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 (Sep. 24)

FAIR. Water stained; 82 degrees; 1.19 feet below pool. Stripers are slow to fair with live bait in 20-40 feet of water. Put your baits down in areas that you have marked fish recently and slowly move around with your trolling motor. You will bump into smaller schools of fish, but it will take patience while you wait for a bite. Sand bass are m fair to good moving quickly in 20-25 feet of water on main lake points and sand flats. Chrome and white seem to be out producing all other colors. Catfish are still fair to good with shad in 10-20 feet of water fished on the bottom. Baited holes are your best bet to catch numbers but will not produce big fish. Bait with cattle cubes and wait 2-3 hours before fishing. Use punch bait for best results on baited holes. Catfish should be spawning, so expect a slower bite. Water clarity is 2-6 feet of visibility but slowly becoming clearer. Report by TJ Ranft, Ranft Guide Service. This week has been a warm week, which has caused the bite to slow a bit. The fish are still moving fast. Water temperature is in the high seventies with 3-4 foot visibility. The striper and white bass are hitting topwater in the early morning and late afternoon. Fish are stacking up on shallow points in 10–20 feet, with sporadic surface feeding early and late when there is a little wind. Fish are feeding on very small shad so downsize your swimbaits, slabs and topwater baits. The eating-size 1–3 pound catfish bite is absolutely on fire. Limits are coming in fast, often within just a few hours, using punch baits and dip baits. For channels and blues, baited holes in 20–25 feet near points and flats are paying off. The crappie bite has picked up nicely. Minnows are the go-to in 12–20 feet of water around structures and brush. Largemouth bass are crushing topwater at first light, then shifting to shallow crankbaits around dock legs as the sun climbs. Shaky heads are producing steady catches as well. Once the sun gets higher, a Texas-rigged worm fished in 15–2

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