Houston Leisure RV Resort Blog - Latest Camping News

We’re officially in love with summer — this is a wonderful season and our resort is full of camping families & friends! Everyone is enjoying this relaxing, amazing time. There’s a lot of eating, drinking, and being merry. So, we figured we’d pop in and share some cool drinks that you can enjoy any time of year, especially when the temps are high!

• If you like coffee AND alcohol (and who doesn’t?!), this Mochatini Cocktail is for you! Perfect for those long, leisurely camping days!
• An Old Fashioned is an oldie but goodie — a classic cocktail that always hits the spot…if you like bourbon! What do you think?
• Margaritas? Yes, please! This Mountain Margarita recipe is easy to make and can be made as a pitcher so there’s enough to share!
• If you’re up for it, what about throwing Tequila into the mix?! A Tequila Sunrise is refreshing and delicious.
• The Mojito is a love it or leave it cocktail. If you love it, check out this delicious camping mojito recipe!

Just for fun, here are a few interesting alcohol facts that you may or may not know:

• Whiskey is made all over the world. The most popular type of American Whiskey is better known as Bourbon!
• A bottle of Champagne contains millions and millions of bubbles.
• Over 60% of countries have a drinking age of 18 or 19 years old. Not the United States — as you probably know, the drinking age is 21!

We want to know — what is YOUR favorite alcoholic or virgin cocktail when sweating it out during those hot summer days?
Also, we want to remind everyone to drink responsibly, be aware of your surroundings and your neighbors, and enjoy yourself!

{Photo credit: Camping for Foodies}

New to RVing? Looking for some light reading? We’re bringing it back to the basics today with a little RV 101. Humor us, read on, and enjoy!

What does RV stand for? The term RV stands for recreational vehicle; RV does NOT stand for relaxing vacation or retro vehicle — although some RVs are pretty retro and are definitely used to relax on vacation! RVs are also called motorhomes, rigs, and campers, just to name a few.

Why should I get an RV? Recreational means relating to an activity done for enjoyment when one is not working. Um, hello?! That is EXACTLY the reason you should get an RV! It’s basically a home on wheels that you can park wherever you please (within reason!) — what an adventure!

It seems like such close quarters. It is, but that’s the beauty of it! Just enough space while you bond with family & friends.
You realize what you really need and what just takes up space.

Is there anything I need to do or does it take care of itself? Much like young kids and pets, an RV does not take care of itself! It’s definitely a responsibility and you must take proper care of your RV with regular maintenance. It’s good to be familiar with all aspects of the RV since it’s a LOT of moving parts (that can break). Plus, moisture and cold can do damage to your RV so you’ll want to properly store/cover it during the winter months if you aren’t using it.

What are some RV must-haves? We found this list of RV accessories that we think you’ll find helpful!

I don’t have an RV and it sounds like I’m missing out on tons of fun! You said it not us….but we agree! Get in on the RV action and get yourself a motorhome.

We hope you’re having an awesome camping season with us. Labor Day is right around the corner — book your next reservation with us NOW!

Happy 4th of July! July 4th is a very special day in our history; it commemorates the day (in 1776) when the 13 original colonies claimed their independence from England — which led to the formation of the United States of America! #themoreyouknow That is definitely something worth celebrating!

So, how do Americans celebrate this special day? BBQs, backyard games, fireworks, baseball games, parades, and picnics are just a few of the ways that we celebrate! Many businesses close and families and friends are able to spend the day together.

Whether you’re at home, on vacation, or camping with us, here are a few things to help you celebrate!

• BE SAFE: If you’re in a place that allows sparklers and fireworks, safety should be your #1 priority. Be smart, follow precautions and read the directions carefully. Keep the kids in a safe spot; after all, we teach them NOT to play with fire! And, remember your pets! Those fireworks could be really scary for cats and dogs.
• MAKE FESTIVE RECIPES: In this article, there are 22 easy recipes that are perfectly red, white, and blue to help you celebrate! You can create a beautiful spread that looks great AND tastes great, too.
• REMEMBER WHAT YOU’RE CELEBRATING: Today is a wonderful day to make memories with family & friends. Just take a moment to remember that you’re celebrating America’s independence so throw in a little history while you’re hanging around today!
• SPEND YOUR TIME OUTDOORS: It is summer – so take advantage and enjoy it. Swimming, and playing, and laughing is the perfect way to celebrate. (Don’t forget to hydrate and use sunscreen!)
• WATCH A MOVIE: After a whole day of fun in the sun, come into the air conditioning and put on a movie! There’s one that comes to mind.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family & friends. Be safe and have fun!

{Photo credit: Woman’s Day}

Hello camping friends and families! We are bringing you today’s blog post to give you a little chuckle – and we’re dedicating it to all of our awesome, diehard, amazing, thinks-about-camping-all-year-long, can’t-wait-for-camping-season friends.

