Free Beach Camping - Magnolia Beach TX | EP40 RV Full Time Living

[@mikeweis5925]

Re: Buc-ees. It’s not the fuel people like, it’s the huge indoor sales area (unless you stopped at a mini). Bbq, jerky, beaver nuggets, homemade chips, the clean/private restrooms. We love them, but not for the fuel.

[@scott0551]

But, the fuel is usually cheaper

[@Rowdy7111]

Yeah yall definitely did not go to one of the giant Buccees.

[@ST-ov8cm]

Buc-eyes became popular back in the day because they always had large, clean restrooms - perfect for road trips. And, this was in the day when gas station restrooms were very scary. They parlayed that popularity into being private-brand everything kind of store

[@lindadurst2290]

Love Buc'ees it's a Texas thing! and cleanest bathrooms anywhere.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We are definitely going to check out some bigger buc’ees! We didn’t get the full experience at the one we went to! 😎👍🏼

[@rachelgg106]

Wow, so close to the water! What a beautiful spot!!😍

[@MidlifeDetour]

Definitely our kind of camping, that’s for sure! 😎👍🏼

[@buzzuti]

Trust me, being from Texas. Based on your comments, you really didn’t go to a Bucees Yeah it is just a gas station convenience store, but when you go to a real one it is pretty fun. Keep on enjoying! 😊

[@MidlifeDetour]

WE GOTTA TRY A “REAL ONE”! 👍🏼🙂 this one was very small so I’m thinking we didn’t get the best taste of what it’s like! We will soon though! 😎

[@shabajohnson1406]

👍

[@ronhamm]

My dad lives in south Texas. He owned a class A for about 15 years. He hated driving thru Dallas so much he would plan his trips as to hit Dallas only early Sunday morning.

[@ourrvsunsets]

The key to understanding the Buc-ee's thing in Beaver Nuggets. Safe travels kids, looks like you're having amazing adventures.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Haha! We have received so many comments with what we should try there! Beaver nuggets, huh!? 🤔

[@ourrvsunsets]

@@MidlifeDetour Ignore all others suggestions and go for the Beaver Nuggets!!! 😁

[@the_fry_way]

Fulltimers here - 4 years and 2 months! Hooray.... We love Magnolia beach (wind and all). Loved the video! ~Lynette

[@MidlifeDetour]

Congrats to you! 4 years! 🙂👍🏼 Yes, Magnolia is one we will keep going back to! Thanks for watchin!

[@nyakundibose6972]

It is good to accept that the RV life (the home/RV) will have issues at some point. Just find happiness as mach as you can.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Absolutely! We are definitely doing that! 👍🏼 life is so much better when you have a positive outlook! 🙂

[@Lonestarsharkwranglers]

We do a memorial day trail ride with horses there every year, we love that place! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Wow, that would be such a neat experience! We definitely will be back as it’s one of our favorite places! 👍🏼

[@annettemills2399]

Stopped at Buckees once. I agree, it’s big and crowded and not our thing. But they DID have big buckets and poles to wash our windows (which my husband also always wants.) They were not around the gas pumps, though. They were separate stations on the edge of the parking lot. Great boondocking spot! We’ll put it on our list.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well that is quite interesting! You are now the second comment about the washers being in a different locations 🤔 We will definitely be giving buckees another try! 👍🏼

[@maida1981]

@@MidlifeDetour Magnolia area has some of the older Buc-ee's. The new huge Buc-ee's are more on the interstate highways. Safe travels. Houston and Texas Proud.

