Mark keeps a file on his computer of RV parks that look promising. Ones that come up repeatedly that people rave about. Today’s RV park came from that list. The first time we stayed here was for our nephew’s college graduation. As we left we said to each other, “We’ll be back.”
The Vineyards is in the quaint little town of Grapevine, TX and sits along Grapevine Lake. Grapevine is the oldest settlement in Tarrant County, originating 1844, a year before Texas became a state. Grapevine was once the cantaloupe capital of the world and grew with development after DFW airport opened in the mid 1970’s. The town was named for wild grape vines growing in the area and recently several wineries have opened in town.
It’s a nicely laid out resort with the campsites spaced among some trees and around the lake. The sites are long and level and almost all have a view of the lake. Both times we’ve had sites on the peninsula but I’d be just as happy in any site.
Your first stop when staying here is at the check in cabin where friendly camp hosts will check you in and escort you to your site. This visit was just after a nasty cold snap swept through the region. He said they had four inches of snow and the lowest temperature they got was -6 degrees. There were still small patches of snow in the shaded areas.
Our space was a side pull-through and our door opened to a patio area facing the lake. It was a beautiful site, even if it was a bit chilly outside after sunset.
The camp store is shockingly well stocked for such a small space. Like the friendly camp host working inside told me, “We cram a lot of stuff in here.” The theme here is friendly, everyone we encountered was so pleasant.
The playground and pavilion area were under construction during our last visit and they sure are nice now that they are finished. The campground wasn’t full during out stay, probably due to the cold weather, but I can see both areas being the center of activity.
I love that they have buddy sites. There is one set by the boat launch ramp and a group of five along the path from the main section to the peninsula. Since we often camp with friends and/or family, these sites are ideal for us.
Our first visit was in May, 2017 during spring storm season. As luck would have it, we were forecast for storms that could become severe. Great. Gail, my mother-in-law and I walked up to the camp store and yes, we were told there were shelters on site. The center of each bathroom were the designated safe places. It was reassuring to know and happily we didn’t need them. That stay we had some wind and good rain but nothing else. This stay we had almost 5 inches of rain overnight. Hard rain with lots of lightning and thunder that shook the coach. On the plus side, our new RV doesn’t have any leaks.
My morning walk through the campground was crisp but exhilarating. One lap around the campground is 1.86 miles and a great way to start the day. You get to meet many people and see all the beauty of every campground when you get out and walk it.
There are also 12 lakefront cabins on the peninsula. I peeked in the windows and they are nicely appointed. They each have a nice porch and fire pit. It’s a great place for friends that don’t have a camper but want to join in your fun. Combined with the big pavilion, it would be a fun family reunion or RV group rally place.
If you keep a folder of “must try” RV parks, it’s time to add this one. You’ll be glad you did.