Check out our “10 Signs That You’re a Camper’s Camper:”

1. Your favorite season is camping season!
2. Your RV is always “ready” for camping season.
3. You consider your camping neighbors part of your extended family!
4. You know every employee at our park by name – and you know details about their life, family, etc.
5. You know the layout of our resort with your eyes closed.
6. You check our website/activities page religiously.
7. You have signs, doormats, t-shirts, and/or coffee mugs with the quote, “Home is Where you Park it.”
8. Camping is a family tradition…your kids love it as much as you do!
9. You’re very active on our Facebook page – liking, commenting, and sharing posts and pictures almost every day.
10. Spending your summer at our resort with family and friends, making memories that will last a lifetime, is the best part of your whole year!

How many of these boxes can you check?? Hope to see you around our resort soon! #CampingSeason

Camping season is well underway and, now that school is officially OUT, it’s time for fun in the sun all summer long! We love that families and friends come to our resort to spend time together, make memories, and have fun. We have activities and themed weekends planned all summer long so we hope to see you there — it’s fun for everyone!

Here are a few ways to REALLY take advantage of the season so you can have the best, safest camping adventures with us this summer!

• Hydrate. The summer sun brings the summer heat! Spending a lot of time outdoors is wonderful, but it can leave you dehydrated – and that is no fun. Drink water often, take a dip in the pool, keep yourself cool so you don’t overheat!
• Brush up on swim lessons for the kids. Even the best swimmers need a little refresher every once in a while. Safety is #1, especially when swimming and spending time around the pool, and we know you plan on being in the pool A LOT this summer!
• Relax. At least try to relax! There’s no school, no homework, and no after-school activities. Schedule yourself to be unscheduled, even just for a bit. You may actually really like it!
• Plan your next camping adventure. Last, but certainly not least, make a date to come back. It’s never too early to plan your NEXT camping adventure! Come into the office and chat with us so we can help you book your next camping reservations at our resort.

We hope to see you this summer for lots of awesome camping fun! We thank you all for being a part of our memories — we truly appreciate that you make the choice to camp with us!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Memorial Day Weekend is here! It’s the (very unofficial) start of summer and is usually a time filled with family and friends taking advantage of the nice, long weekend with a day – or two – off of work and school. We know that there will be swimming, BBQing, and fun happening all around. But why do we celebrate this very special holiday? We’re here to tell you more!

Many people get confused between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day where we remember those who died in active military service. It was traditionally observed on May 30th but now it is officially observed on the last Monday in May. {For this year, Memorial Day falls on May 28, 2018.} Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day to honor all military veterans (people who served in the United States Armed Forces) and is observed on November 11th.

While we do usually spend the weekend with family and friends, sometimes we forget to honor the reason we have this holiday in the first place. So, we’re here with a few patriotic ways that you and your family can observe Memorial Day this year!

• Explain the holiday to your children! You can find stories or articles online to help you appropriately explain Memorial Day to your children, depending on their age. Remember, what they learn from you, they pass on to their peers, then to their kids, and so on! Keep our rich history alive.
• Go to a parade! There are parades and events scheduled all weekend long in every city and town in the country (just about!) — make some red, white, and blue signs or banners, bring your patriotic spirit, and go show support at your local parade!
• Send a care package to a soldier! A great way to honor and remember those servicemen and women that passed is to honor and care for those that are still here fighting for our country and our freedom. Send some homemade cards, crafts, or supplies — you will surely make an impact on whoever receives your thoughtful package!

However you choose to honor, remember, and celebrate this weekend, be safe!

{Photo source: City of Chicago}

It’s National Barbecue Month and we could NOT be more excited! We love sharing recipes and grilling tips so we’re going to take full advantage and dedicate this entire post to sharing our thoughts on all things BBQ!

You can cook these recipes on a bbq, an open fire (with a grill!), in the oven, or on the stovetop and they’ll be delicious. If you try one, let us know!

• This Camping Mac n’ Cheese is TOP of our list! So easy to make and so delicious — it’s like s’mores…everyone loves ‘em!! A camping menu must-have.
• Wanna keep it on the ‘cleaner’ side? Check out this green recipe – Quinoa Veggie Stir Fry! Serve it as a side dish or an easily accessible snack. YUM!
• One piece of foil is all you need for these Lumberjack Breakfast Packets! These are the epitome of camping all wrapped up in a little, easy to eat package – plus you can customize it with whatever you have on hand!
• Apple crisp? Yes, please! Check out these Campfire Apple Crisp Breakfast if you’re looking for a warm, delicious camping treat!
• Nachos…yes! That’s what we’ve been missing! These Campfire Nachos are perfect any day, at any time – seriously. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

We’re also sharing some BBQ tips & tricks!

