The Rio Grande Valley provides year-round camping options with mild winter temperatures averaging 70°F during peak season from November through April. RV camping near Weslaco, Texas centers around adult-oriented resorts catering primarily to retirees and seasonal visitors seeking warm weather escapes. Many facilities restrict children and maintain strict age policies while offering extensive social activities.
What to do
Border exploration opportunities: Harlingen serves as a convenient base for excursions to Matamoros and other Mexican border towns. A camper at Encore Fun-N-Sun notes, "We love the winter weather! Close to Mexican border town. The park has a lot of activities during the winter season. Most activities end March 31."
Birding excursions: The Rio Grande Valley region houses numerous wildlife refuges with world-class bird watching opportunities within an hour's drive. A visitor at Encore Sunshine explained, "This was a great spot for us because we were close to many good birding spots. Estero Llano, South Padre Island, Santa Ana, Hugh Ramsey Park, and Laguna Atascosa NWR are within an hour drive."
Organized resort activities: Most RV resorts maintain dedicated activity calendars with scheduled events designed for long-term winter residents. At Encore Tropic Winds, one camper mentioned, "Loved all the activities/entertainment they offered. DID NOT like the daily winds of 13-40 mph."
What campers like
Pet-friendly accommodations: Many area resorts provide dedicated facilities for travelers with animals. According to a review of Encore Lakewood, "If you are near the border and are looking for a great place for your furry companion, Lakewood RV Resort is a great stop. It's near South Padre Island, and the border."
Quiet off-season atmosphere: Summer and spring visitors often find significantly lower occupancy rates and peaceful surroundings. "We stayed here a month in April 2019. It was off-season and the park was very quiet. Many times, it felt like we had to place to ourselves," reported a camper at Encore Sunshine.
Recreational facilities: Resorts typically maintain pools, recreation halls, and sports courts specifically designed for active retirees. "Full RV hookups, pools, billiards, and outdoor activities for all ages, but especially seniors. I can't recommend this place enough!" noted a visitor at Encore Lakewood.
What you should know
Age restrictions apply: Most RV resorts enforce 55+ policies with limited exceptions. A camper at Encore Sunshine explained, "We are not 55+, but according to the office staff they are an 80/20 park so up to 20% of occupants can be less than 55. They do, however, restrict people with kids. Doesn't hurt to call and ask if you are interested in staying."
Wind conditions: The Rio Grande Valley experiences consistent strong winds, particularly during winter months. A reviewer at Encore Tropic Winds specifically mentioned the "daily winds of 13-40 mph" as the only negative aspect of their stay.
Seasonal pricing differences: Rates increase substantially during winter months when snowbird demand peaks. Monthly stays provide significant discounts over daily rates, with a camper noting, "The price for a month stay plus electricity was reasonable" at Encore Sunshine.
Tips for camping with families
Limited child-friendly options: Many RV parks explicitly restrict children or maintain quiet environments designed for retirees. One visitor at Encore Sunshine mentioned that the resort does "restrict people with kids" though exceptions may be available by contacting management directly.
Beach alternatives: South Padre Island offers family-friendly beaches within an hour's drive from most Weslaco area campgrounds. A camper at Encore Lakewood mentioned it's "near South Padre Island," making day trips feasible.
Weather considerations: Spring brings comfortable temperatures before summer heat intensifies. "It was starting to get a bit warm while we were there, but they do have a nice breeze most of the time, so mosquitoes were not an issue," reported a camper staying in April at Encore Sunshine.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Most resorts provide concrete pads designed for larger recreational vehicles. "Our site was nice and level and we had full hook-up," mentioned a visitor at Encore Sunshine who stayed for a month.
Reservation timing: Securing winter reservations requires advanced planning, often months ahead. The area becomes extremely popular from January through March, with many visitors extending their stays. "We originally were going to stay two weeks, but we extended due to the great birding in the area," reported one RVer.
Spacious site options: Some parks offer more generous spacing between camping units than typically found in snowbird destinations. "This camp is filled with any amenities you're looking for in a camp site. It's worth your visit!" noted a camper at Encore Tropic Winds.
