• RVing With Kids Can be Fun for Everyone

    Kids can often be challenging to travel with. Are we almost there? This is boring! Tell him to stop touching me! Most anyone with children can relate to these common statements heard while traveling.

    Kids…it’s all about them!

    If you can put yourself in their frame of mind to plan out your travel, it’ll make the trips more fun for everyone.

    First, what are their ages?

    Depending on how old each child is, you’ll want to be sure to tailor basic things around this factor.

    Packing.

    Teens are going to bring more clothing. Teens and tweens want to look cool and so you can count on needing more suitcase space for the. Younger siblings will bring more “stuff,” so make sure they have a bit more space in the vehicle.

    Activities

    Your teens will expect to have alone time, even when they’re with the rest of the family. Ear buds, smart phones and pillows are must-haves.

    Tweens and younger kids may be more open to watching movies and playing games while on the road from one destination to another. Having a portable DVD player or individual ones for the kids can be a real life-saver when you’re traveling long distance.

    Playing games with the whole family while on the road still seems to be the most popular way to make the time fly by! Let’s take a look at some of the most popular games to play while traveling.

    1. Name a food with every letter of the alphabet – everyone takes a turn at naming a food that starts with an A, then B….you get the rhythm.
    2. Find all the state license plates – this is a team game that can be spread out over the course of the entire trip. Designate your “teen” (if you have one) to be responsible for logging each state. There are even FREE apps to make this game fun for everyone. You can even add some trivia about each state as you add it to your list!
    3. What Am I? – Start with one person who thinks of an animal. Others rotate, taking turns asking one question at a time. Pay attention to narrowing down what the animal may be. If you ask a question, you can’t guess what you think the animal is. You have to use your turn for a single question or a guess.
    4. The Sign Game – Each person has to shout out a word they see on signs that begin with each letter of the alphabet, in order. This game goes by fast and can get loud, but it’s FUN!
    5. Word Association – One person begins with a word, and the next person has to name a word that’s associated. This continues from person to person until someone messes up. Then the game starts again.

    With all these ideas the trip with kids is sure to be enjoyable for everyone! If these ideas aren’t enough, check out these other games on BuzzFeed.

    When you get to your destination, ask in the RV office what activities they offer for kids. Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas, offers corn hole, catch-and-release fishing, swimming and many more fun things.

     

  • Arriving and Setting up Camp at an RV Park

    Most RVers and campers have stories to share about obnoxious families who create such havoc and unrest while setting up. You don’t want to ruin the ambiance for everyone else. This article will help you plan your arrival and your set-up strategy, so your neighbors will invite you around the campfire instead of telling stories about you behind your back.

    The Quiet Arrival

    Realize how you handle your arrival when there are others nearby will set the tone for your entire experience. Some parks have arrival cut-off times, be there by a particular time or you must wait until the following day. The rest of the parks probably allow for arrivals at any time, such as Stonebridge RV Park.

    The impression you make by arriving quietly will go a long way towards good relations with others nearby. The folks who are already there may be in the middle of a family meal, a nap or other activities that require consideration. People appreciate thoughtfulness.

    It’s a good rule of thumb to plan on arriving at any location well before sunset. There are a couple of  reasons for this helpful guideline. First, you’ll need plenty of light to get parked correctly at your site. Seasoned RVers can vouch for all sites being different and many times this requires some pretty skilled parking maneuvers. Oh the stories that can be told after kicking back on a Friday afternoon and watching the arrival of 100 RVs and trailers pouring into the busiest of parks near popular tourist destinations.

    Also, day light is necessary to familiarize yourself with your site amenities.  Hooking up your amenities in the dark is no fun. Securing your site and ensuring safety for those who will be walking around the area is important. Once you’re connected to the services, it’s time to personalize your site for comfort and enjoyment.

    Setting Up Requires Thoughtfulness and Planning

    As you’re customizing your spot with rugs, chairs, table, cooking supplies, lighting and whatever else you like to bring along, keep in mind, setting up quietly and efficiently is key to being a good neighbor. Assigning tasks will result in a quicker set-up, when everyone helps it’s much faster! We love this good tip from GoRVing which is a running list of supplies to remember each time you hit the road. In all your excitement planning for the trip, it’s easy to forget important items that can make camping better.

     

     

  • Gadgets to Add to Your RV Wish List

    Fun research and face-time with several groups of full-time RVers helped us develop this list of cool gadgets. We’ve also included links to where you can find these items. Please add your favorite items to our list by commenting below.

