Key takeaways

• Your first trip goes best when you learn four jobs before you leave: hooking up power, hooking up water, dumping tanks and leveling.
• Use a surge protector, a drinking-water hose and a water pressure regulator every time you hook up.
• Dump the black tank first, then the gray tank, and keep the black valve closed until you are ready to dump.
• Pack light, arrive in daylight, and call the park ahead to confirm your site length and hookups.

If you are new to RVing, the short answer is this: you do not need to know everything, just a handful of basics. Learn how to connect power and water safely, how to empty your holding tanks, and how to get your rig level. Pack only what you will use, and plan to arrive with daylight to spare. Everything else you will pick up as you go.

We see a lot of first-timers at our park in Waco, and the ones who relax fastest are the ones who practiced at home first. Below is the plain-English version of what we wish every new RVer knew before their first night out.

Hookups: power, water and sewer

Most RV sites give you some mix of electric, water and sewer connections. Before you book anywhere, ask which ones the site has and what electrical service the pedestal offers. Our guide on what to look for in an RV park covers the other questions worth asking.

Electric

RVs usually run on 30 amp or 50 amp service, and the plugs are different. If your rig and the pedestal do not match, you will need an adapter, often called a dogbone. Put a surge protector between the pedestal and your cord, ideally one that shuts power off automatically when voltage goes too high or too low. Turn the pedestal breaker off before you plug in or unplug.

Water

Use a hose made for drinking water, not your garden hose, and keep it separate from anything you use for rinsing tanks. Add a pressure regulator at the spigot to protect your plumbing; one with a gauge lets you see the actual pressure. In freezing weather, many RVers disconnect the hose and run off the fresh tank instead.

Sewer and dumping tanks

Your RV has a black tank (toilet) and a gray tank (sinks and shower). Put on disposable gloves, connect a sturdy sewer hose, and open the black valve first. When it is empty, open the gray valve so the soapy water rinses the hose. Even at a full hookup site, keep the black valve closed between dumps. Leaving it open lets liquids drain and solids stay behind, which is how clogs start. Many owners wait until the black tank is about two-thirds full so there is enough water to carry everything out.

Leveling and setup on arrival

A level rig sleeps better, and doors and drawers behave. For a travel trailer, the usual order is: level side to side with blocks under the low tires while still hitched, chock the wheels, unhitch, level front to back with the tongue jack, then lower the stabilizers. Stabilizers stop bounce; they are not for lifting the trailer. Motorhomes with leveling jacks follow the manual for that system. Our sites are level and well kept, which makes this step quicker, but carry blocks anyway since no two parks are the same.

Here is a simple arrival checklist you can save to your phone:

1. Check in at the office and confirm your site.
2. Walk the site before backing in. Look for low branches, the pedestal and the sewer connection.
3. Use a spotter and agree on hand signals.
4. Level, chock and stabilize.
5. Breaker off, surge protector in, power cord on, breaker on.
6. Regulator, drinking hose, water on.
7. Sewer hose connected, black valve closed.
8. Slides and awning out only after you check for clearance.

What to pack for a stress-free first trip

New RVers almost always overpack. Weight adds up fast, and every extra item needs a home. Start with the gear you truly need, then add comforts after a trip or two.

Organizing and simple upgrades

You do not need a renovation to make an RV feel roomier. Small changes go a long way:

• Use soft bins and stackable containers so nothing rattles loose on the road.
• Add command hooks for keys, hats and towels.
• Keep a dedicated bin for hookup gear so setup is one trip to the bay.
• Swap in a better mattress topper and blackout curtains for real sleep.

For comfort from day one, bring your own pillow, a rug for the entry, and an outdoor mat. Keep the first trip short and close to home so small problems are easy to fix.

Photography tips for RVers

The best light comes in the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Put people or your rig in the foreground for scale, keep the horizon straight, and wipe your phone lens before every shot. Ask before photographing other campers or their rigs.

Campground etiquette

• Do not cut through other people’s sites.
• Keep music and voices down, especially after dark, and follow posted quiet hours.
• Keep pets leashed and pick up after them.
• Leave your site cleaner than you found it.

Common first-trip mistakes

• Driving off with the antenna up, steps out, or the power cord still plugged in. Do a slow walk-around before every departure.
• Arriving after dark at an unfamiliar park.
• Forgetting to check propane. Our park offers propane filling on site, but plenty of places do not.
• Planning too many miles in one day. Short drive days are more fun.

If you want an easy first trip, a place with level sites and a staffed office helps a lot. Here is what to expect when you stay with us, and if you are bringing kids, our family RV getaway guide has ideas for keeping everyone happy.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your first RV trip with us

Our office is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, and we are glad to answer beginner questions. Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will get back to you within one day.

