Ever looked at one of those sleek, riveted-aluminum Airstream trailers and wondered what it would be like to travel in one? I have. One thing I didn’t have, though, was the vehicle to tow one.
So when ads from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) started popping up in my social media feeds about Airstream rentals at their Matagorda Bay Nature Park, I decided it was time to satisfy my curiosity.
What Is Matagorda Bay Nature Park?
In the 1930s, LCRA built the chain of dams that tamed Texas’ Colorado River and brought power to rural Central Texas for the first time. LCRA’s parks are part of a 1960s-era program that has grown to include over 40 diverse parks, each with its own flora and fauna for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The Matagorda Bay Nature Park sits on the Texas coast between the more well-known coastal destinations of Galveston and Corpus Christi. Matagorda includes approximately 58 miles of beach, but it’s not the sand that brings the majority of people to town. Matagorda Bay, where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico, is a fisherman’s paradise.
As I made my way down Beach Road for the last six or so miles of my drive from Austin, the river was lined with the typical coastal homes built on pilings to handle storms and high water. They almost all had boat docks, and the parking lot of the nearby public boat launch was filled with empty trailers that had delivered their fishing boats to the waters earlier in the day.
It wasn’t the fish that lured me, though. It was the chance to experience an icon of recreational vehicles and enjoy a few quiet days with a waterfront view.
Renting an Airstream at Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Airstream travel trailers have been a pinnacle of design and travel for more than 95 years, but the glamping-style rentals of them are a 2020s-era addition to LCRA’s parks. They’re currently available in Lake Bastrop North Shore, Black Rock Park, and Matagorda, where the rentals start at $225 a night. For not much more, you can rent one of the two-bedroom bungalows they’ve built at the park, but I was there to find out why Airstreams have an almost cult-like following.
My rental Airstream was parked facing the river, where I could watch the fishing boats come and go, and the sun set from the dinette window. I’d made sure to pack bug spray, though, so I could also enjoy those sunsets sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs provided.
Inside, the curved aluminum ceiling gave it the feel of a very chic capsule — part vintage Americana, part boutique hotel. The bed was made, the AC was already humming, and I didn’t have to stake a tent or back an RV into position. This is the glamping promise delivered: all the romance of being somewhere wild, none of the setup.
Activities and Things to Do at Matagorda Bay
Check-in at the park’s visitor center was easy, and the front desk clerk let me know that there was a Pilates class the next morning if I wanted to sign up to attend. I told her I wasn’t ready to make any time commitments, and she let me know that I had time to think it over.
The class was one of a variety of organized activities offered at the park, including yoga, painting, archery, crafts, birding, fishing, and kayaking. If you go, be sure to check the website to see what events might be happening during your stay.
I did end up at Pilates the next morning, along with a few ladies who live in the area and were regulars in the class. And afterwards, I made the short walk to the beach feeling less guilty for doing nothing more than reading a book and soaking up some sun.
There along the beach, I saw a few people casting their lines to probably catch the redfish and trout that locals say are plentiful year-round. And I saw many boats making their way out of the mouth of the river to the bay and possibly the Gulf to search for grouper, red snapper, amberjack, kingfish, and shark.
Those with a boat can also get to Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department runs the public use activities in the WMA, which is open throughout the year for camping, biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting.
My activities were less adventurous this trip: Walking along the almost empty beach, reading, writing, and enjoying the panoramic view of the river from the air-conditioned comfort of my Airstream. Which fit in quite nicely with the company founder’s creed: “To place the great wide world at your doorstep for you who yearn to travel with all the comforts of home.”
What the Airstream Is Actually Like
The Airstream was definitely comfortable for a solo traveler who stands just one inch above five feet tall. I’m not sure it would be comfortable for four people, which the LCRA website says it sleeps. In the back bedroom, there was a queen bed that would work for two, and I suppose the benches on either side of the dining area are considered twin beds, but I wouldn’t want to be the one stuck sleeping on them. Thankfully, linens and towels are provided so you're not hauling those from home.
Staying in the Airstream means you also have a private shower and bathroom, which is a welcome amenity at the beach. Although I don’t think tall people would be able to fully stand in the shower. The trailer has a small kitchenette with oven and cooktop, as well as a microwave and a refrigerator that's small but bigger than a typical hotel mini fridge. The dining area easily seats four. There was also a Roku TV that I never actually turned on, and wi-fi that I did take advantage of for writing on my laptop and conducting a client Zoom call without any issue.
Is Renting an Airstream Worth It?
Did my “try before you buy” experience with an Airstream make me want to trade my car for a truck and take up the caravan life? No. But would I stay in one again? Sure! It was great to be able to walk to the beach and return to cool comfort in a cute aluminum-clad space.
Maybe I’ll return one day with some friends and try one of the bungalows.
Tips for Visiting Matagorda Bay Nature Park
- Book early for weekends and summer. With only a handful of Airstreams available across LCRA parks, they fill up fast — especially Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Stop in Bay City to buy groceries because Matagorda doesn’t have an HEB. If you’re from Texas, you understand, and if you’re visiting from out of state, you’ll learn why we love our HEBs.
- Check ahead to see what activities are offered while you’re there. Some add-on activities (archery, kayaking) may fill up fast and have separate fees not included in your nightly rate.
- Watch out for rip currents, especially prevalent near the mouth of the Colorado River. They can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore, and there are no lifeguards in the area.
- No need to bring firewood. The patio gas grill handles outdoor cooking, but if you want a campfire vibe, check whether the park has fire rings or designated fire areas.
- Birders: bring binoculars. Matagorda Bay is a known stopover on the Central Flyway — the bird watching can be exceptional, especially during spring and fall migration.
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