RV camping in the Gardendale area primarily serves oil industry workers and Interstate 20 travelers. Located in the arid Permian Basin region of west Texas, most campgrounds feature minimal landscaping with gravel lots and basic amenities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, making climate control essential for comfortable stays.
What to do
Explore local resupply options: Midland RV Park provides convenient access to numerous shopping centers. "HEB, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, lots of resupply options in the area. We would stay here again," notes camper Erin H.
Visit nearby Midland: The Rusty Boot RV Park in Gardendale offers a strategic location for exploring the region. "Very friendly and welcoming staff, very level spots, bathroom was clean and upscale, and it was an overall quiet environment," writes Meesh M., who adds it's a good base "to check out more of Woody Harrelson's hometown."
Take advantage of on-site recreation: Park Place RV includes family amenities rarely found at other parks in the area. "Amazing playground and pool for families beautiful shower facilities, lots of washer and dryers. Full hook ups," reports Stephanie K.
What campers like
Friendly staff assistance: Midessa Oil Patch RV Park receives praise for its helpful personnel. "The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Maintenance helped my partner with our tail lights and refused pay," shares Shalise J., who paid "$40 for a pull through and full hookups."
Community atmosphere: Some parks foster a sense of community among longer-term residents. At Goldenrod RV Park, one resident notes: "I have made many friends here and it feels we are more like a family than we are friends. When you have a problem with something, the office gets it taken care of really fast."
After-hours convenience: For travelers arriving late, some parks offer organized self-check-in procedures. "I showed up to after hours checkin & the fact there were spots on a map marked that was open, was convenient," reports Alysa R. about Midessa Oil Patch RV Park.
What you should know
Construction challenges: Road construction can complicate access to some campgrounds. "There is a LOT of construction in the area making entry a challenge with some scary U Turns in the city because our Garmin doesn't register it," warns Erin H. about reaching Midland RV Park.
Limited amenities: Most parks prioritize functional accommodations over recreational features. At Mesquite Oasis RV Park, one camper notes: "$50 a night with full hookup, but a little pricey in my opinion for what you get. No shaded area. Does have a pool and laundry area."
Connectivity issues: Internet quality varies significantly between parks. "The WiFi was essentially useless, which would have been nice in this otherwise unremarkable locale," reports Stuart O. about Midland East RV Park, though another camper at the same location mentions "surprisingly strong internet."
Tips for camping with families
Look for rare recreational amenities: Family-friendly features are uncommon in this work-focused region. Park Place RV stands out with "Amazing playground and pool for families" according to visitor reviews.
Consider the industrial environment: The area's primary industry influences the camping experience. As Lynn G. notes about Midland East RV Park: "This is Oil Country! As far as the eye can see…and this is basically a field that they've bulldozed and put in full hook ups and rented out monthly to oil field workers. You can smell it on the breeze."
Check laundry facilities: When traveling with children, access to laundry becomes important. Midessa Oil Patch RV Park offers "cheap laundry" according to Shalise J., while Goldenrod RV Park receives positive mentions for its "laundry facility."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Many parks have tight spacing between sites. At Midessa Oil Patch RV Park, Bryan W. shares: "The lots are small. Had a back-in site. Staff escorted me to the site and helped me back in, however was right by the road."
Noise awareness: Highway and industrial noise affects many locations. "You can hear the highway traffic," mentions Lynn G. about Midland East RV Park, while Shalise J. notes Midessa Oil Patch RV Park "is close to the highway and railroad."
Monthly options: For longer stays, some parks offer extended-stay pricing. "Great place for a longterm or short term stay. Affordable and quiet. Easy access from freeway and close to Midland city for restaurants," notes Masroor F. about Midland East RV Park.