The post RV Camping for Beginners: Hookups, Packing and Setup appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• We offer nightly, weekly and monthly stays. Call 254-799-3105 for current pricing and availability.
• Weekly and monthly stays usually cost less per night than paying night by night.
• Longer stays suit traveling workers, families visiting Waco and RVers who want a quiet base.
• Before you book a month anywhere, ask about utilities, deposits, payment timing and what happens if your plans change.

If you are staying in Waco for more than a few nights, a weekly or monthly RV stay almost always costs less per night than paying night by night. Call our office and we will quote nightly, weekly and monthly pricing for your dates.

Below we break down the numbers, explain who longer stays suit best, and list the questions worth asking any park before you commit to a month. Call 254-799-3105 for current pricing and availability, since rates can change.

What weekly and monthly stays cost at our park

Pricing depends on your dates, stay length and site, so we quote it by phone. Call the office for current pricing and availability before you plan your budget.

Why a monthly stay costs less per night

Every arrival and departure takes work for a park: checking guests in, preparing the site and handling reservations. A guest who stays a month keeps a site filled steadily, so parks can offer a much lower rate per night. For you, that means a lower bill and fewer moves.

A weekly rate sits in the middle. It still saves real money over nightly pricing without tying you down for a full month.

Who long stays suit

Traveling workers

If a job brings you to the Waco area for weeks or months, an RV park can be a practical home base. You keep your own bed and kitchen, and a monthly rate keeps housing costs predictable.

Families visiting Waco

Whether you are near family, visiting a Baylor student or getting to know the area before a move, a weekly or monthly stay gives you time without the cost of a hotel. Being family- and pet-friendly, our park makes it easier to bring everyone along.

RVers who want a quiet base

Some travelers simply want to slow down. Parking for a month lets you explore Central Texas in day trips and come back to the same quiet spot each night. Our guide to planning a Texas road trip with Waco as base camp has ideas for those days out.

Why book a weekly stay

• More time to settle: unpack once, level once and enjoy the trip instead of packing up every morning.
• Easier with kids and pets: a steady routine helps everyone, and you are not always on the move.
• Flexibility: a week gives you room to adjust plans around weather, work or a Baylor game.
• Time to explore: a week is enough to see the museums, parks and downtown without rushing. Our list of things to do near our RV park is a good place to start.

Five reasons our park suits longer stays

1. A quiet, secluded setting in Waco, which matters more the longer you stay.
2. Spacious, level, well-maintained sites, with ample parking for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes, plus new side concrete lots.
3. Propane filling on site, so you do not have to haul tanks across town.
4. Complimentary waffles, coffee and juice every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.
5. Nightly, weekly and monthly options, with an office open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

We also host seasonal events for guests, such as our Halloween party with a costume contest for kids, adults and pets. You can see more in what to expect at Magnolia RV Resort.

What to ask before booking a monthly stay

These questions are worth asking any RV park, including ours, before you commit to a month.

• Is electricity included, or is it metered and billed separately?
• What are the deposit and payment schedule?
• How is the rate handled if I extend, or if I need to leave early?
• Does the site fit my total length, and what hookups and amperage does it have?
• What are the pet rules?
• Can I receive mail or packages, and how?
• How many vehicles can I park at my site?
• Are taxes or fees added to the quoted rate?

Making a long stay comfortable

Settle into a routine early. Set up your site the way you want it to stay, plan when you will dump tanks and refill propane, and keep a short list of nearby grocery stores and services. Central Texas summers are hot, so think about shade, awnings and how hard your air conditioning will work. If you are new to RV life, our RV camping guide for beginners covers hookups, tanks and setup.

Frequently asked questions

Book your weekly or monthly stay

Ready to settle in for a while? Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will reply within one day with current pricing and availability.

The post Weekly and Monthly RV Stays in Waco: What to Know appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• The right RV park depends on your travel style. A quick overnight stop, a weekend of sightseeing and a long stay all call for different things.
• Before you book, confirm the site fits your rig, the route in is easy, and you know exactly what the price includes.
• In Waco, check drive times to the places you plan to visit, not just the distance to the highway.
• Read recent reviews, then call the office. How a park answers your questions tells you a lot.
• At Magnolia RV Resort, we quote pricing by phone. Call 254-799-3105 for current pricing and availability.

The best RV park in Waco for you is the one that fits your rig, sits close to what you came to see, and is clear about what you are paying for. Get those three things right and most trips go smoothly. The rest comes down to the feel of the place and how well it matches the way you like to travel.

We run Magnolia RV Resort on New Dallas Highway in Waco, and we talk with travelers about this every day. Below is the checklist we would use ourselves when booking any park, plus a short primer on how RV parks usually work if you are new to RV camping.

Start with your travel style

Decide what kind of stay you are planning first. Each one changes your priorities.

