small? Our essentials store can help, and propane is available too. Every site has full hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, concrete pads, cable and Wi-Fi.

Ready to start packing? View our RV site rates, or contact our team with questions before you book. You can also call (361) 551-2267. Check-in is at 1 PM, so plan your drive and we'll see you at the lake.