Blogs

One day, midday heat made us lazy. We decided to drive to South Padre Island for some beach time. We packed coolers with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cold drinks, and hit the road. The drive across the valley into the coastal zone felt like transitioning worlds. At...

I brought my camera on this trip hoping to capture something more than postcards. On Day 5, I woke early and hiked the trails inside Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. The silence was deep, broken only by the drip of dew onto leaves, occasional bird song, and the...

I always tell myself: the best part of camping isn’t the place — it’s the people you meet. At Bentsen Palm Village, that’s proven true more than once. On Day 2, while adjusting my leveling jacks, a neighbor in the next row came over and offered a hand. We swapped...

We decided to stay for a full week. That gave us time to sink in, slow down, and get acquainted with the rhythms of Bentsen Palm Village. Morning routines settled in: coffee outside, strolls through the palms, journaling, watching butterflies drift through gardens. By...

Because Bentsen Palm Village sits near water systems and natural areas, we decided to bring along our inflatable kayak. On our sixth morning, we loaded it onto the car roof rack and drove a few miles to a quiet river access point near the Rio Grande Valley. We...

When we vacation, I sometimes worry: will my daughter get bored? At Bentsen Palm Village, she never did. On Day 5, after breakfast latkes (pan-fried potato pancakes, made in a skillet with shredded potato, onion, egg, and a dash of salt), she begged to try the craft...

One of my favorite parts about RV camping is the chance to cook things you rarely make at home — things that smell like escape. On our fourth night, I decided to break out my 5-qt Dutch oven and make a smoky, hearty chili to feed us for leftovers. In the late...

I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. — before sunrise — because I’d heard that bird activity is richest at first light. At 6:00, I slipped into my boots and wandered quietly along the edge of the resort toward the state park trails. The world was cool and still. Mist hovered...

On Day 3, the skies turned overcast and a light rain began to fall. We’d planned an outdoor hike, but the weather had other ideas. I reminded myself: vacations aren’t ruined by rain — they’re just a chance to pivot. We wandered over to the resort’s clubhouse and event...

I rolled out of bed that first morning at Bentsen Palm Village, stretched, and peeked out of our RV’s blinds. Dew clung to the grass around the level pad; the air was soft and humid. The distant calls of birds greeted me.We’d driven nearly all day yesterday from home,...