RV Camping in Port Aransas Amid Heartache and Celebration
It’s been ten days since we returned from our 4th of July RV trip in Port Aransas, and I’ve stared at this blank page more times than I can count. Usually, I write these posts with excitement, eager to share the laughter, the food, the little mishaps, and the memorable moments. But this time, it’s been harder. Much harder.
On the same day, we sat on the beach watching our grandkids play in the sand and have fun. There were families along the Guadalupe River who were losing everything. The flash flood that swept through the Hill Country took not only belongings but also precious lives. Children the same age as our granddaughter were swept away while they slept in their cabins. RV campers were lost in the raging river, which rose too fast for people to react. The heartbreak is too big to ignore, and it has weighed on me every day since.
Still, I decided to write this. Not to diminish the grief of others, but to honor the joy we were given. Maybe someone reading this needs a smile, a reminder of sweet memories, or simply a moment of light. So, here’s our story from Port Aransas and Gulf Waters RV Resort—told with a happy heart, and in memory of those who couldn’t write their own.
Wednesday Arrival: Spaghetti, Sand & Splashing
We arrived at Gulf Waters RV Resort in Port Aransas, Texas, on Wednesday around 4:00 p.m.—just an hour before the resort’s check-in cut-off time. The Port Aransas heat greeted us, but so did the warm smiles of our family, who had already been there since Monday. Their site was already cozy and lived-in, with chairs out and towels drying on the clothesline. We quickly set up our site and joined the group. Our patriotic reclining chairs and trash can, both from Camping World, were proudly on display. We probably shouldn’t have been as excited about them as we were.
Later that afternoon, we jumped into the golf cart and took a quick ride to the beach. There’s something about the sound of the ocean and the feel of salt air that resets everything. Even though we didn’t stay long, that little ride set the tone for the rest of the trip. But I must confess, my granddaughter asked to “pause the golf cart”, and jumped off heading towards the waves. I had to follow because I, too, missed the beach and the waves.
Dinner that night was spaghetti—simple and easy. Afterward, we capped off the evening with a visit to the resort pool. The kids played while the adults unwound, knowing we still had days of fun ahead.
Thursday: Slow Starts & Souvenirs
Thursday began slowly, as vacation days should. Coffee in hand, we chatted at the campsite. Late that morning, a group of us headed into Port Aransas for souvenir shopping. We browsed local shops, laughed at quirky t-shirts, and picked up a few trinkets to remember the trip.
Family and friends began to arrive in the afternoon and evening. Some were excited, others were tired. We gathered at one site and visited for a while, complaining about the lack of breeze. Meanwhile, it was Doo Doo’s turn to cook dinner. He made chicken and sausage jambalaya on the Blackstone™ with cornbread. This is one of my favorite camping dishes! Another visit to the pool after dinner. We had lots of visiting and laughter before heading to bed.
Friday: The Fourth of July – Tacos, Beach & Laughter
Friday was the Fourth of July, and the whole resort buzzed with patriotic energy.
With the huge American flag flying proudly from the back of our son’s truck, we shifted into full beach mode. But first—breakfast tacos. We browned sausage and bacon, scrambled eggs, and wrapped each taco in foil, tucking them neatly into a small cooler. This gave everyone a warm, tasty breakfast that they could grab when they were ready—a new-to-us beach hack.
Two of the guys left early to stake out our spot on the beach and set up our shade canopies—a must if you want to claim any real estate near the water in Port Aransas on a holiday. Once they set up, the rest of us followed with coolers, towels, chairs, and beach bags in tow.
The day was pure joy. Kids played in the sand, dug holes, and chased waves. Adults lounged, chatted, and soaked in the sun. We were a noisy group—laughing and grateful for the time together.
The late afternoon kicked off with something truly special—temporary tattoos. One of our youngest campers decided it was time for everyone to show their spirit. She declared that “Doo Doo” needed a tattoo right on his forehead. And to no one’s surprise, he agreed!
Our special dinner was a shrimp boil with all the fixings – corn, potatoes, sausage, and the star of the show – fresh shrimp. The grandkids weren’t ready to call it a night just yet, so we let them enjoy another swim in the pool while the grownups relaxed in the hot tub. We even made a few new friends—because that’s what RV life does. It brings people together.
Saturday: French Toast, Candy Shops & Dinner Plan B
Saturday morning’s breakfast was a feast. Once again, it was Doo Doo’s turn to cook. He made piles of golden French toast, crispy bacon, sizzling sausage, and a few pancakes just for good measure. It was a feast fit for a crowd, and everyone left the table full.
Since we had all caught a little too much sun on Friday, we decided to spend the early afternoon in town. First stop: the new candy shop with enough sugar to thrill the kids—and the adults, too. Most of us walked out with sweet treats we didn’t plan to buy but had to have.
We also stopped at a few shops that were refreshingly un-touristy. It was nice to find places that sold something besides the usual T-shirts and magnets. The pace was slow and easy—just what we needed.
Dinner plans, however, took a turn. Earlier in the week, I had bought ground beef for Saturday’s hamburgers, but I forgot to freeze it. By the time we went to prep it, it had turned icky—oops! So instead, we ordered pizza, which honestly hit the spot after a long day.
Some of our group packed up and left Saturday night to beat the traffic. The rest of us gathered at one of our sites, enjoying our time, soaking in our last night at camp.
Sunday: Saying Goodbye to the Beach
Sunday morning was the usual bustle—packing, dumping tanks, hooking up. The lines to leave the island were long, as expected. But no one was in too much of a rush. The weekend had been full, and we were headed home with sandy flip-flops, sun-kissed cheeks, and tired adults and children.
Final Reflections
This trip, like many before it, gave us memories we’ll treasure forever. But this time, those memories sit side by side with a sense of sadness. As we celebrated, others were mourning. As we floated in pools and built sandcastles, others were desperately searching for loved ones.
We didn’t ignore the tragedy—our hearts were breaking. Writing about our happy moments doesn’t erase the heartbreak of others. Instead, it’s a way to honor both. Life is often a mix of joy and sorrow, side by side.
So, if you’ve made it to the end of this post, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to share the laughter, the food, and the family time—even as we acknowledge the heartbreak that many are still facing.
We continue to pray for every family affected by the flooding on the Guadalupe River. May you feel comforted, seen, and supported.