RV Living

So, preparations were on a whole new level. We packed up some of our favorite Nigerian delicacies like Jollof and fried rice, chicken stew, and of course, puff-puff to keep everyone’s bellies happy. My friend also made her delicious grilled chicken deli, so we were more than ready for the journey.

The day before the trip, we picked up our RV from Cruise America and spent time loading it up for the adventure ahead. The RV was big and spacious and  the kids were absolutely thrilled. On travel day, we packed everything up, and by noon, Mr. B arrived with his babies, and we set off.

The drive from Houston to South Padre Island was long, but the changing scenery kept us captivated. As we left the bustling cityscape of Houston behind, the roads stretched out into vast open lands dotted with green fields and distant ranches. The air felt fresher with every mile. Closer to South Padre Island, the view transformed completely , sparkling blue waters, bridges arching over shimmering bays, and palm trees lining the roads welcomed us like we were stepping into a coastal paradise.

Our first stop was the KOA South Padre Island RV Park.

One of the highlights of our RV trip was definitely our stay at KOA South Padre Island. Nestled just at the edge of the island and perfectly located for family adventures, this RV park was more than just a place to plug in, it became a central hub for some of the best memories we created.

The Park Itself

KOA South Padre Island is clean, well-managed, and designed with convenience in mind. As we pulled in and set up, we immediately noticed how organized and family-friendly the entire setup was. The lots were spacious, hookups were easy, and the grounds were quiet but full of life. There was a sparkling pool on-site, perfect for cooling off during those warm South Texas afternoons, and a fully equipped recreational center where the kids could play games and just be kids.

One of the biggest advantages? The proximity to everything. Within walking distance, we were able to enjoy beach access, restaurants, and attractions that gave off serious theme park energy without the long lines and chaos.

Beach water Park 

Just a short walk from our RV spot was a vibrant beachfront resort that had serious Six Flags energy, think outdoor games, water play areas, and beachside activities for all ages. It was lively and full of color, music, and movement,  just being nearby gave us all that festive vacation feeling.

The kids were completely in their element running barefoot on the warm sand, getting sun burnt on multiple lazy river turns, and enjoying the activities within the park

Dolphin Watching & Sunset Cruise

One of the unforgettable moments of the trip was our boat cruise along the bay. We booked a dolphin watching and sunset combo, and it was magical. The boat glided across the calm waters of the Laguna Madre as we spotted pods of playful dolphins jumping and splashing around us, the kids couldn’t believe their eyes. Even though two of my girls got nervous from the beginning, they adjusted and joined in the fun.

As the sun began to set, the entire sky turned gold, orange, and pink. It felt like time stood still. There was a soft breeze in the air, good music in the background, and laughter all around  the kind of evening you want to bottle up and keep forever.

Dining by the Sea

we also walked to one of the nearby seafood restaurants (there are plenty of great options lined up along the bay). We picked a cozy, family-friendly spot where we enjoyed some good food.

Fresh shrimp, tacos, grilled fish, fried fish, everything was flavorful, and the atmosphere was laid back but elevated. It was one of those meals that hit differently because of how good the setting was.

The walk back to KOA from dinner was its own little adventure. The island was still alive with energy, live music playing in the distance, golf carts passing by, twinkling lights wrapped around palm trees, and the smell of salt and barbecue in the air.

The kids skipped ahead, giggling about God knows what at dinner, and we strolled behind them, watching the stars come out. It was a simple walk, but one that left us all feeling content and connected like everything about that day just fit.

Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couple’s escape, or just want to dip your toes into RV life, KOA South Padre Island and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of relaxation, beachside fun, and adventure, all within reach of your RV door.

Leaving the coast behind, the journey to New Braunfels was like stepping into a different world. The lush greenery, rolling hills, and the winding Guadalupe River made the drive absolutely stunning. Texas has a way of surprising you with its contrasts – from beaches to countryside beauty in just a few hours.

Our destination was the brand-new Camp Landa Resort, and it felt like arriving in heaven. From the moment we rolled in, we could tell this place had been designed with families in mind. The layout was spacious, the grounds were pristine, and the energy? Calm, relaxed, and ready for fun.

Our RV spot was directly across from the pool, which turned out to be the ultimate parenting win, we got to enjoy every moment of the sun and splash without losing sight of the kids. The pool itself was gorgeous, with clear water, comfortable lounge areas, and just the right depth for little swimmers and grown-up chillers alike. Mr. B, in his usual charming way, told me, “Babe, go have fun with the kids, I got dinner.” I was genuinely impressed , he always manages to back up his words with actions, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. 

