• 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.

     

     

  • Kids and Camping – Take This List Along and Create Some Fun!

    After a full day of traveling, your kids are bound to be in search for some fun when you finally stop for the night. You’re not alone when you start thinking about what to do after you get hooked up. You can bet the kids are thinking the same thing.

    Rather than listening to all the complaining, pack up these ideas and take them along on your next road trip

    1. Corn Hole Contest – You can buy these game sets out of a variety of materials, but some of you handyman types may want to make your own. This Old House provides easy DIY instructions for building your own corn hole set & fun ways to personalize it. All ages can play.
    2. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest – If your kids like watermelon, they’ll love gathering the seeds and spitting them as far as they can. You get the watermelon, you set the rules, and get ready for some laughs!
    3. Rock Painting – Let the kids take a walk in search of smooth rocks (big enough to paint or write on) while you get out the markers and/or paints. Have the kids wash the rocks in a bucket outside and dry them. Everyone can enjoy this activity, they make clever gifts for friends or family!
    4. Balloon Challenge – All you’ll need is a blown-up balloon (bring a bag of extras for when they pop). The challenge is to keep the balloon from hitting the ground. It can be played with two or more people. Hit the balloon from person to person, counting the number of hits until it touches the ground.
    5. Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt – A little competition and just plain fun, there are many ways to play this game. One of our favorites is from The Joys of Boys site, called Eye Spy Nature. Click HERE to link to their free printable list, or better yet, make your own. The items on your list should vary depending on the ages of your kids.
    6. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss – For less than $10 you can find this night-time game at most Walmarts and it will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
    7. Build a Campfire – Everyone should learn to build a campfire, and all the safety tips too. Be sure to check first if campfires are allowed at your campsite. You’ll need tinder, kindling and firewood which you should be able to find in your surroundings. Don’t forget to brush up on your campfire songs.
    8. Make S’mores – Once you have a nice fire burning, get the kids to find a few 2-3′ sticks. One of the older kids or an adult can whittle one end of each into a point for the marshmallows. Your camping s’mores kit should include graham crackers, chocolate & marshmallows in one gallon baggy. Mmmm good!
    9. Flashlight Tag – This is the classic game of hide and seek, but played with flashlights.
    10. Fun Campfire Recipes – Your family will never tire of the kid friendly camping recipes that we found on the Dating Divas website. The meals are nutritious and super fun to put together. Let your kids pick the meal and do the cooking.
    11. Tin Can Lanterns – Don’t throw away all those tin soup cans, wash them out, file down any sharp edges and put them in a craft bin/bag with a couple permanent markers, a small hammer, a couple of nails, and some tea lights or votive candles. The kids can make a design with dots on the outside of their can and then take the nail and place it on the dots and lightly hammer the nail until it makes a hole in the tin. Once it’s dark, light a candle inside and they’ll be delighted with their handiwork. The lanterns will add ambiance to any campsite.
    12. Wiffle Ball – The game has been around for decades and is the perfect outlet for pent-up energy. The bat is light enough for kids of all ages and the perforated plastic ball keeps players safe. Play in a field, shallow water or on pavement. Remember to yell WIFF whenever someone swings and misses.
    13. Round Robbin Storytelling – A round robin story is one that each person adds to. It’s most common to create a story sentence-by-sentence, going around in a circle. This is a fun way to end a day while sitting around the campfire.
    14. Map Making – Understanding what a map is, and how to read one is a great skill for kids of all ages. The area surrounding your campsite is a perfect spot for your kids to try and make their own map. You can talk about landmarks and teach them about directions. All they’ll need is some some paper, pencils and crayons.
    15. Arts & Crafts – Just like at home, it’s a good idea to pack a bin of arts & crafts when you travel. Some of the items that can be used to make a variety of crafts include string, beads, popsicle sticks, markers, glue, scissors, pipe cleaners, feathers, colored paper, pom poms, ribbon, sequins, shells and whatever else you want to include. Add to these items things the kids can pick up around your camp site like leaves and twigs and let their creativity run wild.

    Plan your next family vacation at Stonebridge RV Park and use this list to help pack and your kids will undoubtedly make lots of memories!

    Photo by Alaric Sim on Unsplash

  • Pets – Are They Welcome at All National Parks?

    Pets are welcome to join their owners at more places than ever before. There are pet friendly restaurants, hotels, and beaches. But are pets welcome at all national parks? In a nutshell, they’re welcome at many of our National Parks, but not all of them.

    If you’re one of millions traveling to one of these amazing destinations this year and you want to bring along your furry buddy, be sure to research the guidelines for the specific park(s) you plan to visit.

    Can you imagine planning a phenomenal vacation and finally making it to the entrance of the park you’ve waited your whole life to visit and the sign at the entrance says in bold print NO PETS ALLOWED? Worst case scenario, you’ll be scrapping your visit to the Park all together. Moral of the story, do your homework before you hit the road.

    The NPS (National Park Service) offers a good deal of information on pet friendly parks recapping where your pet will be permitted, and the Travel Channel recently listed the Most and Least Pet Friendly National Parks .

    Below we’ve compiled a brief overview of some of the more popular parks and what they do and don’t allow when it comes to pets. One commonality at all parks mentioned here, pets must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter and never left unattended.

