Our guest writer was provided visits to Thousand Trails campgrounds free of charge. These are her honest opinions and views.
We had never stayed at a Thousand Trails campground before but were excited to learn there are two campgrounds less than two hours from us! Perfect for two weekend camping trips. Thousand Trails has 45 years of experience in providing campgrounds that let families experience a beautiful natural setting while enjoying resort style amenities. There are 80 locations in 22 states and British Colombia.
Thousand Trails campgrounds are all securely gated communities offering spacious full hookup RV campsites, cabins and cottages. They offer a variety of membership levels according to budget, how often you camp, and where you want to camp. Each year 100,000 member families enjoy Thousand Trails campgrounds. This month we became one of them and visited Thousand Trails Columbus and Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, both less than two hours outside of Houston. We put screens away and spent the weekends enjoying Thousand Trails activities and amenities. My favorite thing about camping is that we spend real time together. Thousand Trails offers plenty of ways to do that. Here are five of our favorites.
5 Ways Families Can Unplug at Thousand Trails Campgrounds
Sports Courts
After losing over 45 pounds I’ve made it a priority for our family to be an active one. Both Thousand Trails Campgrounds offered us plenty of opportunities to be just that. While at Columbus we played volleyball, basketball, paddle ball, and horseshoes. Lake Conroe had us playing tennis (which may be my daughter’s new favorite sport), kick ball (my personal favorite) and basketball again. All of the courts were well maintained and the equipment to play easily accessible.
Mini Golf
Both Lake Conroe and Columbus Thousand Trails had mini golf courses. The balls and clubs were right by the course at Lake Conroe. In Columbus you have to go up to the Ranger Station for the equipment. Playing mini golf is one of our favorite things to do as a family. We get to slow down and visit and laugh at each other’s bad shots. We love that mini golf was included with our stay at Thousand Trails.
Playground
Sometimes kids just want to use their imagination and play. Lake Conroe and Columbus both had nice play structures with tables and benches around them. The kids could slide, climb, swing, be pirates, or play tag and have a blast while moving. Mom and dad even got in on the fun during tag.
Pool Time

My kids’ favorite part of camping is swimming. They could cannon ball and splash for hours. Thousand Trails did not disappoint. Both Lake Conroe and Columbus offered clean and well maintained pools. We went to Columbus in September (the first weekend of Fall actually) and it was still warm enough for a swim. There are plenty of chairs at both locations which I enjoyed to watch the kids. Columbus offers a huge adults only hot tub while Lake Conroe offers cabanas.
As sometimes happens with fall in Texas, we did experience rain on both of our trips. No need for the kids to not be unplugged with a Thousand Trails campground though. Both Ranger Stations offered games like the large Connect Four above, books, pool tables and even activities like Bingo to enjoy until the rain stopped.
Camping as a family has provided us with so many memories. It’s also let the whole family unplug and get outside and experience nature. It also lets us get active and moving in a fun way. Thousand Trails Campgrounds combines the best of both worlds- campgrounds in a beautiful natural setting near lakes and rivers with fun resort style sports and activities for families to spend time together.
Do you camp with your family? Be sure and check out one of Thousand Trails‘ 80 locations when you plan your next trip.
Hello! I’m Kathy from Penney Lane. I was thrilled when my blog friend and fellow Beaches Mom, Nanette asked me to cover a few local Thousand Trails campgrounds for her blog. Our family bought a small travel trailer eighteen months ago. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. We get to experience getting outside with our kids. Camping also lets us unplug, connect and make some great memories at campgrounds.
