Oleander Acres MH RV Park

The Great Outdoors

Just a few miles west of Oleander Acres MH RV Park is the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. First opened in 1944 with a donation of 586 acres of land, the park has grown to cover over 760 acres. It is known as a birders paradise, where you can see over 360 species of bird and around 250 species of butterfly. There are seven miles of trails in the park. Around 3.5-miles are on park roads, great for either walking or biking, along with 1.8-miles on the Rio Grande Trail that is suitable for wheelchairs.Over the past few hundred years, development in this area has changed it beyond recognition. But at the Chihuahua Woods Preserve just a couple of miles from the campground, you can experience the Rio Grande Valley as it once was. The 350-acre preserve is home to many plants and wildlife that are native to this area, and visitors can explore it on a network of trails. Due to the nature of the trails and the wildlife present, the Nature Conservancy that runs the preserve, caution that it is not suitable for children.A little further away on the Gulf of Mexico coast is the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is one of the last natural habitats of the endangered Ocelot, but it's also an important location for migratory birds. The refuge covers over 97,000 acres, and some of this is open to the public for birdwatching, fishing, and photography. There are multiple hiking and biking trails in the refuge, many starting at the visitor center. You can pick a path from between a mile long to the 14-mile Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive. Some of the trails are open to vehicles, but it is essential to check with the refuge rangers before proceeding.Being so close to the Rio Grande gives you an excellent opportunity to explore this area by boat. There are numerous places to rent boats plus some great river cruises to enjoy.

Exploring the Area

The city of Mission is right on your doorstep when staying at Oleander Acres MH RV Park and offers plenty of choices for both shopping and restaurants.You don't need to go far for an interesting place to visit, as the RV park has it's own butterfly gardens. The RV campground owners are keen bird and butterfly spotters and have built gardens with specialists plants to attract both. This area of Texas is known for its butterflies, and several very rare species have been spotted at the campgrounds gardens.Only a mile from the campground is the National Butterfly Center. This privately run center has been involved in restoring habitat in the Rio Grande area to encourage native butterflies. Around 340 different species have been spotted at the center, and on a good day, visitors should be able to see over 60 species.Every November, the Texas Butterfly Festival is held in Mission. The event has been running since 1995 and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the best areas to spot butterflies and many other events.While motorhome camping, it's always interesting to learn more about local history. The Mission Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving the story of the city of Mission and Hidalgo County. Inside, you'll find artifacts, photographs, and records that bring history to life. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.