    Here’s our got-to-have list:

    1. Electrical Management System (EMS) Hard-wired or Portable – Surge protectors offer complete protection for any RV that uses 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Our faves are from Progressive Industries (hard-wired: EMS-HW30C / EMS-HW50C and portable: EMS-PT30X / EMS-PT50X).
    2. Freestanding stainless ice-maker by Igloo – No drain required for this plug-in model that can make up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hours, perfect for an RV.
    3. Boil Kettle – Stop using propane to boil water when you have an electric kettle! We love Chef’s Star Borosilicate Glass Electric Kettle, 1.7 liter; it boils a quart of cold water in about 7 minutes.
    4. Portable Satellite Dish – We found the King VQ4500 Tailgater to be the most popular with the fewest negative remarks. Made specifically for RVers, you’ll love this luxury item.
    5. Instant Pot – Once you begin using this 6 quart, 7-in-1 multi-use pot, you’ll find it hard to do without it. This cooker will help you create some yummy meals on the road.
    6. Awning Shade – Whether you’re looking for a little extra privacy or a little more shade, you’ll love these new shades by Tentproinc. You’ll attach this to the front or sides of your awning.
    7. Trailer Hitch Stand and Hammaka Chair Combo – You’ll love lounging in these chairs that can be easily installed to a pick-up or RV.
    8. Wifi Connections – Really. All the time. All your devices. Check out WiFi Ranger.
    9. Water Pressure Regulator Valve – Renator makes the best  and you’ll be glad you took the time to pack one of these devices.  Hence, don’t start running the shower and kitchen sink faucets without it.
    10. Quick-Zip Sheets – It’s tough to put regular sheets on most RV beds, so we guarantee you’ll love Quick-Zip Sheets because they make bed-making hassle free!

    As you meet other travelers at Stonebridge RV Park or on your road trips, you’re bound to be introduced to other awesome gadgets that make rving a little more comfortable, so be sure and check back in with us and let us know if you’ve found something you think others will want to hear about.

  • Ten Reasons to Stay at Stonebridge RV Park

    There are so many reasons to stay at Stonebridge RV Park and Resort. Whether you’re looking for a place to visit for a few nights or you’re searching for an extended stay RV park, Stonebridge is the clear choice in Sweeny, Texas.

    Here are the top ten reasons why we’re known as the favorite RV Park in this part of the state:

    • Our staff is focused first and foremost on making sure you get settled in. We’re responsive to your requests and make it a priority to ensure that you enjoy your stay.
    • Our refreshing swimming pool is a must. It’s HOT in our great state of Texas! You’ll find our pool is a great place for families to gather and meet other guests.
    • We offer other numerous amenities above and beyond other RV parks in the area. An outdoor hot tub, BBQ grills,  two stocked, catch-and-release fishing ponds and a vast pet-run area.
    • Each concrete site has full hook-ups (30/50 amp).
    • Guests have access to free WiFi so staying connected to your friends, family, work is no problem.
    • Free cable TV is offered at every site so you won’t miss your favorite shows.
    • The on-site laundromat is open 24/7 for your convenience and has plenty of washers and dryers for all guests. You can even sit back and read a book or watch a little TV while you wait on your laundry.
    • Be sure and pick up all the supplies you need at the grocery store in town so you can enjoy roasting marshmallows over the fire-pit that will encourage everyone to gather around for s’mores.
    • In the community lodge you’ll find the park office, but more importantly, there are movies and books that you are free to enjoy at your leisure. The lodge is a comfortable place to sit back and watch the world go by or to curl up in a corner and read your favorite magazine.
    • Getting in and out of the park is a breeze no matter what size vehicle or rig you have. There are pull-through, pond-view and shady sites available.

    Guests love the natural beauty of the park. There are towering oak trees that provide lots of shade in the summer and turn beautiful colors in the fall.

    You can see our rates online at www.stonebridgervpark.com or just give us a shout at 979-245-1200 any time to talk with one of our team members.

  • Advice for Keeping Your RV Running Smoothly

    If you’re the owner of an RV, you will want to pay attention to this advice regarding important preventative maintenance routines to keep it running smoothly.

    As the spring approaches in Texas, you might be thinking about hitting the road in your RV with your family. One great place to make a reservation for a stopover is Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas. Stonebridge is within an hour of beautiful gulf-coast beaches and the Houston world-renown medical center.

