Texas State Parks

355spider · 03-19-2017, 06:40 PM

We're looking into getting a fifth wheel for our family. We have 4 kids so preferably the bigger the better but I'm not sure how big or state parks will handle. Can't seem to find exact info on the net either. Anyone have any ideas of where to look for Texas as well as national parks? Thanks so much.

METZCOOL · 03-19-2017, 09:30 PM

If you're new to rving and looking at a fifth wheel you might want to post up what truck your going to pull it with . Don't trust the dealer to tell you what you can and cannot tow. If you know all about GCWR, Tow capacity, and RAWR just ignore my post.

355spider · 03-19-2017, 09:59 PM

No I'll take all the help I can get. I was thinking F250 diesel with 20k tow rating.

METZCOOL · 03-19-2017, 10:14 PM

Not sure where your getting your tow rating from but not aware of any f250 rated to tow a 20,000 pound fifth wheel. Take a look at ford's towing guide here and come back with some questions.
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

355spider · 03-20-2017, 04:17 PM

Thanks I will. It's a little confusing on the websites.

**wingnut60** · 03-20-2017, 09:40 PM

Check this link for TX parks:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/nearby/all-parks

You need go thru the reservation system for the most popular parks--trying to drive up and get a spot for several days usually doesn't work during the summer season. If you plan to use TX state parks a lot, the annual pass is a no-brainer.
None of the parks allow a specific site reservation, but when you go thru the res system, there will be info to input to help them put you in a space that will fit. Most of the parks I have been in have some very long pull-thrus and some very short other sites. You make a reservation, then when you get to the entrance, they will assign you a space. Most have electric and water, some have sewer, a lot have 50amp also.
You will enjoy using the TX parks....
Joe

dkritter · 03-24-2017, 09:48 AM

We have a 40' 5th wheel and a long bed F350 and have no issues with the Texas Parks we have stayed in. Oklahoma that's a completely different story. It seems the older the park the smaller the spaces are as a standard.

One thing to note is they have few 50amp hookups compared to the 30amp, so a bit more diligence is required.

You'll most likely want to get the State Park Pass if you plan on frequenting the parks.

Primo Rudy's Roadhouse · 05-01-2018, 07:40 PM

We routinely camp in Texas state Parks. Love the quiet atmosphere. I have seen huge rigs in Texas State parks and most I have visited have 50 amp in some sites. The parks are getting more and more crowded so I suggest you make reservations. Or should I just steer you away from them so I can have more to myself.

Txtower · 05-10-2018, 03:14 AM

I have a 32’ with a F350 DUally. Tx state parks rock. Lil crowded. My only issue is running into construction for improvements within the parjs lately. They have so many patrons, they are getting abused. I highly reccomend a State Park card. Saves A LOT of $$.

Fordiesel250 · 09-03-2018, 04:23 PM

I would also suggest that you purchase a Texas State Park pass. It will save you $$$$ on any State Park entrance in state and the $$ is used in the upkeep of the state parks. Well worth the money!

hamm2018 · 01-10-2019, 03:03 PM

Trailer Life magazine has an extra edition with it, 2019 Towing Guide. This list all pickups and the variations for each and gives the towing capacity of each.

Before I bought our truck 2017 Ram 3500 dually with 4:10 rearend, Asian tranny, 6.7 Cummins set to tow 30K, I looked at the 2017 towing guide then went to a show and talked to a factory rep. The rep took our information on the trailer, got on the computer and said this is what you want to tow that big thing with. It took 6 months to find the set up he recommended on a lot with a good discount