I spent four nights at Stella Mare RV Resort in Galveston with my husband, our two kids, and our goofy black lab. We came in late spring, right before school let out. I wanted beach time, a big pool, and easy hookups. I got all three—and a few surprises. If you’d like an even deeper dive into every sandy detail, you can read my expanded trip journal here: Stella Mare RV Resort: My Real Stay, Sand and All.
(For future planners, the resort’s own site has maps, rates, and a handy FAQ you can browse at Stella Mare RV Resort.)
Why I Picked It (And What I Hoped For)
I like wide pads, clear roads, and no guessing at the pedestal. I also wanted a pool that didn’t feel cramped. The photos showed bright water, palm trees, and neat sites. My gut said, yes. And you know what? It mostly matched real life.
Check-In Was Smooth, Like… Surprisingly Smooth
We rolled in on a Thursday around 2:30 p.m. The front desk had our packet ready. Smiles, site map, wristbands, and a quick rundown on quiet hours. No fuss. The staff even gave me a tip about which beach access had easier parking for our truck. Little stuff like that goes a long way.
Our Site: Big Pad, Big Grin
We had a pull-through on a wide concrete pad. Full hookups, 50-amp, water pressure that didn’t feel wimpy, and a clean pedestal. The site was level; I barely touched the leveling blocks. Slides came out without a worry. Our awning cleared the palm tree by a foot, which felt like it was made for us.
Shade? Not much. This place has some palms, but you’re in beach country. Bring a mat and a hat.
Noise? Our first night was quiet. On Friday, I could hear cars from the main road during the day, but it settled at night. If you’re sound-sensitive, ask for a site farther from the front.
Pool and Splash Area: Kid Heaven, Parent Rest
The pool is big and actually warm. Not bath water, but comfy. My kids lived at the splash area. I parked in a chair with a book and only moved for sunscreen and snacks. The pool deck stayed tidy. No lifeguards, so you still watch your crew, but it felt safe and friendly. We met two families from Houston within ten minutes. It had that neighbor vibe.
Beach Time: Short Drive, Sandy Towels
You’re not right on the sand, but the beach is close. We did a 3-minute drive, parked easily, and carried a small cooler and chairs. You could walk if you pack light. The water was… well, it’s the Gulf. A little churned, a little brown, but fun. The wind threw sand at us, which I actually love, except when it sticks to your snacks. We used our outdoor shower hose back at the rig. Thank me later.
Wi-Fi, Cell, and “Can I Work Here?”
Wi-Fi worked fine for email and scrolling. It slowed a bit after dinner. I ran a Zoom call off my phone hotspot (AT&T) at noon, and it didn’t drop. My husband streamed baseball on Verizon in the evening. No freeze-ups. If you’re doing heavy work, plan a hotspot.
Bathhouses, Laundry, and The Great Towel Hunt
The bathhouses were clean. Good water pressure and hot water came fast. The laundry room had plenty of machines. They took cards and quarters, which helped. We ran two loads. I liked the folding counter height—less back pain. Tiny detail, but I noticed.
Dog Stuff: Grass, Bags, and Happy Zoomies
There’s a fenced dog area with grass, shade, and poop bags. Our lab did three joyful zoomies and then laid down like he ran a marathon. Folks kept it tidy. That matters.
Little Things I Liked (And One I Didn’t)
- Staff picked up around common areas often. Trash cans weren’t overflowing.
- Roads were wide. Easy turns with our 35-foot trailer and a long bed truck.
- The sunset view caught me off guard—soft pink sky over palm tops. Cheesy, but it hit me.
What bugged me? The wind. It rattled our awning one night, so we rolled it up. Also, salt air loves metal. Bring a surge protector and cover your hitch if you can.
Nearby Fun We Actually Did
- Moody Gardens: 10-ish minutes. The aquarium made my son gasp at the jellyfish.
- Pleasure Pier: Busy on Saturday. We walked, ate funnel cake, and called it a night.
- Local shrimp shack: We grabbed peel-and-eat shrimp and ate outside by our rig. Sticky fingers, happy hearts.
If you’re an adults-only crew (or rolling solo) and want a bit more excitement after sunset than funnel cakes and boardwalk lights, you can always browse Fuckbook’s local hookup listings—the platform connects you with nearby, like-minded adults in minutes, so you can add a spontaneous social twist to your travel nights without committing to a full night out at the bars.
If your wheels eventually roll toward Florida’s Space Coast and you’re curious about the social scene there, the Backpage Rockledge listings provide a real-time snapshot of local meetups and personals, letting you decide whether to weave an impromptu night out into your itinerary for some extra after-hours fun.
Who Should Book Here
- Big rigs that need space and a true level pad.
- Families who want a pool and simple beach days.
- Campers who like a resort feel but don’t need a packed schedule of activities.
Who might not love it? If you want shade and forest vibes, this isn’t your spot. If road noise ruins your day, ask for the back rows. For anyone eyeing a true snowbird winter, my busy but warm stop at Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, Texas offered a totally different vibe—think activities galore and citrus trees for days. For anyone road-tripping further up the coast, a great contrast to Stella Mare’s beach scene is a stay at the pine-lined Log Cabin Resort & RV Park, where cool mountain air replaces salty breezes.
A Few Tips From My Stay
- Bring a big outdoor mat. Sand sneaks in fast.
- Use your hotspot for work calls. The park Wi-Fi is fine, just not perfect at night.
- Roll up your awning if it’s windy. Don’t argue with the Gulf.
- Pack flip-flops that rinse clean. You’ll thank me after day two.
- Ask the office about the easiest beach access for your rig size.
- Craving even clearer water and sugar-white sand? Peek at my week at Panama City Beach RV Resort for a Gulf Coast alternative that trades Texas surf for Florida sparkle.
Price Check and Value
We paid around mid-80s per night on a weekday, a bit higher on Friday. For a clean, roomy site with a resort pool and quick beach runs, I felt good about it. Not cheap. But fair. (You can also compare current guest reviews and rates on the Galveston tourism listing for Stella Mare RV Resort to see how your travel dates stack up.)
Final Take: Would I Stay Again?
Yes. I’d book the same kind of pull-through, bring extra sunscreen, and plan a shrimp dinner on night one. Stella Mare felt relaxed, clean, and easy. Not perfect—wind, some road noise—but real good. The kind of place where your kids sleep hard and your coffee tastes better the next morning.
And that, to me, is the mark of a solid RV stay.