Rockport Aransas area too late?

[B_O__Plenty]

Trying to find a spot in Aransas, Rockport area. Every place so far is already full. I guess I started looking too late. Might have to come up with a plan "B". Never had a problem finding a spot for a couple months anywhere else, didn't think this could be as hard as it is...

B.O.

[silversand]

John&Joey wrote:
You'll enjoy the TX gulf coast then. If you want all that and nice weather then FL is the place...

...hmmm. With the exceptionally strong and persistent El Nino (solidly in place now), the Two-class Monthly & Seasonal Climate Outlooks are showing a very, very strong chance (60/40 to 70/30) of much colder than normal temperatures over this winter from Southern Arizona all the way to Alabama coast (Nov to December), and strongly colder from Southern Arizona all the way to the entire Florida peninsula (from December to ~end of February).

Even scarier is the 2-Class climate outlook precipitation for this 2015/2016 winter: a 70/30 to 80/20 chance of much higher than normal precipitation from Southern Arizona to entire Florida peninsula from November to ~end of December. And an exceptionally confidant above average precipitation from Southern California, through southern Arizona, through South Texas, Louisiana, and entire Florida peninsula (especially south of Orlando) from end of December till March. Bring your umbrellas and storm chasers!

...the absolute opposite for northern North America this winter (from roughly Kansas north, east and west): very, very strong chance of a warmer than everage November to March (especially Great Lakes and Northeast regions), with very strong chance of below normal precipitation (but remember: this is still the north, so warmer may mean temps in the 32F range daytime, rather than 15F range! Ice storms anyone?).

Anyhow, the climate regions are large, so spot predictions (ie. over a particular city or town) will be impossible this far out. Lets see what happens. Anyhow, we're scheduled for south Florida from Jan to end of Feb...I've got a feeling we will need to bring a buoyant vehicle raft with us :B

[John_Joey]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
... Heading home in the Spring can be a challenge during tornado season in the Midwest...

In the spring the I35 thing can be a challenge. We started to head over to Carthage, MO then up 71 to get back to I35.

For some reason there is a lot less drama with the weather. Yes, I know Joplin got hit hard a few years back, but we've had so much better luck weather wise along that route. Plus, IMO it's prettier.

BTW, Downriver Casino has free camping if you do go that route.

[B_O__Plenty]

John&Joey wrote:

B.O. Plenty wrote:
...the sand, dust, dirt and rocks got to me. It's like living in a big gravel pit. Not my cup of tea. We just need a change. Green grass, trees, water, fishing and some new scenery will be nice...

You'll enjoy the TX gulf coast then. If you want all that and nice weather then FL is the place. Cost will go up of course. Expect fog till maybe 11am and 15-25 mph wind the rest of the day on the TX Gulf coast during the winter.

If I was you I would split the winter up into three segments. Hill Country, Rockport, and Galveston Island. On the way home head to the Bolivar peninsula, over to Carthage, MO then up to MN.

We did the Hill Country for a few years. Liked it but it was time to move on. Haven't done the Gulf Coast or the valley yet. Heading home in the Spring can be a challenge during tornado season in the Midwest. We usually stay out til the end of April, wait for a break in the weather and haul butt up I-35 through TX, OK and stop for the night in KS. Then roll home the next day. 600-700 miles a day but sometimes we need to do that to go between the storms. Hill Country can be a little cold in Jan. We'll land somewhere. If we don't like it we can always move...Thanks to everyone for their suggestions..

B.O.

[John_Joey]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
...the sand, dust, dirt and rocks got to me. It's like living in a big gravel pit. Not my cup of tea. We just need a change. Green grass, trees, water, fishing and some new scenery will be nice...

You'll enjoy the TX gulf coast then. If you want all that and nice weather then FL is the place. Cost will go up of course. Expect fog till maybe 11am and 15-25 mph wind the rest of the day on the TX Gulf coast during the winter.

If I was you I would split the winter up into three segments. Hill Country, Rockport, and Galveston Island. On the way home head to the Bolivar peninsula, over to Carthage, MO then up to MN.

[TomG2]

Rockport is two hundred miles closer to snow if that is an attraction.

[joebedford]

joebedford wrote:
I've been to Rockport for a few overnights on the way to the RGV. What is there to do in that area for a long-term stay (not fishing)?

So other than fishing, not much. 🙂

[B_O__Plenty]

After spending the last 3 Winters in AZ anything will be better than the desert. While the weather couldn't have been nicer, the sand, dust, dirt and rocks got to me. It's like living in a big gravel pit. Not my cup of tea. We just need a change. Green grass, trees, water, fishing and some new scenery will be nice. I'm sure I'll find something there just need to keep digging..

B.O.

[LynnandCarol]

Rockport overall is a Salt Water Fishing town that holds major monthly fishing tournaments throughout the spring, summer, and fall. It has multiple fishing piers, and easy access to the many bays. Kayaking is also very popular with many paddling trails throughout the area. Rockport also has a very nice bay beach area (google Rockport Beach). It is a short drive to Port Aransas via the free ferry. Port Aransas beach can be driven on for miles, has a great fishing jetty, and you can also camp on the beach with an RV, or tent. Padre Island National Sea Shore is a short drive past Port-A. There is a new Gambling boat in Aransas Pass. The historic small town of Goliad is also a short drive and played a major role in the battle against the spanish and was a stopping off point on the way to the Alamo. It has a historic fort, cathedral, and hanging tree by the court house. San Antonio is only a 3 hour drive north and is very nice weekend trip. There are also many monthly festivals throughout the year in Rockport (SeaFare in October, and the Oyster Fest in March are the large ones) and all the surrounding areas. There is also monthly Flea markets and market days in the winter. Corpus Cristi is less than an hour away with the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier, Aquaruim, and other tourist attractions. I have attempted cover everything, but remember "Google" is your friend!

[joebedford]

I've been to Rockport for a few overnights on the way to the RGV. What is there to do in that area for a long-term stay (not fishing)?

[TomG2]

Come on down to the RGV. Warmer, cheaper, and plenty of vacancies.

[John_Joey]

For some odd reason when you call parks in Texas they are all full for the winter. When you show up with your nice rig, a genuine smile, and cash in hand, a spot always seems to opens up. :h

If you want a little more laid back just north is Port Lavaca. They have everything a snowbird needs without the internet hype.

People winter in their RV's along the Gulf from Galveston Island to SPI. Ever think about just doing all of it?

[LynnandCarol]

There is a new RV park opening Oct. 1 called Coastal Paradise. It at 188 and the 35 Bypass. Also try Wilderness Oaks, Hidden Oaks (By Goose
Island SP) and Bayview. Our RV Park has a waiting list for next year. We are here now if we can be of any assistance feel free to PM us! The area has become extremely popular and there are Winter Texans streaming in already to hit the beach and the great fall salt water fishing!

[pawatt]

Try something Near South Padre Island, Will be warmer too.