[@jamessmith-or8hw]

That’s wat I’m talking about, I made the comments on ur video at the warranty place and man y’all r living plz don’t stop have fun love and live is wat it’s about y’all doing it great job I can’t wait to get out there myself thx

[@MidlifeDetour]

We don’t plan on stopping! 😎 Thanks for your inspiring comments! Thanks for watchin! 🙂👍🏼

[@vincentkaron]

I love Magnolia, beach ⛱️ I go almost every month. Greetings 🙏

[@MidlifeDetour]

It’s such a great one! Awesome you get to visit so often! I would love that! 🙂👍🏼

[@ShareaDreamComeTrue]

Beautiful drone footage! Looks amazing! Buc-ee’s is a must stop for us. Cheap gas, nice bathrooms, brisket sandwich, Beaver nuggets, jerky, and Icees.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have several brisket recommendations! We definitely need to find a bigger store! 👍🏼🙂

[@johnforster9255]

Spot on with the warranty issue...we did the same, we get things fixed when we pass through hometown, but we travel in between...we just arrange as many issues as possible for repair when home. Stress was gone!

[@MidlifeDetour]

That’s great! We just keep goin. We just keep our chins up and we just keep enjoying all the moments. 🙂 thanks for watchin!

[@joemiles6917]

You guys are such troopers, staying positive. You are a great example.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well thank you so much! Definitely going to stay positive! Thanks for your comment! 🙂👍🏼

[@grayfox9911]

It looked like the doggies enjoyed it too! :)

[@MidlifeDetour]

I think they’d tell you it’s right up there with one of their favorite places! 😉👍🏼

[@sifilmaker]

Nice video.. Im thinking of packing my RV and heading down to Texas..

[@MidlifeDetour]

We’d love to be there now! You should! 😎👍🏼

[@rickgriffith1]

Awesome video! I’m glad you’re not letting the rig bum you out and you’re keeping it moving forward.👍🏼😎

[@MidlifeDetour]

We definitely had to refocus a time or two but we are determined to continue traveling and we will enjoy it as much as possible! 🙂👍🏼

[@RVingwithLuck]

I added this to my travel list!

[@MidlifeDetour]

It’s wonderful!

[@oureverydaygetaway]

Just found your channel and we subscribed! In late October we were in Texas and wanted to make a trip to Magnolia Beach, but the weather did not cooperate. Maybe next year. And we have yet to visit a Buc-ee's. Not that we don't want to, just hasn't worked out. We feel the same way about boondocking especially after visiting "the wall." Stay safe guys! Hope to see you on the road someday.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Welcome!! So glad you found us! We have definitely learned that Texas weather is kinda crazy! Hopefully you will make it to Magnolia in the near future! Definitely worth it when the weather works! 🙂 thanks for watchin!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Wow, this is God's Creation and it is very beautiful, I don't think that I can ever get my wife to boondock but it would be nice.

[@smallrvbiglife59]

Your videos are very well edited and entertaining. Thanks for the great content and enjoy Texas!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thank you! Ryan is the “one” 😎 thanks for watchin! 👍🏼-Sarah

[@MrEMHudson]

Buccee is amazing

[@MidlifeDetour]

Indeed! 🙂

[@mitysix5441]

If that was the Buc-ee's in Port Lavaca, Tx it is the smallest store they own. I think it was converted form another store chain otherwise Buc-ee's are ground up brand new builds that are nice!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Extremely funny that we happened to hit the smallest store they own for our first Buc-ee's experience. We have since been to several of their larger locations and there are some snacks that Sarah loves for those stops. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@heberbelles916]

Another nice Beach to stay at is Crystal Beach near Galveston TX . 10 dollar sticker and you can stay a month on the beach. RV park also 1 mile from beach to get water and dump for 25 bucks

[@MidlifeDetour]

We will definitely be checking that out! Thank so much for the info! 😎👍🏼

[@Skidaho1]

Enjoy the sunshine! way below zero in north Idaho this week!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have been in Idaho for a bit so we know about it the freezing temps! A but if a shock when we’ve been use to warm! 😎👍🏼

[@m2c2treks]

We enjoy your videos! We just stopped at our first Buc-ee’s this week and their brisket sandwich is delicious!

