Houston Leisure RV Resort Blog - Latest Camping News

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!

Spring has officially sprung (although Mother Nature might have missed the memo)! Spring is a happy time and we’ve realized that this season is our favorite season, for many reasons…..

• SPRING means that winter is over!

Goodbye winter weather, eventually. We love having four seasons – but winter gets old REALLY fast with snow and storms and everything that comes with it.

• SPRING brings beautiful colors!

When you think spring, you think colorful – and lots of it! The trees, the flowers, the fruits, the veggies. There are so many things blossoming in the spring!

• SPRING weather is delightful!

Hello sunny days and cooler nights with a light breeze. Yes, rain will inevitably make its way into the forecast (more often than we’d like!), but you take the good with the bad. And, sometimes rainy days are just what the doctor ordered. It gives you a chance to stay indoors, take care of things, stay in your pajamas, and watch movies. We’ll take the spring weather!

• SPRING days are long!

It took us a few days to get adjusted after the time change earlier this month, but the longer days give us so much more time outside doing the things we love! It’s a real treat for the kids who can play in the fresh air long after dinner is over – and it’s still light out.

• SPRING is our segway into summer!

Just the word ‘summer’ brings a smile to your face, right? No school, no homework, less rigid schedules, and tons of family time. Great weather, fun in the sun, and a relaxed attitude. Summer may be our SECOND favorite season of the year! 😉

• SPRING brings us Camping Season…NEED WE SAY MORE?!

We are so excited to welcome all of our camping families – old and new – back to our resort. We have so many awesome new adventures to take you on…hope to see you for the exciting ride!What are you waiting for? Contact us today to book your reservation for your next stay.

We are just a few days from spring and we could not be more excited. Our favorite season is packed full of beautiful weather, colorful flowers, and CAMPING, LOTS OF CAMPING! We’ve been waiting all winter for this time of year and we just can’t wait for spring to finally…spring.

So, since we’ll be seeing a lot of you soon, we’re here with some camping cooking tips & recipes to get you prepared for some spring camping food fun!

Here are some spring camping cooking tips:

• Use seasonal fruits and vegetables. You know the term, “When in Rome…” Well, we’re here to tell you, “When it’s spring…” Seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresh and easy to find – because they’re in season, of course!
• Use seasonings liberally. Seasonings are a great way to add TONS of flavor without adding fat and calories. Don’t underestimate the power of great seasonings! They can jazz up any meat, vegetable dish, or even a boring side of potatoes.
• Use ‘one pot’ meals. It’s like the theory behind a crockpot…throw everything in one dish and let it cook. Less prep, less mess, and less to clean up!

Here are some delicious spring camping recipes:

• These PopSugar camping recipes can take you from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. Check out their 17 meal ideas here!
• These recipes are easy and diverse; you can find whatever you’re in the mood for!
• When in doubt, you can always go with a salad! It can be filled with tons of colors and flavors. These irresistible spring salad recipes go way beyond lettuce.

Now we’re even more excited for spring and camping season…and ready for lunch! We hope to see you, your family, and your friends (and your spring camping meals) in a few short weeks around our resort! Call us today to book your next camping adventure with us. Happy Camping to everyone!