Are "Camping Resorts" Worth It?




Many people who do not have outdoors experience tend to shy away from camping opportunities, because they are worried about the challenges they might encounter. This is perfectly normal, and you certainly should not be worried if you feel the same. However, what if you were told that there is an opportunity to go camping without having to sacrifice access to various amenities and conveniences? Some gatekeepers might claim that this is not real camping, but we assure you that this is not the case. The thing we are talking about are camp resorts – an excellent opportunity to dip your toes in the world of camping.

Are Camping Resorts Really Camping?

One of the great advantages of camp resorts that we want to mention briefly is that they are the ideal choice for people both with and without camping gear. This means that introducing friends and family to camping activities is easy if you decide to visit a camp resort. This could also apply to you in case you do not have the necessary gear and equipment to set up camp. They offer a newbie-friendly experience that everyone can enjoy, and an environment with both camping-focused and resort-style amenities.

Even though some people might not consider visiting a camping resort to be ‘real camping,’ it is an ideal choice if you want a more laidback experience. It’s also a great vacation that everyone can enjoy. Last but not least, it is an absolute blast if you are visiting with kids, because of the numerous entertainment options you have. 


What Is A Camping Resort?

Camp resorts are typically private owned, and they are easily described as a ‘greatly improved camping site.’ Of course, they are likely to be much more popular, but that’s just about the only drawback they have. Otherwise, they offer plenty of comfort, amenities, and conveniences for people of all ages. 

Often, these camp resorts are situated next to a lake, a river, or even the coast. Some have a small pond nearby, which is usually populated with fish regularly to give visitors a neat fishing experience. Needless to say, waterfront camp resorts offer even more entertainment and activity opportunities – we certainly suggest going for them if you have this opportunity. But even if you opt for a camp resort that is not near a lake or river, there will be plenty to do. 

Obstacle courses are another common thing you will encounter when visiting camp resorts. Often, they are in the lake (if there is one) but there are regular ones as well. The best part is that they are not always limited to just kids – adults can also join in on the fun. 

In some of the most advanced camp resorts, such as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, you will get access to tons of other fun stuff too – mini golf, airsoft or paintball, playgrounds, waterslides, petting zoos, pools, and the list goes on and on.  

Last but not least, we have a very important tip to enhance your stay at camp resorts. As you can probably tell, these places are usually huge and walking everywhere might be an issue – especially when you are carrying all sorts of stuff around. The good news is that many of these resorts have golf carts available to rent – getting one of these is almost mandatory. It costs some money, but the convenience they offer is immeasurable. Keep in mind that some places require you to book a golf cart while you are booking a spot at the camp resort. This means that you will have to inquire about their availability beforehand, so that you do not end up having to walk everywhere. 


What’s The Difference Between Camping Resorts And RV Parks?

It might be easy to confuse camp resorts with RV parks if you have not been to one. RV parks are pretty basic, with essentially a parking spot for your rig, and amenities like bath house and laundry. If they’re on a lake, they might have a boat ramp. RV parks are not made for entertainment, they’re made for long-term stay, and will not provide you with tons of options when it comes to spending your free time and relaxing. Camp resorts, on the other hand, are full of all sorts of activities – like the ones we already mentioned above. They are ideal for family gatherings, traveling with children, or getting a taste of camping without sacrificing comfort and amenities.

If you are trying to decide between visiting a camp resort, a public campground or an RV park, then I suggest considering a camp resort. It is a great experience for the whole family, especially if you have the opportunity to visit one of the well-established camp resorts. 


Should You Stay At A Camping Resort?

Regardless of what some people might say, staying at a camp resort can be a great experience, regardless of your previous experience when it comes to camping. The entertainment options and amenities you find there are plentiful, and everyone in your party will certainly enjoy the activities available to them.

You should keep in mind that solitude is difficult to achieve when it comes to camp resorts, so they might not be the best option if you are looking to spend a peaceful few days. There are plenty of family and friend gatherings happening there and, as we already mentioned, there is an abundance of children around.

It is important to add that opting to go to a camp resort does not necessarily prevent you from experiencing the ‘true camping’ experience. Many of these establishments have rural tent camping available as well, so you can easily find a spot to set up camp nearby. You can always come back to the camp resort if you feel like it. 

Even if typical camping is more up your alley, you will not go wrong with visiting camp resorts at least 1-2 times a year. Your children will love it, and they are an excellent way to get friends and family into camping. 




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Fishing Report from TPWD (Nov. 20)

GOOD. Water slightly stained; 68 degrees; 1.08 feet below pool. There is not a lot of freshwater runoff from the recent rains because the vegetation is absorbing most of it. Water temps remain in the upper 60s, but should begin dropping soon as the fall fronts begin. Bass fishing remains good, as the fish pursue shad that are moving into the creeks to the warmer water. Reports of success moving slowly up the mid and upper lower lake creeks with both surface lures and swimbaits. Target areas with 4 feet or less to find the shad. Fishing the more open parts of Chimney Cove and Cobb near the mouths should also be productive, especially on sunny afternoons, if the shad gather there. Catfish remain good for daytime rod-and-reelers, though the channels remain small. Please review the notes from the Outdoor Annual for Lake Palestine regarding catfish, those notes show that the normal state limits for both channel and blue catfish are superseded and different. Bluegill or perch fishing has been good around the mid and lower lake bridges with a No. 2 crappie hook and small minnows for the larger ones, or worms. Anticipate some yellow bass, excellent eating, no size or number limits, mixed in. Report by Jim Beggerly, Jim’s Fishing Lake Palestine.

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