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Burleson and Crowley residents needn’t drive far to experience the thrill of holiday vacationing this Labor Day weekend.
Texas destinations provide nature lovers with the opportunity to camp under the stars without spending a small fortune on gas, local experts agree.
Several nearby campgrounds have vacancies, said Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.
Schaeffer offered several tips for locals looking for a Labor Day weekend retreat.
“I think if they are camping in a tent, they may want to consider state parks because state parks often have a beautiful ambiance, and tent campers are usually looking for a more rustic feel,” Schaeffer said. “As for RVers, it’s definitely important to call ahead and make sure you have reservations.”
Labor Day weekend is among the busiest times of the year for campgrounds because the holiday often represents a last fling before students return to school and the weather cools, he said.
A few precautions must be taken to ensure the best camping experience, said John Williams, site manager for Mockingbird Hill MH and RV in the Burleson area. First-time RV campers often make a number of easily avoidable mistakes, he said.
“A big mistake they make is leaving their black tank valve open,” he said. The black tank is an RV’s sewage system. “Then all the water drains out, and the solids stay in and get stuck. It gets to be a big problem.”
Campers who commit this error can purchase a back flush valve at an RV parts store, he said.
Visit gorvtexas.com for information about maintaining a functioning RV restroom.
Williams said another common problem can be easily side-stepped by properly maintaining the RV.
“Always remember to check your tire pressure often,” he said. “It will really make a difference.”
Schaeffer also offered advice for new campers.
“If you are tent camping, always make sure you plan for potential elements. Bring bug spray and adequate supplies,” he said. “Also, try to pitch your tent at home before you get to the campsite. That will make it a lot easier.”
RV owners should have someone from the dealership explain every feature and function of the vehicle, he said.
Dorothy Wilcox, manager of the RV Ranch of South Fort Worth, said she recommends camping in groups and making sure at least one traveler in the bunch is an RV expert.
“It’s fun to travel in groups of RVers, cooking out with friends,” she said. “It’s also neat to make friends with your neighbors. People make friends for life with the people they meet in RV parks.”
Schaeffer said the closest camp sites to Burleson and Crowley with Labor Day weekend vacancies as of press time are:
zx RV Ranch of South Fort Worth located in Burleson — 817-426-5037
zx Trader Village RV Park located in Grand Prairie — 972-647-2331
zx Treetops RV Village in Arlington — 817-467-7943
zx Dallas Metro KOA in Arlington — 800-562-3705
zx Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park in Terrell — 866-419-0100
zx Texan RV Ranch in Mansfield — 866-348-3978
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