• Overnight stop: easy highway access, a pull-through or simple back-in, and an office that can tell you what to do if you arrive late.
• Weekend of sightseeing: a short drive to the attractions on your list and a quiet place to rest at night.
• Long stay: weekly or monthly rates, clear answers about utilities, and a park that feels settled. Our guide to weekly and monthly RV stays in Waco covers this in detail.
• Group trip: enough sites near each other and a park willing to plan with you ahead of time. See our notes on group stays and RV rallies.

What to look for when booking an RV site in Waco

Location and access

Waco sits on I-35 between the Dallas and Fort Worth area and Austin, so plenty of parks are close to the highway. Look past that. Check how long it takes to reach downtown, Baylor, Cameron Park or wherever you plan to spend your days. Then ask about the route into the park itself: tight turns, low branches and narrow gates matter more than a mile or two of extra driving.

Site size and fit

Know your total length, including a tow vehicle, and the room your slide-outs need. Ask whether the site is level, whether it is pull-through or back-in, and where your tow vehicle will park. If you drive a big rig, our guide to Class A motorhome stays in Waco goes deeper.

What is included

Hookups vary from park to park. Ask whether the site has 30-amp or 50-amp electric, water and sewer, and whether electricity is included or metered on longer stays. If Wi-Fi, laundry or showers matter to you, ask about them directly rather than assuming.

Cleanliness and upkeep

Look for tidy sites, mowed grass and roads in good shape in recent photos. Parks that keep up the small things usually keep up the big ones.

Safety

Ask who to contact after hours and whether roads and common areas are lit. Then use ordinary common sense: lock up and keep valuables out of sight.

Quiet and mood

Some parks are lively, some are calm. Ask about quiet hours and who usually stays there.

Cost and value

Compare the full price, including taxes and deposits, not just the nightly rate. For longer trips, weekly and monthly rates usually lower the cost per night.

Reviews

Read recent reviews and look for patterns rather than single complaints. A repeated problem is worth a question when you call.

Outdoor access

Cameron Park covers about 416 acres with more than 20 miles of trails, and Lake Waco on the west side of town offers fishing and boating. If you like to get outside, check how far those are from your site.

Quick pre-booking checklist

How RV parks work

Types of sites

Pull-through sites let you drive in one end and out the other; back-in sites mean reversing into place. Full hookup sites have electric, water and sewer, while partial hookups may skip sewer.

Reservations and pricing

Most parks price by the night, week or month, and many take a deposit. Busy weekends, like Baylor home football games in Waco, can fill up early, so book ahead when your dates line up with a big event.

Arriving and check-in

Arrive in daylight and during office hours if you can, walk your site before you pull in, and call ahead if you are running late.

Park etiquette

• Respect quiet hours and keep music and generators down.
• Do not cut through other people’s sites.
• Keep pets leashed and clean up after them.
• Use a tight sewer connection and keep your area tidy.
• Drive slowly. Kids and pets share the roads.

How Magnolia RV Resort fits this list

We are a quiet, secluded park in Waco with spacious, level, well-maintained sites and ample parking for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes. We also have new side concrete lots available. We offer nightly, weekly and monthly stays; call for current pricing and availability. We are family- and pet-friendly, we offer propane filling on site, and we serve complimentary waffles, coffee and juice every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.

Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about a 15-minute drive. For more, read what to expect at Magnolia RV Resort or browse our services.

Frequently asked questions

Reserve your spot at Magnolia RV Resort

If our park sounds like a fit, call 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, and we are happy to answer every question on your checklist.

The post RV Parks in Waco: What to Look For Before You Book appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

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.

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.

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

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.

The post Plan a Texas Road Trip With Waco as Your RV Base Camp appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• Magnolia RV Resort is a quiet, secluded RV park at 3096 New Dallas Hwy in Waco with spacious, level, well-maintained sites.
• We take nightly, weekly and monthly stays. Call for current pricing and availability.
• We are family- and pet-friendly, fill propane on site and serve free waffles, coffee and juice every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.
• Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about 15 minutes away.

When you stay at Magnolia RV Resort, expect a quiet, secluded park in Waco with roomy, level sites, plenty of space for big rigs, and an office that is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can stay a night, a week or a month, bring the kids and the dog, and be about 15 minutes from some of Waco’s best-known attractions.

I’m Danny Gorman, and I own the park. This page lays out the facts plainly, so you know exactly what you are booking and what to ask before you pull in.

The park at a glance

These are starting rates. Call for current pricing and availability. If you are thinking about a longer stay, our page on weekly and monthly RV stays in Waco breaks down how the numbers work.

The little things guests notice

Weekend waffles

Every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, we serve complimentary waffles, coffee and juice. It is an easy way to start the day and say hello to your neighbors.

