• 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.

     

     

  • Try It Before You Buy It – Renting is the Way To Go!

     Try it before you buy it…there is no better way! Have you ever bought something and realized soon after that you wish you would have bought a different model? A different size? A different color? When it’s something small it’s not that big of a deal, but when you’re spending big bucks, it’s a huge deal. Buying an RV or trailer is one of those big things that you absolutely want to try it out before committing to the purchase. Being able to really check it out takes some time, and that’s why we LOVE the idea of renting out RVs and trailers. There are so many choices when it comes to RVs and all the models, amenities and options. Unless you’re an RV guru, it’s literally impossible to make an informed decision. Which RV or trailer to buy requires some serious consumer research.

    NADA Guides lists over 2,000 RV manufacturers. Each manufacturer typically makes multiple models and within each model there are multiple sizes, all with varying options and amenities. The decisions and choices are endless. Type A Motorhomes, Sport Utility Trailers, Travel Trailers, Type B Motorhomes, Folding Camper Trailers, Type C Motorhomes and Fifth Wheel Travel Trailers are all sold by recreational vehicle dealers. Prices range from $10,000 to well into the millions, and everything in between. No matter your budget, you can find an RV that fits your wants and needs.

    If you’ve decided to try RVing, chances are you’ve seen RV parks where you live, where you’ve traveled, or where you want to travel. If you’ve gotten a little more serious about getting an RV, maybe you’ve stopped by Camping World , RV Station , or one of the hundreds of other crazy-big RV dealerships throughout the US and already started shopping. So many people get to this point and begin to get overwhelmed by all the choices and end up taking a step back. But there is a better way! Login to Easy RV and scroll through the listings near you and rent an RV or trailer first. Try it before you buy it!

    One of the many reasons Easy RV was established is to assist consumers in the try it before you buy it strategy. Renting an RV let’s you experience all aspects of the RV over a period of time. Spend the night in the great outdoors with your family. Tow it to the beach and enjoy sitting under the awning. Whip up some lunch while you listen to the waves roll in. Head to the mountains and leave all your worries behind.

    Renting gives you time to check out all the gadgets and how everything operates.

    Is the space to big? Too small? Can you fit in the bathroom? Is it easy to drive? Is there enough storage space? Can your vehicle tow it safely? Do you want more features and options or do you prefer just the basics? Renting allows you the freedom to try before you buy without diving right into a major, long-term financial commitment.

    There are many obvious reasons why renting is a good first step before buying.  Stonebridge RV Park partners with Easy RV allows you to scroll through hundreds of listings & photos, communicate with RV owners, and check out how much money YOU can make on the side by renting your RV once you’ve settled in and made that purchase!

    Image by Gorving

  • RV Rental – The Ultimate Beginner’s Lifestyle

     You’ve made the exciting decision to rent an RV, so now what?!! You’re about to join millions of others who are stepping away from the traditional hotel and houses to embark on accommodations that are way more fun and more adventurous. There are many reasons for renting an RV, the most popular…a family vacation. These tips will get you off to a great start for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

    1. Have a destination in mind. Explore any restrictions that may be in place. Reserve a rental site with full hook-ups (fresh water, electricity, and sewer). Without hook-ups, you’ll be operating off the grid , and unless you’re an experienced RVer, it’s not advised.
    2. Plan your route, including stops for fuel.
    3. Book your rental well in advance so you can find the perfect RV that fits your wants and needs.
    4. Create a checklist and get answers directly from the owner (What are the cancellation & refund policies when renting? What is required to tow a trailer? Can the awning be used? Can our pet come along? What are the pick-up and return times? Are kitchen items and bedding included? Is there a generator? Is there A/C and/or heating? What happens if something breaks down?)
    5. Ensure you, or the owner, has reliable RV rental insurance.
    6. Take time with the owner to learn all features, systems and operations of the RV, internal and external.
    7. Know all the fees involved (mileage fee, generator fee, dumping fee, cleaning fee, pet fee, etc.) and don’t hesitate to bargain for unlimited mileage or free generator use. Do keep in mind, owners have many expenses to upkeep their RVs.
    8. Last, and most important, take your time, vow to laugh, relax, and enjoy your adventure!

