Tent Camping in Mission, Texas

tents on the beach image by starush from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Mission is part of what is referred to as the "Texas Riviera." Mission is in the far southern portion of the state near Corpus Christi and the Mexico border. The region attracts bird and butterfly watchers, as both are plentiful in the area. Birding as well as beach activities make Mission a prime outdoor destination. If you plan on tent camping, take some precautions and bring extra gear specific to the ecosystem and climate along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Tent and camping gear
Mosquito netting and bug awning
Panty hose
Bug spray
Sting kits
Sunscreen
Lightweight sleeping bag

Step 1

Retrofit your tent with a screen fly or awning. Or, if you have it in the budget, select and purchase a tent that has screen walls to allow wind and air flow through the tent, while keeping bugs and mosquitoes out. Due to the hot, humid conditions along the Gulf Coast and the Mission area, campers need circulation in their tents for comfortable sleeping.

Step 2

Pack a good ground cloth or tent footprint. The ground along the Gulf Coast collects dew and moisture during the evenings, making it wet and sloppy. Erecting your tent on a footprint or ground cloth keeps moisture out, while providing more comfort at night.

Step 3

Look for camping areas around Bentsen State Park, especially if you are a birder, as Bentsen State Park is home to the World Birder Headquarters. If you wish to beach camp in the Mission region, look around the Mission Tejas State Park.

Step 4

Place your shoes and hiking boots outside your tent at night to air them out. This will keep the smell outside your tent in the humid heat. Place pantyhose over the tops of the shoes to air them out without letting insects, scorpions, spiders or snakes crawl into them, giving you an unwanted surprise in the morning.

Step 5

Pack a sting kit for insects in your tent camping first aid kit. Also bring anti-venom kits for the rattlesnakes in the region. If you plan on swimming or surfing, have a jellyfish stink kit in your first aid set-up, as the waters around the Gulf Coast and Mission are home to many jellyfish.

Step 6

Ask rangers or park employees about rules regarding open fires in camping areas. Many Texas parks forbid the entry of outside firewood in an effort to prevent unwanted beetle infestations on native and indigenous trees. Check what the current rules and regulations are regarding the use of outside firewood.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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