    • Acadia National Park : You can bring along your pet. Due to rigorous conditions, you’ll want to keep your pets off the beaches and more difficult trails.
    • Arches National Park :  Pets are welcome, but you’ll find activities you can do with them to be limited. Nearby Devils Garden Campground is pet friendly as well.
    • Glacier National Park : Feel free to bring your pets in drive-in campgrounds, along park roads open to motor vehicles, and in picnic areas. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any park trails.
    • Grand Canyon : When hiking the south rim, pets are allowed only above the rim. When hiking the north rim, they are only allowed on the bridle trail (greenway). While in Tuweep, keep in mind they are only permitted on established roads and in the campground. You cannot take pets on shuttle park buses so you must walk in and out. There is the South Rim Kennel for boarding if you want to hike the other trails.
    • Grand Teton : A good rule of thumb here is that a pet may go anywhere a car may go. This includes roads and shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots. You cannot take pets on any trails.
    • Great Smoky Mountains : Dogs are welcome on two trails (the Gatlinburg Trail & the Oconaluftee River Trail) as well as in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads.
    • Olympic National Park : You can explore six different trails and areas ( Olympic National Park Pet Friendly Trails ) in this gorgeous park. Because of the length of the trails, you’ll want to bring plenty of water for your pooch!
    • Yellowstone National Park : You cannot take your pets on trails, boardwalks, in the back country or thermal areas throughout Yellowstone. They may accompany you in developed areas of the park (any area within 100 feet of roads, parking areas and campgrounds, excluding thermal areas). Keep in mind there are no kennels in Yellowstone, but you may find boarding options in surrounding communities.
    • Yosemite National Park : You can take your dogs on fully paved trails and roads. But not in the back country, beaches, meadows, on shuttle buses or in public buildings.
    • Zion National Park : Pets may accompany owners on the Pa’rus Trail ONLY. All other trails and wilderness areas are off-limits to pets. You’ll find boarding kennels in surrounding communities.

    Begin planning your next vacation to one or more of the incredible national parks. Just be sure you’re in the know about where your pet will have the best time as well!

    Image by dogtrekker.com

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Signs RV Life Is Right for You

    If you want a new adventure, then head to your nearest RV resort near Sweeny . RV life can open up a world of possibilities for you and your family. With RV park amenities, as well as the sights you see traveling the highways and byways, you’ll create a lifetime of memories.

    RV-resort

    You Love Traveling, But Not the Hassle…Try RV Life!

    One of the biggest hassles of traveling is getting up early just to sit at the airport for hours. Sure, a plane can get you somewhere fast, but going through the hustle and bustle of airports and airplane travel can be exhausting. If you love traveling, but the idea of one more airport makes you feel stressed about your trip, then you may want to look into purchasing or renting an RV. You can travel anywhere your vehicle can go, which is most places in the world. As long as you can find an RV resort or somewhere else safe to park your RV, then you can have great vacations at your own pace without all the hassle.

    You Want to Save Money While Traveling…Try RV Life!

    Many people create a budget for their vacations; they figure out what they can spend at each restaurant, how much they can spend on activities, etc. What if you did not have to worry about restaurants, and you created your own fun in the great outdoors? With RV life, you can stock your onboard refrigerator and portable cooler with everything you need during your vacation. If you are taking an extended vacation, then stop at a grocery store. You will save hundreds compared to eating at restaurants throughout a vacation. Check out what Axle Addict has to say about analyzing whether you can save money living in an RV.

    You Desire More Outdoor Fun…Try RV Life!

    The idea of “fun” has changed over the past few years. Now, fun seems to be found only in expensive theme parks, fancy electronics, and social networks. If you want to bring your family back to a simpler time, then take them RV camping. They will find joy in hiking, canoeing, and roasting s’mores around a fire. Even traveling the open road in your RV can be a lot of fun as you see sites and landmarks around the country.

  • Reasons to Choose an RV Park with Amenities

    One of the great benefits of an RV is being able to travel with “all the comforts of home” such as a refrigerator, bathroom, and comfy beds. However, staying at an RV park with amenities is always a great bonus. When you stop at a long-term RV campground serving Sweeny , such as Stonebridge RV Park, you will find a “home away from home” that will make your life much more comfortable.

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    Amenities Matter When You Want to Stay Connected

    Finding an RV resort with free Wi-Fi and internet access is a great resource to help you keep in touch with friends and family back home. As you travel along the roads, there are many dead zones and locations where your cellphone will receive spotty or no service. In addition, you may not want to waste your battery and data package while on the road. When you reach an RV resort or campground with amenities, you shouldn’t have the problem of dropped calls, no internet, and low batteries. You can plug in, tell your family how much fun you are having, and get back to your RV camping vacation.

    The Right Amenities Help Guests Catch Up on Daily Chores

    If you have been on the road for a week or more, chances are you have some dirty laundry. An extended-stay RV park will have laundry facilities available for their guests to wash and dry laundry. There should also be clean showers and restrooms as well as BBQ grills to cook up the food you have stocked in the refrigerator.

    Relax in Style With the Right Amenties

    Even though your RV vacation has probably been very relaxing, you can find further relaxing amenities at a great RV resort. Your family can take a dip in a swimming pool or relax any sore muscles in a hot tub. If you want to kick back and catch up on your favorite television shows, most RV Parks offer cable TV hookups. When you want to get back to nature, but you are not ready to leave the RV resort, you can usually find fishing ponds or walking trails for the family to enjoy.

    Trip Savvy shares a great story on what to expect at different types of places where you can park your RV.