Propane on site

We fill propane right here for motor homes, camping and tanks, so you do not have to hunt for a station.

Seasonal events

We host seasonal events for guests. Our Halloween party, for example, has a costume contest for kids, adults and pets, a trick-or-treat parade, snacks and karaoke.

Families and pets welcome

We are family- and pet-friendly. Guests come for family trips, romantic getaways and tailgating during Baylor games. Our family RV getaway guide has ideas for traveling with kids.

Why an RV park instead of a hotel

Staying at an RV park means your own bed, your own kitchen and your pets with you every night. You unpack once, then head out to explore and come back to a quiet site. For longer visits, weekly and monthly rates bring the cost per night down.

Before you arrive

A quick call makes check-in smooth. Our office is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. When you call, have these ready:

• Your dates and whether you want a nightly, weekly or monthly stay.
• Your rig’s type and total length, including any tow vehicle.
• The hookups and electrical service you need, so we can confirm a site that fits.
• How many pets are traveling with you, and any pet rules you should know.
• Your expected arrival time, especially if it might fall outside office hours.

A typical day near the park

Here is how a relaxed Saturday might look for our guests.

1. Morning: Waffles, coffee and juice at the park, then head downtown for the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings.
2. Late morning: Visit the Dr Pepper Museum, housed in the drink’s historic bottling building, or the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
3. Lunch: Grab a bite at Union Hall, a downtown food hall with several local vendors under one roof.
4. Afternoon: Walk across the Waco Suspension Bridge, see the Columbian mammoth fossils at the Waco Mammoth National Monument, or spend a few hours at Cameron Park Zoo.
5. Evening: Back to your site for a quiet night.

Other spots we point guests to include Waco Surf, Homestead Heritage, McLane Stadium for Baylor football, and Magnolia Market at the Silos downtown. Check each attraction’s hours before you go. For more ideas, see our list of things to do near our RV park.

Frequently asked questions

Book your stay

Ready to see it for yourself? Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message. We reply within one day.

The post What to Expect at Magnolia RV Resort in Waco appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about 15 minutes from our park.
• Downtown, you will find Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Union Hall food hall, the Waco Suspension Bridge and the Saturday farmers market.
• For time outdoors, try Cameron Park’s trails, Lake Waco or Waco Surf.
• Fall brings cooler weather, Baylor football and some of Waco’s biggest yearly events.
• A sample two- or three-day plan is below.

There is a lot to do near our RV park in Waco. Within about a 15-minute drive of Magnolia RV Resort you can reach Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, with downtown shopping, food and the Brazos River close by.

Here is our rundown of the main attractions, a few spots off the beaten path, why fall is a favorite time to visit, and a simple plan for a long weekend. Opening hours and prices change, so check each attraction’s website before you go.

Four favorites about 15 minutes away

Cameron Park Zoo

The zoo sits inside Cameron Park and covers about 52 acres. It opened in 1993 and is set up with natural habitats, which makes it an easy half-day with kids.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Open since 1968 and located near I-35, this is the state-designated official historical center of the Texas Rangers. Its collection includes more than 14,000 artifacts, among them about 2,500 historic firearms.

Dr Pepper Museum

Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885 at the Old Corner Drug Store. The museum is housed in the 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, and its soda fountain serves hand-made Dr Pepper and floats.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Two teenagers searching for arrowheads and fossils near the Bosque River discovered the site in 1978. The site became a national monument in 2015 and is run by the National Park Service with the City of Waco and Baylor University. Inside the dig shelter, Columbian mammoth fossils remain where they were found, viewed from an elevated walkway.

If museums are your thing, our guide to Waco history and day trips goes further.

Downtown Waco

Magnolia Market at the Silos

Built by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Silos has shops, Silos Baking Co. and a large lawn with games and food trucks. It is a downtown Waco attraction in its own right, separate from our park.

Union Hall

This downtown food hall on Franklin Avenue gathers local vendors under one roof with shared tables, which works well when everyone in your group wants something different.

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

The market runs on Saturday mornings at Bridge Street Plaza, with local growers, baked goods, plants and handmade goods. Its listing shows 9 AM to 1 PM most of the year, closing at noon in July and August.

Waco Suspension Bridge

Opened in 1870 with a 475-foot main span, this bridge once carried cattle drives across the Brazos River. It is now open to foot traffic only and reopened in April 2023 after a major rehabilitation.

Outdoor time and local gems

• Cameron Park: about 416 acres along the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, with more than 20 miles of trails and the cliffs at Lover’s Leap.
• Lake Waco: on the west side of town, with Corps of Engineers parks for fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking.
• Waco Surf: an inland surf park with a wave pool. Check its website for current attractions, lessons and hours.
• Homestead Heritage: a traditional crafts village known for its Homestead Fair, which has been held the weekend after Thanksgiving, with woodworking, weaving, spinning and other crafts.
• Mayborn Museum Complex: Baylor University’s natural history and cultural museum, with hands-on exhibits for all ages.