    Here are a couple other of our fave sites for helpful tips:

    https://www.tripsavvy.com/tips-for-first-time-rv-rentals-2912598

    http://familyrambling.com/rv-tips-fun-family-vacations/travel/camping-rving/

    Do you have an RV rental story to tell? Share it here!

  • RV Vacations Will Create Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

    As a parent, one of the funnest things you can do with your kids is to take them on vacations. RV parks, such as Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas, offer beautiful scenery and great opportunities for family bonding time.

    When you watch this video, you will learn all about the benefits road trip vacations offer to young families. One of the most appealing things about traveling in an recreational vehicle is that you don’t have the added high costs of staying at hotels, and having to eat out for all your meals. You can pack food that you know your kids like and have them help you make some really fun campfire meals.

    Most families rent an RV close to where they live. Owners list them on sites like Easy RV, where the payment is handled safely, and all the details is worked out between the owner and renter directly. Once you have an RV or trailer reserved, you’ll plan your trip using tools such as RV Trip Wizard. Planning your trip route, stops and fueling are all important when traveling in an RV.

    Be sure to pick stopovers and a final destination that offers things your entire family will enjoy. You’ll want full hook-ups for water, electricity, and sewer. Room to run, play and swim is important for kids. What other activities do you want to enjoy? Hiking? Crafts? Bonfires? If you’re bringing along a pet, you’ll want to be sure you reserve spots at parks that are pet-friendly.

    When you hit the road, you will have the opportunity to bond with your kids like never before. So start planning your vacation now!

  • Essential Information About Stonebridge RV Park

    Whether you’re seeking quality short or long term RV lodging, look no further than Stonebridge RV Park.  As the leading RV park in Sweeny, TX, we offer all of the amenities and services that you need to feel right at home. Some of the amenities we offer are a family-friendly swimming pool, on-site laundromat and stocked fishing ponds. You’ll also find a fire-pit, a community pavilion for BBQing, and and a lodge where you can settle in with a good book.

    Many spots are shaded by huge, beautiful Oak trees and others are in the open to allow for night-time stargazing.

    All sites are concrete with full hook-ups.

    There is plenty of room for two vehicles at each site and there is overflow parking throughout the grounds as well. At Stonebridge, we ensure the comfort and safety of our guests with a series of rules and regulations that are clear and easy to follow.

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    Free WiFi and cable are offered to every guest. Although many RVers choose to use their own hotspot and satellite TV.

    We are pet-friendly! There is a large open area behind one of the ponds where dogs can run around without a leash.  In all other areas of the park, we ask guests to keep their pets leashed.

    The laundromat is new and clean. There is a TV and magazines so you can pass the time in comfort. You’ll have lots of fun at our two fishing ponds, which are catch and release, so all ages can participate. There are ducks to feed and all kinds of Texas birds to watch.

    Guests will find our staff to be friendly and customer service oriented, which you can tell by all the reviews on Google. Feel free to call ahead to reserve your spot, or email us at info@stonebridgervpark.com.  We hope you’ll be our guest soon!

  • Long Term Lodging Guidelines for Families With Kids

    You’re packed up and about to hit the road in your RV to travel to a park where you’ll be staying for a few months because of a job opportunity. Everyone is excited about the adventure and spending quality time together. One of the important factors in searching for a park that offers long term lodging is to find a place that has lots of amenities so the transition for your kids will be a smooth one.

    When you move into long term RV lodging, your needs will be a little different than looking for a place for one or two nights. Your kids will need more activities, you’ll want as many amenities as possible. Most important, you’ll want to feel connected with neighbors and have a sense of security.

    The information following will cover some of the basics, and it may make you think of additional factors to add to the list.

    Check out the RV park’s website and online reviews.

    A well-functioning website, good photos, lots of information about the facilities and amenities should be available. Additionally, look on Google, Yelp, and RV Park Reviews to check out any reviews that may be posted.

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    Are all the basics available?