[@MidlifeDetour]

YUM!! We are going to find a bigger store so we can get the full experience! 😉👍🏼

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

We winter in Texas and Ginger is from here, but we've never been to Magnolia beach. It's on our list once we sell our Momentum.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Absolutely will LOVE it! 🙂👍🏼

[@lanceleverich5586]

Y’all went to a baby Buccees the large ones have everything

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have since gone to a bigger Buccees! It was great!!! 👍🏼😎

[@JoeT.1960]

Cool I didn't know that thanks 👍👍

[@MidlifeDetour]

It’s really a neat place! 👍🏼🙂

[@leehensley7711]

Another great video

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks so much for watchin! 😎👍🏼

[@LB-cv8wg]

Love you guys

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hey thanks! 🙂👍🏼

[@imarichmultimillionaire5509]

The bucc-ee in port Lavaca is on of the smallest store if not the smallest the locals call it baby bucc-ees 😂 All the others are massive with over 100 gas pumps at the mim

[@MidlifeDetour]

Haha! We definitely found the small one! Since then we’ve grown to like them!! And got snacks! 😎👍🏼

[@dinog62]

That is one of the smaller Buccee"s, you have to get to one off a major interstate and brand new. They are awesome. We are heading down to Texas early FEB. after our house sells and we have bondocked at Magnolia Beach and loved it as well. Watch out for the alligators in the back waters. Safe Travels.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Honestly didn’t even think about alligators 🥴 wowza. Congrats on selling your house! Thanks for watchin! 😎👍🏼

[@terrygreenlee5425]

@@MidlifeDetour Agree. You need to hit up one of the BIG Buccee's. Much different than the small ones. Some of them have 80 soda fountains, 60 gas pumps, 31 cash registers, and 1,000 parking spaces.

[@shelleywalker6225]

I love to watch your videos and see you smiling. But guys, I hate to tell you this but your furbabies might be stealing the show from you. 💙🐾🐾💙

[@MidlifeDetour]

They steal the show most days for us too and we don’t mind! 😎♥️♥️ thanks for watchin! 👍🏼

[@rbriggs2536]

Great video!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks so much for watchin! 😎👍🏼

[@ouRVisionnomadicliving]

We have a love hate relationship with Magnolia Beach...lol. We will be back there the last couple weeks in Jan. We heard about Magnolia Beach from Paul & Lorena of "The motorhome experiment" Great video as always you two. Merry Christmas 🎄 Sean & Angie

[@MidlifeDetour]

Merry Christmas to you both as well! You are the first one who told us about magnolia! We love it. Since I’ve been in FREEZING IDAHO, I have been missing the warm beach days in Texas…even the humidity! 😬👍🏼 thanks for watchin!

[@texasproud3332]

Welcome to Texas yep there’s a lot of weird stuff off our shores

[@MidlifeDetour]

We love your shores and all that time we’ve spent in Texas over the last year! 👍🏼😎

[@claystupp5317]

Another great video, not crazy about Houston either, but may be doing it again in a few weeks on my way to Arizona

[@MidlifeDetour]

We’ve driven through a lot of big cities now and after a few times through Houston, I think we are getting used to it! Good luck to you! 😉👍🏼

[@nomowworries3745]

I’ve seen many people review this beach. I live in Texas I might need to check it out. Safe travels!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We think it’s a good one! 😉 do it!

[@nomowworries3745]

@@MidlifeDetour We have it on our list for 2023. Thanks!

[@Bombay0093]

Love your videos…so inspiring! I would have to agree we hate traveling through/near Houston as that’s where our Beacon decided to break down and got stuck on the side of the highway for 11+ hours. We hoping to hit the road again in spring of 2023 once our Beacon is repaired. As for Buc’ees not having windshield cleaning stuff at the pumps is baffling. They have at the back of their property in one location and I don’t understand why.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well thank you! 👍🏼 we sure hope your Beacon will get repaired and you can get on the road and enjoy your rig and travel life! Keep us updated on the progress and your story! 🙂🤍

[@mnmandthegang]

Nice video, we are planning to stay at Magnolia Beach next year.

