Bayside RV Park, Palacios TX

Stay Date:  February 2009
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
We enjoyed our stay at this pleasant waterfront park. The park has reopened after a lengthy closing and the owners and staff are going out of their way to make visitors comfortable. They hosted a free fish fry on Friday which was very enjoyable, and always checked to see that we were enjoying our stay. Sites are large and have a view of the bay with the harbor behind. Many sites allow motorhomes to pull in nose-first for an unobstructed view of the water. Some noise is generated by the shrimp fleet (Texas' largest), but it was quiet at night. They owners are still working to improve the park, and picnic tables and pads are future items. The free cable TV and WiFi both worked very well. Verizon cell and Aircard worked well also.  Palacios is a small town with a few restaurants, but Bay City and Port Lavaca are each 30 miles away and have Wal-Mart Supercenters and other amenities. This is a good park to stage from for visits to Brazoria, San Bernard, and Aransas National Wildlife Refuges, and overall, the area is a great birding mecca. Although this park still needs some work, the owners and staff make the stay worthwhile, with a great pull-thru price of $25.  Bayside RV Park

Fort Clark Springs RV Park, Brackettville TX

Stay Date:  February 2009
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Right off the highway, but you have to weave through the complex to get to the park. A curiously different experience.  A WWII Army post that was bought by a company and turned into a resort area, but it doesn’t quite work.  There’s a golf course, huge pool, old barracks that have been converted to motel rooms, and a nice museum.  Our site was a level, long and wide back-in. Check in was easy and manager is friendly and helpful. Has cable TV, WiFi (we couldn't log in), Verizon cell and Aircard worked well. We were in one of the few areas that the satellite was blocked by trees.  We had deer walking through in the evening. Nice quiet park off the beaten path.   Very interesting Fort but not too scenic and in the middle of nowhere, inexpensive at $23.50/night.  Fort Clark Springs RV Park

Goose Island State Park, Rockport TX

Stay Date:  Feb 2009
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
This in another quality Texas State Park with a lot to offer. Two areas comprise the park; the water sites, located on the bay, and wooded, which are carved out of the heavy woods. We passed on the water sites; a bit cramped, not very level, smelled bad (they're right next to "stinky beach") but have nice views of the bay. The wooded sites were very private, with a small entrance that was a challenge getting a 40' MH into, but opened inside into a large area with fire pit, BBQ, and pad with picnic table. No cable TV, but most sites have a clear shot at the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard did not have service here.  The facilities are extensive, with hiking and nature trails, boat launch and fish cleaning  stations, and a large fishing pier. Guided bird tours and photo classes are offered, and the staff is very friendly. This is an excellent park for both the retired community and families. The only improvement would be addition of sewer hookups.  Goose Island State Park