    Do they offer level, concrete sites with full hook-ups (water, electricity & sewer)? Ask about other necessities such as an on-site laundromat, free WiFi and free cable. Just as important, are all the amenities offered. Is there a swimming pool? Hot tub? Game Room? Hiking? Fishing? Scheduled activities? Are they pet friendly? Is there a playground? Room to ride bikes and play outdoor games? Are the sites roomy and well-maintained?

    Tour the park in advance.

    If possible, make a trip to the park in advance and tour of the grounds and facilities with your children. Is the staff courteous and responsive? Are the grounds and amenities well maintained? Do your children get a good feeling and seem excited? Are their other children staying at the park? Does the park have Rules and Regulations and are they enforced?

    Stay organized and pack responsibly.

    Since an RV is a smaller space than a conventional home, you will want to stay organized and take along only what you absolutely need and want. To avoid clutter in your RV, it is a terrific idea to make sure that all of your belongings, toys, and games have a special place where they can be put away. You will also want to keep the space outside of your RV clean and tidy so your site gives off a good vibe.

    Enjoy Quality Time.

    Staying in an RV park long term will provide you with ample opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. When you make the move in the park, you’ll want to plan lots of outdoor activities, day trips or other family activities to make the most of your time. Ensure your family enjoys meals together each day. This conscious effort made to stay connected and address any issues will bring you closer together.

  • Forget Hotels-Stay in an RV Park During Your Vacation

    Are you ready for a vacation? If you’re like most people, chances are your answer is a resounding yes. With all of the stresses of modern life, it is important to take a step back, relax, and get out of your normal settings. It’s easy to do just that when you take a vacation to Sweeny, Texas, and visit Stonebridge RV Park & Resort. You could spend your time arranging for airline tickets, rental cars, and hotels, but when you travel in an RV, your life will be much simpler. Read on to learn why you should stay in an RV park instead of a hotel during your next vacation. rv - park

    Home Away from Home

    Even if you stay in a relatively nice hotel, it can be hard to shake the feeling that you’re just passing through. Hotels can make you feel out of touch with your surroundings, especially if you’re in a new area. When you travel in an RV, however, you’ll have all of your belongings with you—even your own bed and pillows. At an RV park, you can hook up your RV so that you have amenities such as internet access, electricity, and water. You won’t have to lug a suitcase in and out of a hotel every night. Instead, everything you need is right there in your RV.

    Community Interaction

    Traveling can be tiring, but sometimes it’s a good idea to interact with others around you to get a feel for local color and attractions. RV parks have a sense of community that hotels don’t. As you step outside your RV, you’ll find other travelers just like you who are friendly and welcoming. This is a stark contrast to hotels, where many guests simply go to their rooms and shut the door. Fellow RV travelers can give you insider tips for what to do in the area so you can make the most of your vacation.

    An RV park gives you the best of both worlds: socialization and community when you want it, and the ability to retreat to your RV for sleep and privacy when you don’t. One of the newest social tools for RV life is RVillage, and app that will connect you with others who share your interests!

  • Road Trip! Renting An RV is the Best Way to Travel

    When you’re ready to get away from it all, there’s nothing quite like taking a road trip in an RV with your family. Traveling in an RV means that you’ll have the comforts of home right at your fingertips all of the time. After a long day of driving and seeing the sights, you can stay at an RV park in Sweeny, Texas and truly relax. RV parks offer convenient amenities like WiFi and full hookups so you’ll always feel right at home. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your next RV vacation. RV - trip

    Plan Ahead

    Some people like to go where the wind takes them when on a road trip. A little bit of planning can help ensure that you make the most of your free time. Grab a map and plan out a route of where you want to go, and stay each night. You might decide to see as many sights as possible, or use an RV park as a home base and venture out from there each day. Either way, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so that you have a spot at the RV park where you can return to every evening to rest up for your next adventure. Check out RV Trip Wizard to help you plan the ultimate road trip.

    Pick New Sights

    It is exciting to choose destinations that are new to everyone on board. This could mean a museum for the kids, national park, or a lake where you can fish, boat, and swim. You don’t necessarily have to travel far from home to explore someplace new. Just point your RV to where you want to go and start having fun.