[@MidlifeDetour]

And you will LOVE IT! Such a great place! 😎👍🏼

[@fuzion430journey3]

Lol we live on Long Island every trip starts with driving thu city driving and crazy drivers and traffic , over the Throgs neck Bridge and then to George Washington Bridge with some major tall to pay to get over by the bridge is too

[@MidlifeDetour]

Oh goodness! Not sure we will ever drive through that area! 😬I’m sure Houston has nothing on it!

[@fuzion430journey3]

@@MidlifeDetour it’s a beautiful area , but you for sure need an rv and or truck gps , there are lots of parkways and roads with low over passes and tight turns ! This is a tip to everyone I was born and raised here you do not want to travel to tri state area without a rv gps , but it is a beautiful area and amazing beaches and sites to see

[@MidlifeDetour]

@@fuzion430journey3 Well we just might need your guidance to get us through that area! We would love that!

[@fuzion430journey3]

@@MidlifeDetour anytime , you guys ever travel northeast ? It’s beautiful and one of our favorite places is Normandy farms in Foxboro Massachusetts ,and lake George New York, and of course Long Island, and if you camp on Long Island it’s very easy to use the Long Island rail Rd., to get into Manhattan to see the sites there,It’s also very easy to use the rail system to get from Foxborough into Boston

[@sherrielong6795]

I just subscribed to you guys. You have a beautiful truck and a beautiful rig I love them.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Well thanks for subscribing! Look forward to having you along with us! 👍🏼😎

[@sherrielong6795]

@@MidlifeDetour I'm looking forward to it as well. I love the video it is fantastic and that is an absolutely beautiful place.

[@ptwhd]

C4YT😊

[@PeeWeeHenson]

BIG CITY AVOIDANCE IS MY #1 OBJECTIVE. AND PEOPLE IN HOUSTON DRIVE LIKE THEY'RE BLIND

[@bubba1948a]

Ok. You asked! First of all you have a beautiful rig. The problems you are having not so much. I get issues coming out of Covid build but going back to Van Leigh with structural issues and water issues and fire hazards and coming out the way you did is unacceptable. You done a lot of great work so you don’t want to walk away but the number one issue that Van Leigh needs to solve is the frame. Focus on one thing with them. All the rest of the stuff can be handled by a really good mobile tech, the frame and that sidewall is something else entirely. Manufacturers are having issues in that portion of 5th wheels. It gets revealed in a number of different ways, but it is all the same. There is flex where that deck underneath the bedroom meets the main frame. You need to get Lippert involved. One you have that sorted out, if that were mine, I’d pull that generator and I’d install a Trailer Saver BD5. That will eliminate most of that flex. Look at it this way, you got a brand new roof, you got the best suspension you can buy, you got great full body paint, you like the interior. Once you fix the frame and get a mobile tech to work out the water leaks you are good to go. Hope that helps!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Dave - I really appreciate your positive perspective it is honestly refreshing. I have wanted a BD5 for a long time - almost switched to one when we still had our last rig and have come close a few times since. We are working toward a resolution on the frame - hopefully we should have that sorted out here shortly. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@troybratusek2716]

The Buc-ee’s in Port Lavaca is a really old and small one. Visit one on the interstate and you understand what people are talking about.

[@MrBearcaaat]

You do need to visit one of the bigger Buc-ees and then you will understand.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We’ve since been to a bigger one and it was definitely an experience! 😎

[@FindUsCamping]

We loved Magnolia Beach can't wait to get back

[@MidlifeDetour]

It’s one of those spots we will keep going back to! 😎👍🏼

[@jamesglenn520]

Hey it's James and Karie with the Valor 40v13. We met in Rexburg in September. Glad to see you are enjoying yourselves. We are looking forward to full-time just Chilling in Idaho for the time being 🥶🤣

[@MidlifeDetour]

Hey James! Sarah is currently experiencing that same Idaho winter chill as she is up visiting while I am down in the warmth of Texas. I enjoyed hanging out with you folks in Rexburg - I am happy you are still hanging out with us!

