RV Rental Valley View, TX

Three ecoregions converge at the Ray Roberts Lake State Park; expect to walk through dense groves of oaks, a vast prairie of lovegrass, and wildflowers in bloom, and under willows and sycamores growing along streams. Wet a hook, and you'll likely land largemouth and white bass, or you can scope out the wetlands for raccoons mining the mud in search of food. Look skywards, and you might observe bald eagles visiting in the winter, and some 200 other species of resident and migratory birds that seek food or shelter in the park. For more vigorous pursuits, take advantage of the park's multi-use trail where you can hike, bike, or ride a horse.

The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge teems with birdlife and is about an hour's drive away in the motorhome rental from Valley View. Spanning roughly 12,000 acres, the refuge is home to a huge avian population both native and migratory. Some of the feathered visitors flock here by the thousands to refuel for their long journey ahead. Common sightings include Canadian geese, white pelicans, and the colorful mallards like northern shovelers. While birds take top billing, stay a while and you may just spot bobcats, white-tailed deer, and fox squirrels among the hardwoods.

Drive your Valley View camper rental to Lake Texoma and find ammonite fossils (marine mollusks) along the lakeshore inside Eisenhower State Park, a tangible reminder that Texas was once underwater. Above the beach, explore the shallow cave-like intrusions carved by water or find a place to boulder. Or cast out a line from the fishing pier for bluegill, bass, and crappie. Lake Texoma encompasses close to 75,000 acres of impounded Red River water, so you won't leave empty-handed.

There are a couple of places where you can park your travel trailer rental in Valley View. The Lone Oak RV Park is worth looking into with its full hookup sites, showers and restrooms, and laundry facilities. It's situated on the northern shore of Lake Ray Roberts so you might want to bring a rod and reel to land crappie, bass, and catfish.

Another option is the Johnson Branch of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Campers with a Valley View RV rental by owner will find full hookup sites, showers, and restrooms in the park. Aside from fishing and boating, you can also hike and bike on the park's multi-use trail. Ten miles from town, a few options await, all with full hookup sites. Venture farther down the road, and you'll come across a dozen or so choices, some across the Oklahoma state line. Most have full hookup sites and other amenities that make for a comfortable stay. There are a few gas stations in town so you can look for a campground elsewhere with a full tank.

If none of the campground sites in town are available, consider staying at a Walmart parking lot. The closest Walmart store is in Gainesville about 12 miles away but worth the drive if you just need a place to spend the night; it's best to call ahead to confirm your stay with store management.

Valley View is not a place you would associate with vineyards, but you'd be surprised at what the local grape growers offer. Seek out a local boutique winery offering sweet reds and dry whites. Pair a glass with a savory platter of cheese and crackers to round out your food and wine pairing experience.

The culinary offerings in Valley View include traditional American comfort food and BBQ. A handful of grocery stores in town makes it easy to put together ingredients for your favorite meals. If you want to tease your taste buds, take your RV trailer rental from Valley View to Gainesville, the seat of Cooke County, for American fare along with a handful of options including Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. Seafood and vegetarian meals are also on offer.

Experience Gainesville’s Frankie Schmitz Express Train, a miniature replica steam engine passenger train seating 50, for a ride around Leonard Park. The tour around the park lasts 15 minutes and covers a track of about a mile. The train may be operated seasonally; when it opens, it usually attracts a huge crowd so be prepared to wait for your turn.

Within the 85-acre Leonard Park is the Frank Buck Zoo where you'll find giraffes and zebras. There's also a resident cheetah and a few bears, each in their own wide-open habitats. Take the elevated nature walk for a more interesting view of the animals and the zoo. Leaving the park, try to carve out time for a stroll around Gainesville’s historic district to admire its dozens of Victorian homes.

In the Lone Star State, it doesn’t always have to be "go big or go home." Sometimes, small is equally delightful. Search for an RV rental in Valley View, the home of Texas hospitality, and seek out the grand and the humble. You just might be surprised at your discovery.