Key takeaways
- Waco sits on I-35 about halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin, roughly 90 minutes from each.
- A base camp trip means you set up the RV once and explore with your tow vehicle or second car.
- Easy day trips include West, Mother Neff State Park, Salado and Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.
- Short driving days and a rest day or two make a Texas road trip far more enjoyable.
- We offer nightly, weekly and monthly stays, plus propane filling on site.
If you are planning a Texas road trip in an RV, Waco makes a smart base camp. It sits right on I-35, roughly halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin and about 90 minutes from each, so you can reach big-city attractions, small towns and state parks without moving your rig every day.
The idea is simple: park once, unhook, and wander. At Magnolia RV Resort you get a spacious, level site in a quiet, secluded setting, and you come back each evening to the same spot. Stay one night on your way through, or settle in for a week or a month and see Central Texas at your own pace.
Why Waco works as a Texas base camp
Location is the big reason. Interstate 35 connects Waco north to Dallas and Fort Worth and south to Austin. Houston is about three hours to the southeast on a more direct route through Texas 6. That puts a lot of the state within a reasonable day trip or a short repositioning drive.
Waco also has plenty to do on its own. Within about 15 minutes of our park you will find Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument. For a full list, see our guide to things to do near our Waco RV park.
RV travel vs. traditional travel
Plenty of Texans already know the appeal of traveling by RV. Here is how it compares with a hotel road trip.
| RV base camp | Hotels and a car | |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Unpack once for the whole trip | Repack every time you change hotels |
| Meals | Your own kitchen, so you choose when to eat out | Mostly restaurants |
| Pets | Usually travel with you; check each park’s rules | Limited to pet-friendly hotels |
| Flexibility | Easy to add a night or change plans | Depends on room availability |
| Trade-offs | Fuel, setup time and driving a large vehicle | Nightly room costs add up on long trips |
Slow travel: stay still, wander far
Slow travel means fewer moving days and more time actually seeing places. Instead of driving four or five hours every day, you stay put for several nights and take shorter trips in a smaller vehicle. Setting up and breaking camp takes real time and energy, so cutting the number of moves gives you hours back.
This is where longer stays pay off. We offer weekly and monthly stays, and a week or more usually costs less per night than hopping between parks. Call for current pricing and availability, and read more in our guide to weekly and monthly RV stays in Waco.
Day trips from a Waco base camp
Drive times below are approximate. I-35 traffic can add time, especially near Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin.
| Destination | Approximate drive | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| West | About 20 miles north | Czech heritage and kolache bakeries |
| Mother Neff State Park | About 32 miles southwest | Trails and a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Salado | About 50 minutes south | Historic village on the old Chisholm Trail |
| Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose | About 70 miles, roughly 1.5 hours | Dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed, about 20 miles of trails |
| Fort Worth Stockyards | Roughly 90 minutes north | Historic district with a cattle drive twice a day, weather permitting |
| Austin | Roughly 90 minutes south | State Capitol, live music and city dining |
One note on Dinosaur Valley: the tracks sit in the riverbed and are not always visible, so check the park’s current conditions before you go. History fans should also read our guide to Waco history day trips.
Outdoor adventures close to camp
- Cameron Park: 416 acres along the Brazos and Bosque rivers with more than 20 miles of trails and the Lovers Leap overlook.
- Lake Waco: parks run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating.
- Mother Neff State Park: short trails through prairie, canyons and river bottoms.
- Waco Surf: an inland surf park with a wave pool, a fun change of pace on a hot day.
Three ways to use Waco on a Texas road trip
One night at Magnolia
Driving I-35 between Dallas and Austin? Pull in for a night, stretch your legs with a walk across the Waco Suspension Bridge, and roll out in the morning. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, complimentary waffles, coffee and juice are served from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.
The long weekend
Spend day one downtown, with the museums and Magnolia Market at the Silos, and day two at Cameron Park or Lake Waco. Use day three for a single day trip such as West or Mother Neff.
The week-long base camp
Alternate busy days with easy ones. Mix two or three longer drives, like Glen Rose or Fort Worth, with local days and at least one full rest day at camp.
Pacing tips for a relaxed road trip
- Keep moving days short and plan to arrive at your park well before dark.
- Check traffic and road conditions before you leave. I-35 construction and rush hour can slow things down.
- Fill propane before a long stretch. We have propane filling on site.
- Confirm hours for attractions, since some close on certain days.
- If you drive a big rig, tell the park your length when you book. Our guide on Class A motorhome stays in Waco covers what to ask.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Waco from Dallas and Austin?
Waco is roughly halfway between Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin on I-35, about 90 minutes from each, depending on traffic.
Is it better to stay one night or use Waco as a base camp?
Both work. One night is a good break on an I-35 drive. If you want to see Central Texas, a weekly stay lets you take day trips without breaking camp.
Can I fill propane at Magnolia RV Resort?
Yes. We have propane filling on site for motor homes, camping and tanks.
Do you offer weekly and monthly rates?
Yes. We offer nightly, weekly and monthly stays. Call the office for current pricing and availability.
Make Waco your base camp
Ready to plan your Texas road trip? Call us at 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will reply within one day. Our office is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.