[@jamesglenn520]

@@MidlifeDetour We have plans to stay near Henry's Lake in June. Maybe you guys will be in the area and we can get together again.

[@MidlifeDetour]

@@jamesglenn520 that would be great - we will let you know if we are!

[@bartel-shop]

✌️ Nice!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks!

[@crazyprepper5400]

Lol no way. But I'm glad you had a good time

[@MidlifeDetour]

No way? 😉 it was such a great time! 👍🏼

[@jonthompson3958]

Our friends Pam & Steve told us about your channel. They met you recently. Can you tell me what type of roof rack you use on your truck? Also, what type of kayaks do you use? Thanks for answering. Jon & Cathi Thompson.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for reaching out! Our roof racks are “Thule” and the kayaks are relatively inexpensive, 10 foot Lifetime “Guster”. We’ve been very happy with them-they are very durable. The Thule rack has multiple components to make up the whole system. This system has been great for us for over 20 thousand miles. If you want the specific part number that we used, you can email [e-mail]

[@hannahrose9182]

Beautiful! We will add Magnolia beach to our list!

[@MidlifeDetour]

Yes! For sure! 😎👍🏼

[@craigcowen6920]

If you park sideways, a park ranger will come by and make you move. Just an FYI.

[@MidlifeDetour]

We have seen people get asked to move and talked with those volunteers and rangers that help keep that beach what it is. We have been to Magnolia twice and both times we park with the slight slant that the crowd already has going.

[@craigcowen6920]

@@MidlifeDetour Most people park with a slant. I am talking about perpendicular to the water line.

[@CircuitRidinRV]

Love it, I'm marking this on my map!

[@MidlifeDetour]

You WILL love it! ♥️

[@grayfox9911]

I haven't hears from y'all in a long time.Are you still om the road? Hope the dogs are doing OK...

[@chipangelicamartelle802]

Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing. That beach looks beautiful.

[@MidlifeDetour]

It really is gorgeous in so many ways. Such an experience. 👍🏼 thanks for watchin! ❤️

[@SuperSushidog]

Oh man, Bucees is great. There're tons of delicious food inside made fresh all the time inside their huge convenience stores - typically 50-60,000 sq. ft. That's the size of a football field! Their brisket sandwiches are off the hook. Maybe there are some smaller ones but he ones I usually stop at have 60-120 pumps (and about the same number of immaculate bathroom stalls too). They usually have ethanol free fuel too (which makes my MH run so much better). If you drive a diesel there's DEF at the pumps. Did you stop at the one just west of Houston (in Katy) near where you're camping now? It has the world's longest car wash.

[@MidlifeDetour]

Chris I think you just identified the experience issue - we were at an extremely small one in Port Lavaca. It was really no different than an average corner gas station. I was surprised by no window squeegee at any pump and went inside and it was a small convenience store. I figured we were missing something for as many posts I see about them. I will look and hit one of the larger ones!

[@N2it4Now]

Hey you guys...haha Nice video. Okay first off, we would probably boon dock more if we had your awesome solar and battery setup. Secondly, and I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, I would worry about the tide schedule when setting up near water. AND worry about getting stuck like you said. Have you noticed any rust popping out after you leave the coast? Rock on MD!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

We really loved boondocking prior to our solar setup (when we had the momentum). We were more selective then due to temps etc. we still loved Harvest Hosts and made due but it wasn’t always comfortable. NOW, yes, the solar makes all the difference. We rarely think about power, which is nice! When you back up to the water, there’s a pretty obvious water line and we just make sure we are not too close to that. I think where Magnolia is, the tide isn’t as big of an issue as if you were right on the actual gulf coast front.

