History tells us that in the 1820’s settlers were led to believe that Matagorda Bay in Texas was the place to settle.  A geographical site where the mouth of the Colorado River empties into the Gulf of Mexico, has proven to be a great place for present day settlers – the RV generation – to settle in and experience the beach life and fishing of a Texas bay town. 

While not having sustained its early beginnings as a popular settlement, Matagorda Bay has been able to sustain the returning RV’er.  Fast becoming a circuit destination for those on wheels, Matagorda Bay hosts a variety of wildlife and birding opportunities.  Salt water fishing is plentiful and offers a variety of big fish for the avid fisherman or woman.  A laid back pace, expansive gulf beaches, available surf and turf cuisine;  it’s all in Matagorda Bay, Texas. 

What makes this destination one of the great places to return is the pleasant or mild winter weather.  South Texas usually always boasts of milder winters than any other place in Texas – usually a light cover up or layered clothing is all that is needed to enjoy the outdoors in the winter months.  There are times, though, when Mother Nature gets the best of all of us.  In the 1890’s weather records reveal  this part of Texas being hit by nine hurricanes as well as winter storms which all but wiped out a few of the early settlers.  Persevering the elements, a few remaining settlers went on to establish Matagorda Bay only to later realize that Bay City further inland would be the logical place to set up government offices.

Because of its unique geographical position along the Gulf of Mexico, developers discovered a way to blend tourist, RV’er, and nature lover together in harmony.  Thus was born the Matagorda Bay Nature Park.  Along the coastline a 1600 acre nature park has been in the making.  Environmental plans to preserve the coastal marshes and sand dunes of native birds has helped make Matagorda Bay one of the all-time favorite birding places in the United States.  While Matagorda Bay is not for the birds alone, Texas does seem to be one place where the RV “snowbirds” will flock in a migratory pattern seeking warmth and fun especially during the winter months. 

Working with the Texas legislature, a conservation group, the Lower Colorado River Authority, acquired the 1600 acres which is now designated as a preserve.  Properties have been cultivated to include numerous RV parks and entertainment attractions.  Since opening in 2006, the recreation program now offers guided kayak trips, beginning birding classes, angler education, boat safety, scouting and youth programs, teacher workshops, wetland study, and study of shoreline shells to name just a few.  A recently opened RV park, with over 70 sites and full utility hookups, rounds out the nature park.  Fishing piers enhance the fisherman’s experience. 

Whether you are here for a day, a week, or a lifetime, don’t miss out on this extraordinary winter destination in Texas – Matagorda Bay, Texas, a truly fine RV destination preserved just for you!  Happy Traveling and Happy New Year!

(Photos are courtesy of http://www.texasgulfcoastonline.com and the Matagorda Chamber of Commerce Matagorda Bay, Texas, and www.lcra.org)