When families map out a trip to Houston, choices about lodging often lean toward hotels or vacation rentals. But staying in an RV resort, such as Sheldon Lake RV Resort, opens up a whole different way to travel: more space, more flexibility, time outdoors, and often better value. We believe an RV resort can be the ideal home base for families visiting Houston—and here’s exactly why, plus tips on making the most of a stay.
Why Choose an RV Resort for a Family Trip
Before talking specifics, let’s outline why an RV resort should be on your radar if you’re traveling with kids.
- Space & Privacy — Instead of cramped hotel rooms, RV resorts give you more breathing room: your own rig or cabin, outdoor space for kids to play, common areas to spread out.
- Amenities for Families — Many RV resorts now include laundry, playground facilities, communal kitchens or BBQs, bathhouses, etc. This reduces stress when traveling with children.
- Balance of Outdoors + City Access — RV resorts often are positioned to give families both nature and easy access to city attractions. You can relax by campfires one day, then visit a museum, zoo, or shopping mall the next.
- Cost Savings & Flexibility — You control more of your meals (thanks to kitchens or pantry spaces), you can bring bikes, games, pets more easily, reduce costs of multiple hotel rooms. Also, you can stay longer without hotel-escalation pricing.
With those in mind, let’s dive into what makes Sheldon Lake RV Resort particularly family-friendly, and what Houston has to offer that makes it a great destination for kids and parents alike.
What Sheldon Lake RV Resort Offers Families
From what we know, Sheldon Lake RV Resort is well suited for families. Here are standout features:
Spacious, Comfortable Accommodations
- The property covers over 10.6 acres, with 117 RV pads, 5 cabins, and 2 park model homes. That gives families flexibility: if you prefer to bring your own rig, or try a cabin for part of your stay.
- Each RV site has full hookups and complimentary Wi-Fi. That’s key for keeping kids entertained, parents working or planning, streaming shows, etc.
Family-Friendly Amenities
- Laundry facilities, bathroom & shower facilities: these are critical when traveling with children, and having them on site saves time.
- Clubhouse & community spaces: Sheldon Lake offers a brand new clubhouse with lounge, TV, coffee station, and a large pantry for preparing food. There’s also an outdoor BBQ station, picnic tables, games, etc. These spaces allow families to cook together, dine outdoors, socialize, or take refuge from hot Texas afternoons.
- Security, maintenance and comfort: 24-hour management/maintenance, stabilized driveways, storage rentals, and golf cart rentals help reduce friction when traveling with kids. Less stress over logistics means more fun.
Location That Works
- The resort is located roughly 5 minutes from Sheldon Lake State Park, which offers nature, trails, wildlife viewing. For kids, being near a state park gives opportunities for outdoor activities without long travel.
- It’s also about 20 minutes from downtown Houston, meaning many of the city’s “must-see” family attractions are reasonably accessible. Museums, aquariums, zoos, major parks—these can all be day trips without staying in the city center.
Top Family Attractions in Houston & Nearby
If you base your stay at Sheldon Lake RV Resort, you can plan a mix of nearby outdoors + big city fun. Here are top picks that are especially good for families.
| Attraction | Why It’s Great for Families | Approx Travel Time from Resort* |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Zoo | Kids love animals; zoo has a lot of interactive and educational elements; good mix of rest and exploration. | ~25-30 minutes depending on traffic. |
| Children’s Museum Houston | Hands-on exhibits, great for younger and older kids both; very engaging. | ~25-30 minutes. |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science | Dinosaurs, planetarium, butterfly center—classic family-friendly blockbuster museum. | ~30-35 minutes. |
| Downtown Aquarium | Combines aquarium exhibits with rides, dining, games—so fun ‘theme park’ feel without going far. | ~25-30 minutes. |
| Buffalo Bayou Park | Outdoor green space, walking/biking trails, playgrounds, chance to stretch legs and enjoy nature within the city. | ~25-35 minutes. |
| Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | Nature trails, ponds, wildlife, quieter space when you want outdoor calm. | ~30-35 minutes. |
Travel times estimate depending on traffic, starting from Sheldon Lake RV Resort.
Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Family Trip Using Sheldon Lake RV as Base
Here’s how you might structure a family trip staying at Sheldon Lake RV Resort, balancing rest, adventure, and city highlights.