[@tarantulaina_jar7168]

I know that beach

[@thedang4phim]

How wonderful and great tips. We are new rvers , has not been on any free camp site near the beach. Would you tell us how to reserve for it , we coming far away from it. Thank you.

[@MidlifeDetour]

You can just drive right up and find a spot and stay! There is a lot of room so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot! 😊👍🏼

[@thedang4phim]

@@MidlifeDetour thank you

[@HSTWXMAN]

I guess when it time to let the RV sit, it is time to upgrade?

[@MidlifeDetour]

🤔

[@debbieholden7790]

Hi neighbors, were here in South Padre Texas for the winter. Last year we stayed on the beach similar to what you did in your video but the road crew guys told us it was super bad for the electronics on our truck and trailer so we only stayed for two nights. Did you experience any electronic issues during your 14 day stay?

[@rogergraves242]

That’s normal for Buckees cheap

[@irapickard6775]

That was a great video. This may have been asked but was there any issues with sand and rust after y’all left?

[@MidlifeDetour]

There was a lot of sand and didn’t have issues with rust. Sand was worth it!👍🏻

[@Steve-n-Tango]

It just absolutely fascinates me how many places there are to go camping outside of the little bubble of state campgrounds that my friends and I tend to go to! I’m looking forward to full timing across country here in less than a year. Quick question. I’m new to your channel. in a place like in this video, do you run a generator or have a large solar package? Or just go with what you have. Just curious how you manage power and what you can run. Thanks so much! Going to watch a bunch of your old videos!

[@jorgeplaza3406]

Hi! Nobody goes into the water?

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Where else can you get waterfront property for free😊

[@MidlifeDetour]

I think the views are pretty amazing! One of our favorites…thus far! 👍🏼😎

[@lawrencebest9943]

Buckees the food and the bathrooms are suppose to be good I have never been to one

[@MidlifeDetour]

We just recently visited a HUGE store and I have to say, it was quite an experience! Not sure it would’ve done anything for me prior to RV LIFE 😉 you’ll have to check one out! 👍🏼 thanks for watchin!

[@chrisstanley2743]

Yup we are building our rig just for Boondocking. we think we want to use Dry Campers. Are they worth it?

[@MidlifeDetour]

One of the reasons we chose the Dry Campers is the use of “found space” and then the clean installs. We are extremely happy with our solar install and has given us so much freedom. Mike is awesome - he won’t disappoint.

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Hate Houston traffic

[@MidlifeDetour]

YES!! 👍🏼

[@seawolff33]

Atlanta is no picnic either

[@traveltherightpath]

Beautiful video and very informative! Planning to go next week and looking for a place to fill my water tank and dump station after, any suggestion?

[@glitchnyrmatrix7296]

So you're allowed 14 days on the beach. Is that per year or do you have to leave for a week Before you can come back? Can somebody tell me how that works? Thanks

[@MidlifeDetour]

14 days with a 30 day gap.

[@caravanstuff2827]

By what you've been through with this rig it's time to dump the lemon on a dealer and get something else... it's not good to carry all that bad karma around with you!!.🤔♥️🇺🇸

[@stevedenoyer5956]

How was tracking sand in to the rig? Was that a constant battle?

[@MidlifeDetour]

The sand is NOT fine and made mostly of small shells but had some large rock like sand. It wasn’t too bad! And DEFINITELY WORTH IT! 😎👍🏼

[@vladkot1]

That's why you get a legit camper next time... Tiffin's are great, but specialized in motorhomes, not camper's...

[@MidlifeDetour]

Thanks for the input - which brands would you recommend?

[@rogergraves242]

There gas sucks

[@Jeffrey-i9b]

Hi, is it near Padre Island ?

[@tonypatino6829]

Is a permit required for camping?

[@MidlifeDetour]

No permit required. Show up and find your spot. Thanks for hanging out with us!

[@gorvlivin]

Nice beach spot. Thanks!!

[@MidlifeDetour]

One of our favorites! 👍🏼