Texas camping used to be synonymous with staying in a tent or RV. But Texas camping resorts across the Lone Star State are finding they can accommodate bigger groups and introduce more people to camping by making park model rental accommodations available to them, according to Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.
“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of parks that offer rental accommodations,” said Schaeffer, whose organization launched a separate website called TexasCabinRentals.net to help people find campgrounds with park model rental accommodations. Park models are 400-square foot, factory built units that are built on a chassis, like a trailer, but look like cabins or cottages. They come fully furnished with beds and kitchen appliances. Some even have lofts for the kids.
“We’re adding a dozen of them to our park this year,” said Steve Stafford, manager of the Jellystone Park Texas Camping Resort in Burleson, outside of Dallas.
Major campground chains like Jellystone Parks have joined independently owned and operated campgrounds across the country in adding park models as rental accommodations for their guests. Government run campgrounds are also investing in park models.
More information on the park model surge in Texas is available from the Texas Association of Campground Owners, the Crowley-based trade association that represents and markets campgrounds, RV parks and resorts across the Lone Star State. The association’s 2013 RV Travel & Camping Guide to Texas highlights the fact that Texas is a birders paradise and includes detailed information on campgrounds, RV parks and resorts, as well as old Western style maps.
