If you're used to winterizing your RV for a northern winter — draining every line, blowing out the water system, and putting the rig in storage — the Gulf Coast of Texas is a pleasant surprise. Hard freezes are rare. Snow is almost unheard of. And many RVers stay parked and living in their rigs year-round without issue.

But "mild" doesn't mean "maintenance-free." The Gulf Coast has its own set of winterizing considerations, and skipping them can lead to real problems. Here's what actually matters if you're staying in the La Marque, Texas City, or Galveston area through the fall and winter.

The Texas Gulf Coast sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a–9b. Average winter lows in La Marque run between 40–50°F, with occasional dips into the upper 20s during a hard freeze event — typically a few nights per year at most.

The bigger weather story is humidity. Even when temperatures are comfortable, the persistent moisture from the Gulf accelerates corrosion, promotes mildew, and creates condensation issues inside RVs that aren't properly ventilated.

Wind is also a factor. Gulf Coast cold fronts can bring sustained winds of 20–35 mph, which significantly increases heat loss through RV walls and windows.

Let's start with what you can skip:

• Full water system blowout — Unless a hard freeze is specifically forecast, you don't need to drain and blow out your water lines. The water stays liquid and usable all winter.
• Antifreeze in the plumbing — Again, only necessary if a hard freeze is actually coming. Don't do this preemptively for a normal Gulf Coast winter.
• Skirting for deep insulation — Helpful during a cold snap, but not a year-round necessity here the way it is in northern states.
• Removing and storing batteries — Temperatures don't get cold enough to damage batteries through normal winter use.

Fall is the right time to get on the roof and check every seam, vent, and skylight. Gulf Coast winters bring rain — sometimes a lot of it — and a small leak that was manageable in summer can become a serious problem when you're getting 4–6 inches of rain in a week.

Use a self-leveling lap sealant on any cracked or peeling seams. Pay special attention to the edges of roof vents, AC units, and any antenna mounts.

Door and window seals degrade in the Gulf Coast heat and UV exposure. Run your hand around closed doors and windows on a windy day — if you feel air movement, the seal needs replacing. This matters for both comfort and energy efficiency when you're running heat.

The humidity here is relentless. When warm, moist air hits a cold surface inside your RV — a window, a wall near a slide-out, the underside of a cabinet — condensation forms. Left unchecked, that moisture feeds mold.

Practical steps:

• Run a small dehumidifier if you're staying for an extended period
• Keep interior temperature consistent rather than letting it swing widely
• Crack a vent slightly even on cold days to allow air exchange
• Wipe down windows and metal surfaces that collect condensation

Even if you're not draining your lines, your exterior water hose is vulnerable during a cold snap. Keep an insulated hose cover on hand and disconnect the hose if temps are forecast to drop below 32°F overnight. A burst hose at 2 AM is a miserable way to start a cold morning.

Fall is a good time to inspect propane connections, regulators, and hoses for wear or corrosion. The salt air near the Gulf accelerates corrosion on metal fittings. If your regulator is more than 5–7 years old, consider replacing it before you're relying on it heavily for heat.

Also check your carbon monoxide and propane detectors — replace batteries and test them.

Hard freezes happen here — usually once or twice a winter, sometimes not at all. When one is forecast (typically 24–48 hours of notice from the National Weather Service), here's what to do:

• Disconnect and store your water hose inside the RV or a heated space
• Let a faucet drip slightly overnight to keep water moving through the lines
• Add foam pipe insulation to any exposed water lines under the RV
• Skirt the RV if you have skirting — even a temporary tarp helps retain heat under the rig
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm interior air to reach the pipes

The 2021 Texas freeze was an extreme outlier — a once-in-a-generation event. Normal Gulf Coast winters don't require that level of preparation, but having a plan for a standard hard freeze is smart.

If you're relying on a furnace for heat, have it serviced before the season. Clean or replace the furnace filter, check the igniter, and make sure the exhaust is clear of debris. A furnace that hasn't run in months sometimes needs a few minutes to burn off dust before it runs cleanly.

Electric space heaters are a popular supplement in mild weather — they're efficient for small spaces and don't consume propane. Just make sure your electrical hookup can handle the load (a 1,500-watt heater draws about 12.5 amps on a 120V circuit).

The Gulf Coast salt air is hard on everything metal. Before winter:

• Wash and wax the exterior of your RV to protect the finish
• Lubricate all slide-out mechanisms, door hinges, and locks
• Check the condition of your awning fabric and retract it during high winds
• Inspect the undercarriage for rust or corrosion, especially on frame members and axles

Little Thicket RV Resort is a year-round park, and many of our guests stay through the winter months — particularly contract workers on extended turnaround assignments. The mature trees on the property provide some wind protection, and the concrete pads stay dry and clean even after rain.

Our monthly rates make extended winter stays very affordable compared to hotels or short-term apartments:

• Monthly (50-amp): $590
• Monthly (30-amp): $570
• Monthly water hookup: $30 additional

If you're planning to stay through the fall and winter, call us at (409) 935-5375 to discuss availability and long-term rates. We're happy to help you find the right site for your rig.

• ✅ Inspect and seal roof seams and vents
• ✅ Check and replace weatherstripping on doors and windows
• ✅ Set up condensation management (dehumidifier, ventilation)
• ✅ Inspect propane system and detectors
• ✅ Service furnace before the season
• ✅ Wash, wax, and lubricate exterior
• ✅ Have a hard freeze plan ready (insulation, hose disconnect, drip faucet)
• ⏭️ Skip full water system blowout (not needed for normal Gulf Coast winter)
• ⏭️ Skip antifreeze in plumbing (not needed unless hard freeze is forecast)

The Gulf Coast winter is genuinely one of the best times to be in an RV in Texas. The crowds thin out, the weather is comfortable, and the fishing is excellent. A little preparation goes a long way toward making it a great season.

View our winter rates and availability or contact us to reserve your site.