Baylor and McLane Stadium

Baylor plays football at McLane Stadium, which opened in 2014 on the Brazos River. Game days are a big deal here, and some fans arrive by boat. Our park is popular for tailgating weekends, so call early if your trip lines up with a home game.

Why fall is a great time for an RV getaway

Central Texas summers are hot, so many RVers wait for fall. The weather is easier for walking downtown and hiking Cameron Park, and the calendar fills up:

• Baylor football at McLane Stadium.
• The Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, which ran October 2 to 12 in 2025 at the Extraco Events Center.
• The Homestead Fair around Thanksgiving.
• Seasonal events at our park, like our Halloween party with a costume contest for kids, adults and pets, a trick-or-treat parade, snacks and karaoke.

Check each event’s website for this year’s dates.

A sample two- or three-day plan

Traveling with kids? Our guide to family RV getaways in Waco has more ideas. Want to see more of the state? Read about using Waco as a Texas road trip base camp.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your Waco stay with us

For current pricing and availability, call 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will reply within one day. You can also see our services.

The post Things to Do Near Our RV Park in Waco appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• A Class A motorhome needs a long, level site, room to turn and a straightforward route into the park.
• Before you book any park, give your total length with tow vehicle and ask about pull-through or back-in sites and electric service. Most Class A coaches need a 50-amp hookup.
• Magnolia RV Resort has spacious, level sites and ample parking for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes, plus new side concrete lots.
• Check road conditions before driving into Waco, and plan to arrive in daylight during office hours.
• Baylor game weekends are popular, so call early if you are coming to tailgate.

Yes, you can bring a Class A motorhome to Waco and stay comfortably, as long as the park has the space and access a big rig needs. At Magnolia RV Resort, our spacious, level sites and ample parking are set up for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes.

This guide covers what to check with any park before you book, how to plan the drive into Waco, and how to make a Baylor football weekend easy when you are traveling in a large coach.

What a Class A needs from an RV park

Class A motorhomes typically run from about 26 to 45 feet long and up to about 8.5 feet wide, and many tow a car behind them. That size changes what matters when you choose a site.

Site length and access

Give the park your total length, including your tow vehicle, and ask whether the site can hold both or where the car should park. Ask about the route from the entrance to your site, too. Tight corners, trees and narrow roads can be harder than the site itself.

Level pads

Leveling jacks can only do so much. A level pad saves time, keeps slide-outs working smoothly and makes the coach more comfortable inside.

Turning room

A long wheelbase needs space to swing. Ask whether you will have to back in around a curve or whether there is clear room in front of the site.

Pull-through or back-in

Pull-through sites are easiest when you are towing, because you may not need to unhook. Back-in sites usually mean unhooking the car first. Ask which type you will get before you arrive.

Electric service

Most Class A motorhomes need a 50-amp hookup to run everything at once, especially air conditioning in a Texas summer. Ask what amperage the site has before you book. For our park, call the office to confirm hookup details for your coach.

Big rig booking checklist

How Magnolia RV Resort handles big rigs

Our park sits in a quiet, secluded setting in Waco. We keep our sites spacious, level and well maintained, with ample parking for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes. We also have new side concrete lots available.

We offer propane filling on site for motor homes, camping and tanks, so you can top off without taking your coach into town. Call for current pricing and availability. If you plan to stay a while, our guide to weekly and monthly RV stays in Waco breaks down the savings.

For a full picture of the park, read what to expect at Magnolia RV Resort.

Driving a Class A into Waco

Waco sits on I-35 between the Dallas and Fort Worth area and Austin, which makes it an easy stop on a north-south trip. A little planning makes the last few miles easier in a big coach.

1. Check road conditions before you leave. TxDOT’s DriveTexas map shows closures, construction and weather impacts.
2. Call our office for directions that suit your rig rather than relying only on a phone app.
3. Plan to arrive in daylight and during office hours, 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
4. Fuel up before you arrive so you are not hunting for a big-rig-friendly station in an unfamiliar town.
5. Walk the site before you pull in, and use a spotter when backing.
6. Unhook your tow vehicle before backing if your site needs it.

A comfortable stay in a big coach

For many Class A owners, a great stay is less about extras and more about the basics done well: a site with room to breathe, a level pad, a quiet night and a short drive to good food and things to do. That is what we focus on.

From our park, Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about a 15-minute drive, which is easy in your tow car. See our list of things to do near our RV park for more ideas.