| Day | Morning | Midday | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, set up at RV or cabin, explore resort, relax by campfire or picnic. | Lunch cooked at site or at clubhouse. | Drive to Buffalo Bayou Park: walk trails, let kids play. | Dinner in town, maybe in the Museum District, then back to resort for rest. |
| Day 2 | Head to Houston Museum of Natural Science. | Lunch nearby. | Visit Houston Zoo; maybe catch a snack or ice cream. | Return to resort early: BBQ or cookout, movie night or games in clubhouse. |
| Day 3 | Nature day: Sheldon Lake State Park for hiking, wildlife spotting. | Picnic in park. | Maybe drive into the Arboretum or relax at resort (kids swim or play). | Family dinner in town, maybe themed restaurant good for kids. |
| Day 4 | Morning swim or games at resort. | Check out of Resort and do a lighter activity like Downtown Aquarium. | Lunch, then departure. |
Practical Tips for Making the Most of a Family RV Resort Stay
To ensure the trip is smooth, comfortable, and memorable, think ahead on a few logistic and planning details:
- Pack for Comfort and Outdoors
Even though amenities are good, Texas can be hot; bring sunscreen, hats, portable shade. Also good shoes, insect repellent. Bring entertainment for kids for down times (books, games, tablets). - Know Your Hookups & Power Needs
Confirm your RV’s electrical needs (30 vs 50 amp), water, sewer lines. If staying in a cabin, check what kitchen supplies are there or if it’s better to bring essentials. Sheldon Lake has full hookups. - Plan Meals, Especially Ones Outside the RV
You’ll want some “home cooked” meals (makes travel easier), but also plan some restaurant days. Houston has excellent family-friendly dining. Using facilities like the clubhouse, pantry, BBQs can help mix in homemade meals to reduce fatigue and cost. - Schedule Balanced Days
Children and parents both need breaks. Don’t pack the days so full that evenings are exhausting. Using the resort’s amenities (clubhouse, picnic areas, lounging) helps you rest mentally and physically between outings. - Check Weather & Seasonal Events
Houston summers are hot and humid; spring/fall are sweeter. Also keep track of local events, festivals, etc. They can offer great opportunities (or sometimes cause traffic surprises). - Safety & Health
Make sure the resort has first-aid resources (or you bring basics). Know where the nearest medical facility is. Keep an eye on kids around water (lakes, pools), always keep gates or barriers secure.
Comparing Costs & Value: RV Resort vs Hotels
Many families assume hotels are easier, but in many cases, RV resorts win on value. Here are factors to compare:
| Cost Factor | Hotels | RV Resort (using Sheldon Lake as example) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Cost per Night | Often higher for larger rooms or multiple room needs. | Can be less, especially if you use your own RV or stay in cabins. Plus amenities included. |
| Dining / Food Costs | Usually eating out a lot. | More meals you cook or prepare onsite; use of pantry or BBQs reduces cost. |
| Extras (laundry, WiFi, parking) | Might pay per amenity. | Many amenities come included or at lower marginal cost. |
| Location Convenience | Hotels are often in or near city center; less drive to sights. | Sheldon Lake is ~20 mins from many major attractions—moderate drive—but offset by calm and space. |
In many cases, families find they get more relaxation, better memories, less stress when staying at a place like Sheldon Lake.
Potential Drawbacks & How to Mitigate Them
No lodging option is perfect. Here are some issues specific to RV resorts, plus strategies to address them:
- Drive Times: Because you’re a bit removed from downtown, some attractions require travel. Mitigation: plan outings in grouped clusters to avoid back-and-forth; avoid peak traffic hours.
- Weather Sensitivity: Heat, storms, humidity can affect outdoor plans. Mitigation: pick indoor attractions on hot afternoons; check forecasts; plan flexibility.
- Limited On-site Entertainment for Some Ages: Not all campsites have facilities for very young children or teens. Mitigation: bring games, plan off-site outings, choose resort with good communal amenities — Sheldon Lake has clubhouse, games, lounge.
- Amenities Variation: Some RV resorts’ amenities may not match hotel luxury. Mitigation: read reviews (for cleanliness, maintenance), choose resort with strong family-oriented amenities. Sheldon Lake is well rated on many of these fronts.
Why Sheldon Lake RV Resort Could Be the Ideal Base for Your Family Trip
In summary, here are the key strengths that make Sheldon Lake RV a strong contender for families visiting Houston:
- Excellent Amenities — full hookups, Wi-Fi, clubhouse, games, laundry, pantry, showers/restrooms, etc. These reduce friction and make life easier with kids.
- Balance of Nature & Urban Access — close to Sheldon Lake State Park plus not too far from city parks, museums, aquariums, zoo, botanical gardens. Offers diversity of activities.
- Flexibility in Accommodation — RV pads, cabins, park models. Good if you have multi-age children or mixed needs (some like cabin comfort, others like RV life).
- Family-friendly Environment — communal spaces, outdoor BBQ zones, picnic tables, safe grounds, clean facilities. These give options for relaxing evenings, free/low-cost fun.
- Cost-effectiveness — especially when factoring in meals you prepare, shared family spaces, amenities included.
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for Your Family?
Every family is different. If yours values space, flexibility, outdoor time, and being close enough to Houston’s big family attractions, an RV resort like Sheldon Lake might not only be sufficient—it might make the trip more memorable. If, however, you prefer being in the heart of city nightlife, ultra-luxury hotels, or zero driving, a central hotel might still appeal. But for many families, the trade-offs lean strongly toward RV resorts.
From our view, for many families, Sheldon Lake RV Resort offers the kind of experience that combines freedom, nature, and ease—with just enough proximity to Houston’s attractions—to make your family trip both relaxing and adventure travelling.
If you are planning a trip soon, consider making a short list of what matters most: comfort vs cost, outdoors vs city access, cooking vs eating out, schedule flexibility. Then compare Sheldon Lake RV Resort and similar RV resorts vs hotels under those criteria.
