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. 




Tell us what you think!

Lake LBJ Email Updates


 

Visit our Lake LBJ Sponsors!

Lake LBJ on Social Media

 
       

Lake LBJ Current Weather Alerts

There are no active watches, warnings or advisories.

 

Lake LBJ Weather Forecast

Wednesday

Sunny

Hi: 68

Wednesday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 37

Thursday

Sunny

Hi: 73

Thursday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 39

Friday

Mostly Sunny

Hi: 73

Friday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 44

Saturday

Sunny

Hi: 77

Saturday Night

Mostly Clear

Lo: 57


Lake LBJ Water Level (last 30 days)


Water Level on 11/21: 825.38 (+0.38)



Lake LBJ

Fishing Report from TPWD (Nov. 20)

GOOD. Water stained; 65 degrees; 0.25 feet below pool. Crappie are fair on minnows in 12-20 feet of water on brush. Channel and blue catfish are good on punch bait in 20-24 feet of water over drop-offs and rock piles. Report by Jess Rotherham, Texas Crappie Fishing Service. Bass are very good with catches up 6-8 pounds in the grass with chatterbaits, rattle traps and crankbaits. Brush piles in 8-15 feet with shad colored crankbaits, and 7-10 inch June bug or pumpkin worms. Bass are under the docks with ⅜ ounce jigs and frogs. The morning bite has been best. Crappie are good with minnows over brush piles. Report by Charles Whited, Barefoot Fishing Tours. Bass are good working docks and bulkheads with creature baits, worms and flukes. A frog or topwater around underwater vegetation is working well. Do not forget a wakebait in those same areas. Report by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs. This lake has a lot of vegetation in shallow water. Focus on these areas near deeper water, 10 feet, has been loaded with fish with creature bait, or Texas rigged worms. Fish are not very big but good numbers can be caught. Back of canals in shallow water under docks with a weightless senko. Water is stained more than normal so fish will relate to structure and banks. Report by Randal Frisbie, Central Texas Fishing Guide, LLC.

More Fishing Reports