Tailgating for Baylor games

Our park is popular with fans tailgating during Baylor games. Baylor plays at McLane Stadium, which opened in 2014 on the banks of the Brazos River. Some fans even arrive by boat, a tradition known as sailgating.

The simplest plan with a Class A is to leave the coach set up at our park and drive your tow vehicle to the game. Check Baylor Athletics for stadium parking and tailgating rules before game day, since those rules are set by the university. Game weekends are busy, so call us as soon as you know your dates. If you are bringing friends in their own rigs, our notes on group stays and RV rallies will help you plan.

Frequently asked questions

Bring your Class A to Waco

Tell us your rig length and dates and we will help you find the right site. Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will reply within one day.

The post Class A Motorhome Stays in Waco: A Big Rig Guide appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• Waco has kid favorites close together: Cameron Park Zoo, the Mayborn Museum, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Dr Pepper Museum and Waco Surf.
• Our park is family- and pet-friendly, and we serve complimentary waffles, coffee and juice every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.
• We host seasonal events for guests, like our Halloween party with a costume contest for kids, adults and pets.
• Mix busy outing days with slow days at camp, and pack simple games for downtime.
• A weekly stay gives the family time to settle in and makes the RV feel like home.

Is Waco a good place for a family RV trip? Yes. Within about a 15-minute drive of our park you can visit Cameron Park Zoo, see real mammoth fossils, and finish the day with a soda fountain treat at the Dr Pepper Museum. Add big parks, a hands-on science museum and a surf park, and kids of most ages will stay busy.

Just as important, you need a calm place to come back to. Magnolia RV Resort is a quiet, secluded park with spacious, level sites, and we welcome families and pets. Below you will find what to do, how to keep kids happy at camp, a packing checklist and a sample three-day plan.

Kid-friendly things to do near the park

Cameron Park Zoo

This 52-acre zoo sits inside Cameron Park beside the Brazos River and uses natural habitats with native plants, waterfalls and ponds. The Brazos River Country area features native Texas habitats and a large saltwater reef aquarium, and the Asian Forest has been home to orangutans, Komodo dragons and Sumatran tigers. Check the zoo’s website for current animals and hours.

Mayborn Museum

On the Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum has a two-floor Discovery Center full of hands-on activities, natural history exhibits about prehistoric Central Texas, and a historic village with restored buildings from the 1890s. It is a great pick for a rainy or very hot afternoon.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Kids love seeing real Columbian mammoth fossils lying where they were found. A dig shelter covers the bones, and the National Park Service runs the site. Our guide to things to do near our Waco RV park has more nearby ideas.

Dr Pepper Museum

Dr Pepper was created in Waco in 1885, and the museum tells that story in a 1906 bottling building. The soda fountain is a favorite stop for families.

Waco Surf

This inland surf park has a wave pool that can make gentle waves for beginners, and the resort has also offered a lazy river. Check their website for current hours, age rules and pricing before you go.

Cameron Park and downtown

Cameron Park covers 416 acres along the Brazos and Bosque rivers, with playgrounds, picnic areas and more than 20 miles of trails. Downtown, Magnolia Market at the Silos has a big lawn and a food truck park, and older kids may enjoy walking across the historic Waco Suspension Bridge.

Family life at Magnolia RV Resort

We keep things simple and friendly. Here is what families can count on at our park:

• Spacious, level, well-maintained sites with room for RVs of all sizes.
• A family- and pet-friendly atmosphere. Call the office to confirm pet details before you arrive.
• Complimentary waffles, coffee and juice every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM.
• Seasonal events for guests. Our Halloween party has included a costume contest for kids, adults and pets, a trick-or-treat parade, snacks and karaoke.
• Propane filling on site.

Want the full picture before you book? Read what to expect at Magnolia RV Resort.

Camping with kids: activities and games

The best family trips leave room for unplanned time. These ideas need little gear and work at almost any campsite:

• Campsite scavenger hunt: make a list of things to spot, like a bird, a smooth rock, an RV from another state or a leaf shaped like a heart.
• License plate game: keep a running list of the states you see on the road and in the park.
• Card and board games: pack a few favorites for evenings or rainy afternoons.
• Nature journal: give each child a notebook to sketch animals and write one thing they liked each day.
• Cook together: let kids help with an easy dinner or dessert.
• Stargazing: on a clear night, step outside after dark and look for the Big Dipper.

Remember that RV parks are shared spaces. Keep noise down in the early morning and late evening, watch younger kids near roads and other sites, and keep pets leashed and picked up after.

Family RV packing checklist

First RV trip as a family? Our RV camping for beginners guide covers hookups, leveling and setup.

Can an RV park feel like home?

It can, especially if you stay longer than a night or two. Give each child a small bin for their things, keep a simple bedtime routine, and plan at least one lazy day at camp. A weekly stay lets you settle in, and weekly stays usually cost less per night. Call for current pricing and availability.