But let’s talk about the pool bar… because Mr. C, the man behind the magic, did not disappoint. Every drink he brought us was better than the last. Fruity, refreshing, or bold he had it all. I’m still thinking about that tea cocktail I didn’t know I needed.

Camp Landa didn’t just stop at poolside luxury. The family activity center added a whole other layer of joy. We spent one afternoon getting hands on with ceramic painting, paint everywhere, laughs everywhere, and keepsakes we’ll probably never throw away.

While we crafted, the guys got competitive with some good ol’ ping pong battles that lasted way too long but kept everyone entertained.

And as if the day couldn’t get better, Mr. B surprised me with another pair of Havaianas! Now I’ve got a Disney pair and a resort style pair to my name lol  no, I will not be sharing pictures (so stop asking!). But I’m definitely wearing them with pride.

Our last night was everything you’d want an RV evening to be. We grilled steaks under the stars, the scent floating through the campground and drawing smiles from everyone who passed by.

Once the meat was devoured, we shifted into full marshmallow roasting mode. I’ll admit,  I completely suck at roasting marshmallows, But the kids? They were living their best lives, gooey fingers and all, and that was the only thing that mattered.

What truly made Camp Landa special aside from the facilities and activities was the staff. Every single person we encountered was kind, helpful, and genuinely invested in making sure families like ours had the best experience possible.

I loved every single moment we spent there. It wasn’t just a place to park the RV, it felt like a little retreat tucked away in the Hill Country, where laughter echoed, cocktails flowed, and memories were made by the hour.

Would I go back?

In a heartbeat.

But next time… I’ll practice my marshmallow skills ahead of time.

Of course, he couldn’t resist throwing in a little shade about how nervous I’d be driving the RV myself. He mentioned wanting to own one so we could always go camping as a family. I told him I’d only agree to it once a year unless we got a bigger RV where we wouldn’t be so cramped – still thinking about that one!

Every single day on this trip was fantastic. When the last day came, it felt a bit strange packing everything up, but we were thankful to get home safely. The drive back to Houston was filled with laughter, music, and lots of snack breaks, the perfect way to wrap up our adventure.

This RV trip was a huge success, thanks to Cruise America RV Rental, KOA South Padre Island, and Camp Landa Resort in New Braunfels. From the coastal beauty of South Padre Island to the serene countryside of New Braunfels and back to the heart of Houston, we made memories that will last a lifetime.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely – though maybe just once a year (unless Mr. B upgrades us to that bigger RV he’s dreaming about)!

Here are practical travel tips for families planning an RV trip through Texas:

1. Choose the Right RV Size

• Make sure the RV has enough sleeping space for everyone to be comfortable, especially on longer trips.

• If you have a large family, consider renting a Class C or Class A RV so you’re not cramped.

2. Plan Your Route Ahead

• Texas is huge ; travel times can be much longer than you think.

• Map out your stops and book RV parks or resorts in advance, especially during peak seasons.

• Factor in scenic stops like coastal viewpoints, small Texas towns, or state parks for breaks.

3. Pack Familiar Comforts from Home

• Bring your kids’ favorite blankets, pillows, and a few toys to make the RV feel like home.

• Having familiar food (or homemade meals like Jollof rice or grilled chicken) can help picky eaters feel comfortable.

4. Stock Up on Essentials Before You Hit the Road

• Groceries, water, and toiletries can be more expensive or limited near resort areas.

• Always carry extra snacks and drinks to avoid constant stops.

5. Bring Entertainment for the Road

• Long drives can feel even longer for kids, so bring tablets, books, coloring kits, or travel games.

• Download movies or music playlists in advance for areas with spotty Wi-Fi.

6. Pack for All Weather Conditions

• Texas weather can change quickly ; from beach heat to hill country cool.

• Bring layers, swimwear, and even light jackets for evenings.

7. Take Advantage of RV Park Amenities

• Choose RV resorts with pools, playgrounds, and recreation centers. They give kids space to burn energy.

• KOA and newer resorts like Camp Landa often have full bathrooms, which makes life much easier.

8. Practice RV Setup Before You Go

• If it’s your first time, learn how to plug in water, electricity, and sewage connections before you’re on the road.

• Do a practice run at home for packing and sleeping arrangements.

9. Keep a Flexible Schedule

• Don’t pack too much into one day ; road trips with kids always take longer than expected.

• Build in downtime so the trip doesn’t feel rushed.

10. Document the Memories

• Texas has gorgeous landscapes ; beaches, rivers, ranches, and rolling hills.

• Keep your camera handy and let the kids take photos too; they love being part of the adventure.

Drive Safe.