A Snowbird's Guide to Wintering on the Texas Gulf Coast in Port Lavaca

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When the snow starts flying up north, a lot of RVers start looking south. Port Lavaca, on the middle of the Texas Gulf Coast, is a quiet, easygoing place to spend the colder months. It's a small bay town with mild weather, good fishing and plenty of birds, without the crowds of bigger beach towns.

Here's what snowbirds should know about wintering in Port Lavaca.

What Winter Weather Is Really Like

Winters here are mild, but they aren't tropical. In January, average highs are in the mid-60s, and lows are in the mid-40s. December is about the same. By February, highs creep up to the upper 60s, and March warms into the low 70s.

That means most days are great for walking, fishing and sitting outside. But the coast does get cold fronts from time to time. A front can drop the temperature fast and bring a stiff north wind for a day or two. Then the sun comes back out and it warms right up again.

Packing Tips for a Coastal Winter

• Layers: T-shirts for sunny afternoons, plus a fleece and a windbreaker for chilly mornings.
• A heated water hose or hose insulation: Hard freezes don't happen often, but it's smart to be ready for a cold snap.
• Skirting or a space heater plan: These help on the few nights that dip near freezing.
• Rain gear: Fronts can bring a day of drizzle.

Things to Do All Winter Long

A season is a long time, so it helps to have a mix of things to do. Port Lavaca and the rest of Calhoun County have more than you might think.

Fishing

Lavaca Bay is a big draw. The causeway fishing pier and the pier at Lighthouse Beach are both lighted, so you can fish into the evening. A 40-minute drive takes you to Port O'Connor, where the flounder run usually peaks from October through December. Just remember that you'll need a Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to fish the bay.

Birding

Winter is prime time for birds on this part of the coast. The Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary has a 2,200-foot boardwalk and a birding tower over the marsh. About an hour's drive south, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. They're usually there from November through March.

History and Day Trips

• Calhoun County Museum: A great rainy-day stop with items from La Salle's ship and a huge lens from the Matagorda Island Lighthouse.
• Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse: A small 1850s lighthouse that once stood in the bay and now sits in town.
• Indianola: Once the largest port in Texas, it was wiped out by hurricanes in the 1800s. Today you'll find historical markers and a tall granite statue of La Salle near Magnolia Beach.
• Victoria: About a half-hour drive inland, it's handy for bigger shopping trips and errands.

Making the Resort Your Winter Home

When you're staying for months, the park matters as much as the town. Texas Lakeside RV Resort is set up well for long stays.

Our sites have full hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, concrete pads, cable and Wi-Fi. Sites run up to 80 feet, with standard and premium back-ins, big-rig pull-throughs, double-wide sites and waterfront and deluxe waterfront sites. Wide paved roads and a 7 mph speed limit keep things calm and easy to drive.

Around the park, you'll find:

• A private stocked fishing lake
• A swimming pool and hot tub
• A clubhouse with a full kitchen
• BBQ and picnic areas with pavilions
• A fitness center and a dog park
• Several laundry rooms and large private restrooms and showers
• An essentials store and propane on site

We also have a gated entrance, security cameras and on-site management, which gives a lot of snowbirds peace of mind. The park is ADA accessible as well.

Tips for a Smooth Snowbird Season

1. Book early. Winter is a popular time for long stays, so reach out well before you plan to arrive.
2. Ask about monthly rates. Monthly stays are starting at $550 plus electric. Rates can change, so call to confirm.
3. Plan your arrival time. Check-in is at 1 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. It's closed on Sunday.
4. Know the holiday rule. Holiday stays need a 3-night minimum, which matters if you're arriving around Thanksgiving or New Year's.
5. Get your mail sorted. Set up mail forwarding or a mail service before you leave home, and ask the office what works best here.

Spend Your Winter With Us

Port Lavaca is a good fit for snowbirds who want sunshine, fishing and a quiet bay town instead of high-rise crowds. And Texas Lakeside RV Resort gives you a safe, comfortable home base for the whole season.

Check our monthly and weekly RV site rates to start planning. Got questions about long stays? Reach out to the Texas Lakeside RV Resort office or give us a call at (361) 551-2267. We'd love to help you trade the snow for the Gulf Coast.