A sample three-day family plan

1. Day one: arrive, set up and relax. Take an evening walk and let the kids explore the park.
2. Day two: Cameron Park Zoo in the morning, a picnic in Cameron Park, then the Dr Pepper Museum.
3. Day three: the Waco Mammoth National Monument in the morning and the Mayborn Museum or Waco Surf in the afternoon. If it is a weekend, start with waffles at the park.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your family getaway

We would love to host your family in Waco. Call us at 254-799-3105 or send us a message, and we will reply within one day.

The post Family RV Getaways in Waco: Things to Do and Tips for Kids appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• Waco packs a lot of Texas history into a small area: the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum, the Waco Mammoth National Monument and the Waco Suspension Bridge.
• Our park is about a 15-minute drive from the Ranger museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the mammoth site.
• Homestead Heritage in nearby Elm Mott shows traditional crafts, including a working gristmill.
• West, Old Fort Parker, Salado and Mother Neff State Park all make easy history day trips of about an hour or less.
• Leave the RV set up at camp and use your tow vehicle or second car for day trips.

If you love history, Waco is one of the easiest places in Texas to fill a long weekend or a full week. The city grew up around an 1837 Texas Ranger camp, cattle on the Chisholm Trail once crossed the Brazos here, Dr Pepper was invented downtown, and a herd of Columbian mammoths has been resting just outside town for tens of thousands of years.

The short answer to “what should I see?” is this: start with the four big stops in town, add Homestead Heritage, then pick one or two day trips within about an hour. At Magnolia RV Resort we are about a 15-minute drive from the main museums, so you can park the rig once, unhook, and spend your days exploring instead of breaking camp.

The must-see history stops in Waco

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

The museum opened in 1968 near Interstate 35 and was first named Fort Fisher, after the 1837 Ranger camp the City of Waco traces its origins to. Today it is the state-designated official historical center of the Texas Rangers. The collection holds more than 14,000 artifacts, including roughly 2,500 firearms, Ranger badges and items connected to Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Texas Rangers Company F is headquartered on the same grounds.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

In 1978 two young men hunting for arrowheads and fossils near the Bosque River found a large bone. That find led to the discovery of 24 Columbian mammoths. Researchers believe at least 19 of them belonged to a nursery herd that was trapped by a flash flood about 68,000 years ago. A climate-controlled dig shelter, finished in 2009, lets you look down on bones still lying where they were found. The site became a national monument on July 10, 2015, and is run by the National Park Service with the City of Waco and Baylor University.

Waco Suspension Bridge

This bridge opened to traffic in late 1869 and started collecting tolls on January 1, 1870. Its 475-foot main span was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it opened, and it was built by the John A. Roebling company. Chisholm Trail drovers paid five cents a head to move cattle across the Brazos. McLennan County bought the bridge in 1889 and made it free, and since 1971 it has carried only people on foot. After a major restoration that replaced its cables, it reopened in April 2023. Walk it at sunset if you can.

Dr Pepper Museum

Pharmacist Charles Alderton created Dr Pepper at Waco’s Old Corner Drug Store in 1885, a year before Coca-Cola. The museum sits in the 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, the first building dedicated to making Dr Pepper, and it has been a museum since 1989. Expect a big collection of soft drink memorabilia from many brands, plus a soda fountain.

Homestead Heritage

Just north of Waco in Elm Mott, Homestead Heritage is a craft village where you can watch traditional skills in action. Highlights include craft demonstrations, a restored barn full of handmade goods, a deli and a gristmill dating to around 1750 that grinds flour and corn. The community also holds a large heritage fair each November. Check their hours before you drive over, since they are not open every day.

One more stop worth adding: the Mayborn Museum on the Baylor campus has a historic village with nine restored buildings that show rural Texas life in the 1890s. For more ideas beyond history, see our guide to things to do near our Waco RV park.

History day trips within about an hour

These nearby towns and sites round out the story of Central Texas. Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic, especially on I-35.

If you are willing to drive farther, the Fort Worth Stockyards are roughly 90 minutes north. The district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, and volunteers run a cattle drive through it twice a day, weather permitting. Our guide to using Waco as a Texas road trip base camp covers longer routes like this one.

A sample three-day history plan

1. Day one, downtown Waco: Texas Ranger museum in the morning, lunch downtown, the Dr Pepper Museum in the afternoon, then a sunset walk across the Suspension Bridge.
2. Day two, deep time and old crafts: Waco Mammoth National Monument in the morning, then Homestead Heritage in the afternoon. Add the Mayborn Museum if you still have energy.
3. Day three, day trip: head to West for kolaches and then on to Old Fort Parker, or drive south to Salado and stop at Mother Neff State Park on the way back.

