Great Texas Balloon Race

Camping at the Great Texas Balloon Race is a thrill. Delight the family by setting up your rig close to the fun. Prices are reasonable, and camping here ensures the family will not miss a single airfield launch. There are no amenities, although there is an option to fill your water tank away from the RV site. There is a mobile tank pump service. Advise of the need upon check-in.

Texas is known for its wide-open spaces and RVers who want the same won’t have trouble finding a campground that fits the bill within 15 miles of the airport venue. Sites are described as oversized, peaceful, and with plenty of elbow room; living large is where it’s at in Texas. Longview and the surrounding areas are an antique lover’s dream, with Gladewater being an oft’ mentioned destination. Camp under the expansive skies of East Texas and appreciate the acreages to explore at every turn.

The venue is a large one, so your most comfortable shoes are an essential part of your festival apparel. Pack rain boots in the event of rain and hope for sneaker weather all weekend. Stroller and wagons are the best mode of transport for the little ones and provide seating, too. Wheelchairs and motorized mobility vehicles are allowed but keep in mind that the terrain is uneven. You may want assistance navigating the field.

Days will be hot in June in Texas, so plan to delight in the warmth of the sun. Dress lightly in flowing clothes that allow the breeze, if there is one, to flow through. A cover-up for the shoulders is a must, as is a large and floppy hat to protect your face, ears, and neck. Bring along closed-toe shoes as well as sandals for a change of footwear mid-day. Pack rain gear too, so that you can continue a fun weekend without missing a beat.

Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks (no glass, please) and remember, there is a variety of food at the festival as well. Lawn chairs make for comfy seating while viewing the balloons, and a blanket is ideal for the kids to have a picnic and then rest. For the RV, essentials include flashlights for admiring the Texas stars, a small radio, toiletries, pots, pans, and utensils.

When preparing a backpack for the day, include sunscreen and apply it several times throughout the day. Bring along bottles of water or plan to purchase beverages to quench the thirst. Remind the kiddos to pack or wear their hats. Back at camp, store food in a refrigerator or cooler with plenty of ice, placed in a shady spot. Buy ice on the way back to camp to ensure that cold food storage is at its optimum all weekend long.

Cooking over a campfire in Texas calls for a cast iron skillet. Broccoli and cheese, green beans with parmesan, and roasted carrots come to mind right off the bat. Of course, bacon and eggs to start the day, and steaks to finish it off are meal options that suit the great Texas outdoors. Stock up your supplies before leaving home: charcoal briquets, propane, and fresh water are essentials.

Head into Longview central to check out some authentic Texan cooking. Catfish and crawfish, ribs and chicken, and hearty mac and cheese are local favorites. Branch out and treat your taste buds to Pad Thai or Japanese sushi. The kids may want to stay with the familiar and enjoy a wood-fired pizza. Give the cook a night off, finishing the evening with a delectable dessert.

Food vendors require tickets that you purchase with cash, so be sure to buy what you need and enjoy the variety of delicious eats. Arts and crafts vendors display their handiwork, and it is an excellent opportunity to take a piece of Texas home with you. Some merchandise vendors may accept credit or debit, but there are ATMs inside the festival gates for your convenience.