Texas State Parks with WiFi

[SideRoads]

TPWD: Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) at State Parks

[RustyJC]

On a related note, all TxDOT rest areas have free wi-fi. See HERE.

Rusty

[Volunteer]

A few months ago I downloaded the TPWD WiFi list and used it along with a list of those state parks with full hookups to pick parks in which to stay on my travels around the Lone Star State.

First rattle out of the box, I pre-paid a week at Abilene State Park (they were on both lists) and had not even made it to my assigned space before realizing I had made a big mistake. Overhanging limbs ripped my rubber roof while backing into a very tight area, the spot they had assigned had a ground fault on the 30-amp outlet, and when I got no WiFi signal the response they supplied was that I had to bring a laptop to the office in order to get the signal. Of course, I don't have a laptop so I was having withdrawal symptoms after a week with no Internet.

But here's the point. I accept responsibility for all these problems. I should have understood that not all Texas state parks have big rigs in mind and available WiFi doesn't mean you can get it at your parking spot. And of course, one should always keep an eye on upper clearances as well as back and side clearances when backing into an unfamiliar area.

To be honest, I've pretty much written off Texas State Parks since I'm willing to pay an extra few dollars a night to get what I need in a place to park.

To prove the point, my next week was at a little RV park between Fort Worth and Amarillo that not only had lower rates that a Texas state park, but the WiFi was excellent and the laundry was free. That's right ... commercial Whirlpool machines but no coin boxes and no donation box.

Since this related note turned into a rant (sorry Side Roads) it's important for me to tell all readers that most of the problems at any Texas state park aren't the fault of TPWD. The Texas Legislature has gutted many state agencies and TPWD was hit as hard or harder than any other. (Can't believe I'm actually sitting here blaming politicians for problems in the real world.) Shame on me.

[SideRoads]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volunteer A few months ago I downloaded the TPWD WiFi list and used it along with a list of those state parks with full hookups to pick parks in which to stay on my travels around the Lone Star State. First rattle out of the box, I pre-paid a week at Abilene State Park (they were on both lists) and had not even made it to my assigned space before realizing I had made a big mistake. Overhanging limbs ripped my rubber roof while backing into a very tight area, the spot they had assigned had a ground fault on the 30-amp outlet, and when I got no WiFi signal the response they supplied was that I had to bring a laptop to the office in order to get the signal. Of course, I don't have a laptop so I was having withdrawal symptoms after a week with no Internet. But here's the point. I accept responsibility for all these problems. I should have understood that not all Texas state parks have big rigs in mind and available WiFi doesn't mean you can get it at your parking spot. And of course, one should always keep an eye on upper clearances as well as back and side clearances when backing into an unfamiliar area. To be honest, I've pretty much written off Texas State Parks since I'm willing to pay an extra few dollars a night to get what I need in a place to park. To prove the point, my next week was at a little RV park between Fort Worth and Amarillo that not only had lower rates that a Texas state park, but the WiFi was excellent and the laundry was free. That's right ... commercial Whirlpool machines but no coin boxes and no donation box. Since this related note turned into a rant (sorry Side Roads) it's important for me to tell all readers that most of the problems at any Texas state park aren't the fault of TPWD. The Texas Legislature has gutted many state agencies and TPWD was hit as hard or harder than any other. (Can't believe I'm actually sitting here blaming politicians for problems in the real world.) Shame on me.

Now, that's what I call valuable information, and not a rant. no apology necessary or expected.

Based on the TWPD disclaimer I would not necessarily expect to access the wifi at all sites, just that it is available. Reminds me of the old dialup days where you had to go to the park office.

RV Park Reviews saved me exactly from a situation like that on one occasion. I just thought the wifi info might help someone. The low branches, etc.....no excuses for that.....they could use a volunteer to fixt that. Sorry, you had a problem to that degree.

You can post here also, if you are interested: Thanks for the info.
RV Park Reviews :: Abilene, Texas ( TX ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

[Dixie Plus 2]

Thanks, good info. What is the name of the other campground you found with free laundry. Other other place I've seen that was at a LA State Park.

[Volunteer]

The name of the place on U.S. 287 with free laundry and free WiFi is the Sunset RV park. If you blink while going through Sunset, Texas, you'll miss it.

Fair warning ... it's not a destination spot. It's all gravel and getting level in some of the spaces is a bit tricky. First time I stayed there, I let the air out of the bags and there I was, sitting level. Last visit, I stayed two spaces away and had to break out my Lynx.

The price is fair, the WiFi works off DSL and is about the best DSL I've ever hooked into.

Oh, and there is a code-key outside entrance to the laundry and showers so they're pretty much 24-hour. And did I mention, clean?