Tips for history day trips from an RV park

• Check hours and admission on each site’s official page before you go. Smaller sites keep shorter or seasonal hours.
• Use your tow vehicle or second car. Downtown streets and museum lots are much easier without a motorhome.
• Start early in summer. The mammoth site and the bridge both involve some walking outside in the Texas heat.
• Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your history trip with us

A history trip goes better when you are not packing up camp every morning. Book a spacious, level site with us and use Waco as your home base. To check dates and current rates, 254-799-3105 is our number, or send us a message and we will reply within one day. You can also read what to expect at Magnolia RV Resort before you arrive.

The post Waco History Day Trips: Museums, Landmarks and Nearby Towns appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.

Key takeaways

• RV clubs, rallies, family reunions and Baylor tailgating groups can plan a stay with us by calling the office early with dates, number of rigs and rig sizes.
• Our park has spacious, level sites and room for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes.
• Every group is different, so we talk through availability and details one group at a time. Call for current pricing and availability.
• Waco has plenty to keep a group busy, from museums and the zoo to Baylor football at McLane Stadium.

Yes, you can bring a group to Magnolia RV Resort. Whether it is an RV club, a rally, a family reunion or a crew of friends coming in for a Baylor game, the first step is the same: call our office at 254-799-3105 with your dates, how many rigs you expect, and how big they are. We will tell you what we can offer for those dates.

Group stays work best when they are planned early and kept simple. Below is how I would suggest organizing one, based on what makes arrival day go smoothly for everyone, including the folks who are not in your group.

Who group stays are for

• RV clubs and rallies: Members traveling together who want a quiet base for a weekend or a week.
• Family reunions: Relatives coming from different directions who want to park near each other.
• Tailgating groups: Friends heading to Baylor games who want somewhere calm to come back to after the noise.
• Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries and holiday trips where a few rigs travel together.

Our setting is quiet and secluded, and we are family- and pet-friendly, so mixed groups with kids and dogs fit right in.

How to plan a group stay

1. Pick dates early

Pick your dates, and a backup set if you can. The earlier you call, the more options you will have, especially if your dates fall on a Baylor game weekend.

2. Get a real headcount of rigs

Count rigs, not people. Ask everyone to confirm by a set date, and keep a simple list with each person’s name, phone number and rig. Expect a few changes; tell us as soon as they happen.

3. Collect rig sizes and needs

For every rig, note the type (Class A, Class C, fifth wheel, travel trailer), total length including any tow vehicle, and the electrical service it needs. We have room for RVs of all sizes, including Class A motorhomes, but site assignments depend on the mix. Our Class A motorhome guide lists what big rigs should ask about.

4. Spread out arrival times

Ten rigs pulling in at once makes for a long wait. Stagger arrivals across the afternoon, and aim to arrive while our office is open, every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. If someone will be late, call ahead so we can plan for it.

5. Choose one point of contact

One organizer talking with our office keeps details straight. That person shares updates with the group, and we always know who to call.

Group planning checklist

Ask us how nightly, weekly and monthly rates apply to your group’s dates. Call for current pricing and availability. For longer stays, see weekly and monthly RV stays in Waco.

Things to do together

Group trips are more fun with a plan or two that everyone can join, and a few free hours for people to do their own thing.

At the park

Every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, we serve complimentary waffles, coffee and juice. It is a natural meeting time for a group. We also host seasonal events for guests, like our Halloween party with a costume contest for kids, adults and pets, a trick-or-treat parade, snacks and karaoke. Ask when you call whether anything is planned during your dates.

Around Waco

• Museum morning: The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and the Dr Pepper Museum are each about 15 minutes from the park. The Dr Pepper Museum has an old-fashioned soda fountain.
• Fossils and animals: The Waco Mammoth National Monument and Cameron Park Zoo are also about 15 minutes away.
• Lunch with picky eaters: Union Hall, a downtown food hall, lets everyone pick from several local vendors and still sit together.
• Craft demonstrations: Homestead Heritage’s craft village shows woodworking, pottery and more. It is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
• Water day: Waco Surf, outside Waco near Axtell, has a surf wave pool and other water activities.

Check hours before you go, since they can change. Our full list of things to do near our RV park has more ideas.

Tailgating groups and Baylor games

Our park is a popular base for tailgating during Baylor games. McLane Stadium sits on the Brazos River, and some fans even tailgate from boats tied up near the stadium, a tradition known as sailgating. Book as early as you can, and plan your ride to and from the stadium ahead of time.

Frequently asked questions

Let’s talk about your group

The best way to start is a quick conversation. Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message with your dates and number of rigs, and we will reply within one day.

The post Group Stays and RV Rallies at Magnolia RV Resort appeared first on Magnolia RV Resort.