    Start Early

    It’s perfectly normal to want to rest up on your vacation. But sleeping in can mean that you won’t get to see everything you want. Decide which days you’ll use for relaxing and which ones you’ll use for sightseeing so you can get an early start from the RV park in the morning.

  • How to Hook Up Your RV

    If you are going on an RV vacation for the first time, it’s essential to know that connecting to water, sewer and electric amenities is essential. Unless you’re a very experienced RVer, it’s not recommended that you go off the grid without access to these services.

    Watch this brief video to learn how to hook up your RV at the RV park.

    Before connecting your electricity, make sure your circuit breaker is in the off position.

    Always check your cords and plug to ensure they are in good condition. Know what amps your RV or trailer requires, check to see how many amps the hookup is, and use an adapter if you need to. Using a surge protector is strongly recommended. Camp Addict provides some of the best advice on what surge protectors work best.

    Store your fresh water hose and your sewer hose in separate bins.

    Hook up your clean water using a hose that is clean and free of contaminants. This will allow you to have running water in your sink and shower in your RV. Additionally, it’s recommended to always use a flow restricter, because you never know what the water pressure is going to be like. Last, using a water filter will give you piece of mind regarding water quality.

    Take precautions when connecting and disconnecting the sewer hose.

    It’s recommended that you wear a simple pair of latex gloves when connecting and disconnecting your sewer hose. Sewer rings are required in some states, so be sure you have one on hand at all times. Ensure all your connections are tight and leak free.

    If you’re renting an RV, always ask for a thorough orientation on all systems and operations as well as making all the connections. If you ever need help, just ask other RVers or park staff. The staff at Stonebridge RV Park and Resort are always ready to help guests.

  • Stonebridge RV Park: Home Away from Home

    Have you been looking for the perfect RV Park for an RV park for your next long-term stay? Look no further than Stonebridge RV Park, your extended-stay RV park near Sweeny, Texas. With amazing amenities, beautiful landscapes, and exceptional rates, Stonebridge RV Park has quickly become a “home away from home” for many families and workers employed by area businesses such as Phillips 66, Zachry, S&B, Tenaris and many others.

    The RV Park is easily accessible!

    Located on TX-35 N between Bay City and West Columbia, you’ll find Stonebridge easy to get in and out of, and no traffic hassles.

    So many amenities!

    Take a refreshing swim in the pool, decompress in the hot tub, or sit around the fire-pit in the evening while your kids roast marshmallows and make s’mores. There is plenty of room to put up your favorite hammock and to lay back and watch the gorgeous stars at night.

    If you’re up for a little competition, break out the fishing poles and try your luck catching one of the monster bass in one of the two catch and release ponds. OR maybe a game of corn toss will liven everyone up.

    After all this activity you’re bound to be hungry. You’ll find BBQ grills under the big pavilion that are available for all guests. The pavilion is a great place to make new friends and to visit with the other families staying at the RV park.

    It’s important to stay connected while you’re on the road. You’ll be happy to know there is free WiFi and cable offered. And when you absolutely have to nothing else to wear, no worries, there is an on-site laundromat that is open 24/7.

    Keep in mind that Stonebridge is only 45 minutes from the world-renown Houston medical center and many, wonderful gulf-coast beaches.

    Pets are welcome!

    Your pets will find room to roam at Stonebridge. There is a big field out beyond the big pond where dogs can play and run themselves tired. There are also plenty of shady spots so they’ll be comfortable hanging  with the family outside.

    Great rates!

    If you’re staying a few nights or a week, the electricity is always included. If you’re staying on a monthly basis your electricity will be an additional, low cost per KW. Any way you look at it, you’ll find low nightly, weekly, and monthly rates that can accommodate almost any budget.

    Friendly customer service!

    The staff at Stonebridge is available to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible. They pride themselves on being responsive and friendly. Don’t hesitate to give us a shout by calling 979-245-1200 or via email at info@stonebridgervpark.com.