• Remember to check your hoses and controls before you start – safety first!
• Always clean the grill before you “pack it up”…that way it’s ready the next time you want to use it!
• Do your research on your specific grill and use proper tools.

We hope you’re all enjoying the spring camping season at our resort. We’re so happy to welcome all of the wonderful families and friends who choose to camp with us — we hope to see you and your family around our resort in the near future. Happy Camping with us!

Our camping family will agree – camping at our resort is ALWAYS a good time! We hope to see you, your kids, your whole family this season for tons of fun in the sun! We hope the weather gets the memo so spring can finally…spring!

Kids love camping – and why shouldn’t they? There’s so much to do and see! We have a few tips and tidbits to make your next camping adventure even MORE fun for the kids! (Is that even possible?)

• Sleeping Bags. You don’t NEED to bring sleeping bags, but it will definitely bring the camping experience up a notch for the kids. Makes for a “real” camping experience, wherever you are!
• Friends. Whether they’re old friends or new friends, camping friends are the BEST! If you enjoy your time camping with us – which we’re sure you do; that’s why you keep coming back! – bring your friends. Introduce them to your home away from home. We would love them to join our camping family, too!
• Leave the Technology. Really try to limit yourself a little. The kids, too. We’re all so busy on our phones, tablets, and computers – spending time in the great outdoors is a great way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with what’s really important – your time together!
• Family Time. The BEST part of camping! The best part of ANY day, really. But it’s made that much more special because you’re choosing to come camp and spend the time together – laughing, bonding, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s NEVER too late to book your next family camping adventure at our resort. We welcome you, your loved ones, and your friends (old & new!) for a fantastic season!

We know you’ve got camping on the brain (don’t worry – we do, too!) but this isn’t just the beginning of camping season…it’s also a very important month for American taxpayers. You have to file your 2017 tax return by Tuesday, April 17th!

Tax Day is usually April 15th but, this year, that date falls on a Sunday. In this case, Tax Day would normally be pushed to the next business day, Monday, April 16th. However, this year, April 16th is Emancipation Day — a legal Washington, D.C. holiday commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in the nation’s capital on that day in 1862! Therefore, Tuesday, April 17th it is.

So, if you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you’re in luck. We decided to come give you a few last minute pointers so you can get that tax return signed, sealed, delivered, and filed by April 17th!

• Be Honest. It may be tempting to fudge numbers in your favor, but you’re only going to make things worse by doing so. Keep receipts, use actual numbers, and be as honest as possible.
• Remember to Include Deductions. Charitable gifts and donations that you make throughout the year are tax-deductible! Don’t forget to include work-related travel or accommodations, debt interest, IRA contributions, and home office expenses for the self-employed, just to name a few!
• Hire a Professional. When in doubt, hire an accountant! You want to make sure you follow filing protocol to a T and who better than a professional to take control of the reigns?

We hope you get a great tax refund this year! We think that family camping fun at our resort is a great way to spend the “extra” money that the government sends you. Call us to book a reservation today!

We can’t let this month go by without mentioning that it’s National Craft Month. What a fun, creative way to start Camping Season!

We have so many talented campers but, for those of us that need a little help, we’re bringing you a compilation of easy, fast, kid-friendly DIYs and crafts for your next camping adventure at our resort.

1. Single-use Soap Leaves. We think this is a GREAT idea! You bring it into the shower, you use it, and you toss it! Buying single-use products can make your life so much easier, but it could get pricey. Making these one-timers is much more cost-effective to buying them – and you get to pick the ingredients! Click here for step-by-step soap leaf making instructions.
2. Homemade Calamine Lotion. Bug bites, poison ivy, sunburn – you can use this lotion to bring relief when you, or the kids, find yourself with any of these issues, and more! It’s so easy to make; plus, you can feel good about these ingredients, too. Click here to see the ingredient list and DIY instructions.
3. Natural, Outdoor Fly Repellent. Bugs are EVERYWHERE! This natural fly repellent is made with essential oils. Again, feel-good ingredients….that still do their job! Click here for all the details.
4. Cute Camping Scene in a Jar. It’s a cookie jar, Epsom salt, mini trees, a camper ornament, string, Washi tape for the bunting, and LED strand lights as the final touch. {Check out the photo in this post!} We don’t have step-by-step directions; we originally found the pic and description here. You have the photo as inspiration but you can add your own creative spin!
5. Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas. We love Halloween – so we think this Halloween Car & Camper Pumpkin Duo is just perfect! The kids (and your camping neighbors!) will love this displayed outside your RV!

Let us know if you try any of these crafts. We’d love to see pictures or, even better, show them to us IN PERSON around our resort.

Happy Spring, Happy Crafting, and Happy Camping with us!