    But don’t make the mistake the taking off on your road-trip without ensuring you’ve done all the preventative maintenance on your RV to ensure you’re travels are as hassle free as possible.

    It’s not that unexpected things won’t happen, but by routinely caring for your vehicle, you’ll find trips to be more about having fun instead of having to deal with problems. Depending on where you’re traveling, parts and services are not all easily accessible.

    Once you make sure that your RV is running perfectly, you and your family can depart on a short or extended road-trip and take advantage of all the world has to offer. Watch this video for some tips on keeping your RV running smoothly. Following this advice, you’ll be ready for your next long-term RV camping trip.

    Let’s take another look at the advice and main highlights you want to be sure to include in your checklist:

    • Check all the fluids regularly (oil, wiper, brake, power-steering, transmission and windshield washer);
    • Tires should be checked before every trip (look for cracks, cuts, bulges);
    • Check air filters routinely;
    • Wipers should be changed every six months if you are on the road routinely and every year otherwise (wipers become brittle and won’t do the job);
    • Many RVs have dual-batteries. Extend the life of your batteries by properly recharging. Check your batteries before each trip for leakage or crystallization, which may mean there is an issue.
    • Radiator coolant should be checked before every trip. Antifreeze helps your RV in cold and hot temperatures.
    • All hoses and clamps should be checked for cracks, breaks and leaks on a regular basis.

    Another good resource for a PM checklist for your RV was put together by the creator of RV University. You’ll find lots of tips on his website.

    No matter your source for implementing a consistent and thorough preventative maintenance routine, just be sure you keep it up on a regular basis.

  • The Good Life at Stonebridge RV Park and Resort

    At Stonebridge RV Park , we’re committed to making sure that life for each one of our long-term guests is comfortable, enjoyable and hassle-free. Our extended-stay RV park offers affordable nightly, weekly and monthly RV camping rates. At this time, we do not allow tent camping. We also offer extensive amenities that will allow you to live in a quality atmosphere while saving money.

    Let’s look at each of our RV campground amenities.

    First, there is the sites themselves. Each one is level concrete, with full hook-ups (30/50 amp). Each guest has access to fresh water, electricity and sewer. These vital services allow our guests to live comfortably.

    Staying connected to to family and friends is important as well. Free WiFi is available to all guests. If you’re working remotely, we realize the importance of this service. Cable TV is also available free of charge. No need to miss your favorite shows or your best team playing.

    One of the amenities it’s always nice to have close by is a laundromat. Guests at Stonebridge love the spacious laundromat that is open 24/7. There is also room to watch a little TV or play a game of cards while you wait.

    You’ll find our on-site swimming pool to be a favorite place for all of our guests to mingle and enjoy floating around or playing water games. There is no better place to be in the hot Texas weather than in a refreshing pool. Adjacent to the pool you’ll find our hot-tub, the perfect place to help you wind down from your day.

    Guests are always welcome to grill out at their own site, but if you have a large group or want to invite friends and neighbors, there are two BBQ grills under the big pavilion where you can spread out. The picnic tables are just right for lunch or dinner. If you’re in the mood for a little competition, you’re welcome to set-up the corn hole game boards that are stored near the grills.

    Housed in the pavilion area, you’ll also find showers, restrooms and an exercise room. All are open 24/7.

    Kids will love making s’mores by the fire-pit, so don’t forget to stock up on graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows!

    Two stocked fishing ponds will provide fun for all ages, so don’t forget your fishing poles. We practice catch and release, so there is plenty of action for everyone.

    Last, we are pet-friendly. Many RVers travel with pets, so we provide an open area out beyond our big pond where dogs can run around and play without bothering anyone within the camp sites. As most all parks, we require pets to be leashed inside any of the park grounds (except the back run), and require owners to be with their pets any time they are outside.

    One of the best articles to read about RV life is by Heath and Alyssa, who wrote a blog back in 2014 entitled The 29 Best Reasons Why Living in an RV is Better Than Living in a House…it’s sweet. It may make you wanna try it out!

    Our many resort amenities ensure that you and your family don’t have to waste time and money going elsewhere. We want you to kick back and enjoy life.

    So don’t wait to call us to reserve your spot, 979-245-1200. You’ll find our staff to be welcoming and focused on keeping our guests happy. You can also contact us at info@stonebridgervpark.com.

    See you soon!