Falcon State Park Texas for Camping with Nature: Slim's 2024 Road Trip Part 4

After travelling a month in cold humid air, I finally cross the climate divide in southern Texas. Falcon State Park has a lot to offer for those that love both the nature and recreation. But how does it compare if you are a budget traveler? My full review!
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[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: I should have mentioned that the cell phone issues with signals from Mexico happens when you are in ROAMING mode. As a Canadian, this is a given, as I have a US/Canada roaming plan. If you are American, just turn off roaming and you should be fine. But if you are Canadian, WATCH OUT!!! SP

[@wildlifeonwheels4236]

For some goofy reason on my comment earlier, I was thinking that CA and USA had the same carriers. So I didn’t even think about that roaming issue you’ve got, I’m tired 😂

[@froggycellis007]

Virtual sim cards are an amazing travel alternative for cell phones. I've used them in both Mexico and Europe.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

​@@froggycellis007?? What is a virtual sim??

[@shandelebroyles1099]

What do you mean your mileage is for charity??

[@SlimPotatohead]

Please do not ask questions in a sub-comment, ask them in a new one. I don't answer here as KZbin doesn't give me a response notice. Thanks! SP

[@anitabarra810]

You show the beauty in the simplest of places. Thank you.

[@nomadicdullard]

That roadrunner was lucky there wasn't an anvil nearby with ACME on it.

[@lynnef3297]

😂😂😂

[@trishrobbins9942]

Roadrunners are brutal killers of the pretty small birds.

[@tia2211]

My life is complete when Slim is on the road and sharing his travels! Thank you!

[@gooberpeas7926]

Slim, I love ALL of your videos, but the nature ones are my very favorite. Thank you for taking us along.

[@spc3461]

I really enjoyed watching your video on Falcon State Park, Slim! You have such a great way of capturing the beauty and diversity of nature. I loved seeing the birds, the flowers, the lake, and the sunset. You also gave some useful tips on camping, boondocking, and budget traveling. I appreciate your honesty and humor. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! 👍🏼

[@SlimPotatohead]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@heberbelles916]

Hey Slim , You may not know this but there was a county park right next door to that park. its free for 60 days and they have water at most sites , fire pits, picnic tables , dump station and even hot showers all free. i stayed there in Jan 2021. Another tid-bit is there is a picnic area you can stay at going west to the highest bridge in TX. for free overnight. i stayed there too on my way to AZ. Good Luck

[@luzmoseley5767]

Thank you for your great videos, my husband and I never miss any 😊

[@a.swifty1081]

There are so many aspects of your videos that I love, that I can relax to, that I can learn from. Thank you.

[@lbox88]

Hey Slim, looking at your front bumper at 1:11 it looks like you are missing the lower valance air deflector that hangs off of it. It's not a huge deal and gives you better approach angles for offroad things, but not having it also negatively affects your fuel mileage. Something to keep in mind should you want to try to increase mileage. Replacements aren't much and I believe they go on with plastic automotive pins, could probably get one cheaper off a totaled truck at a you-pull junk yard. TFL Truck channel did a mileage test with their little white Ram 1500 a while back where they removed it and it made a fair difference for them.

[@Tony-um2el]

You have to find the sweet spot on your truck. My van is 58 MPH to get my best MPG's. Cruise control works the best for me. Your expectations of 15.1 MPG is probably a stretch but I'd say it's not impossible

[@johnhaug1747]

I have a 2008 Dodge Durango, 5.7L HEMI which I bought in 2018, and was getting 12.5 mpg. Slowly I did all the OEM recommended maintenance, including new platinum spark plugs. Accidently, I learned to drive at 55-65 MPH which improved the mileage to 15.5 MPG. The key is to keep the engine RPMs below 2000. I set the cruise control at 55 MPH and use the accelerate button to inch the speed up to 65MPH. Slowly using the button keeps the RPMs below 2000. Hope this helps.

[@norennalayton6554]

I love your Texas travels. I get to see things that I didn't see when I was in Texas. I have family and glenrose. I love your videos and thank you so much for all The nature sir that you show. Is happy travels to you.

[@eamoss71]

Seminole Canyon State Park is amazing too! You can see some of the oldest pictographs in North America.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Here's my video of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpC4p5Knd6eph6c

[@PMUP2016]

My cats enjoyed this video as much as I did! Thanks.

[@susanferrell4750]

My cat likes this video too!

[@thelwell256]

Wow fantastic video. I love nature and have never seen a road runner before. Fascinating. Love your videos.❤

[@1954shadow]

Holy smokes, never thought about that cell phone signal snafu, thanks for the tip!

[@sailingairtime]

That brings back some memories. We stayed there mid February 2019. The temperature got to 101.3F with a RH of 7%. There was no hiking for us that day!

[@michellelaitinen2527]

Thanks Slim, I really appreciate hearing birds in the winter, especially the red wings! Looks like a nice place to stay. As a fellow Canadian and Albertan I miss the summer birds!

[@HumbleVoyager]

Thanks, Slim! I enjoyed that, no end!

[@seameology]

My bsMPG was was 53. In a Toyota Corolla traveling across Southern Minnesota on I90 going 75mph. There was NO trafgic as most was diveryed because they were about to start construction. I decided to see how far I could go. Anyway, it was also the top speed I feel comfortable driving as well. I would never have guessed, that would be my best MPG on my entire trip.

[@micamp45hc99]

*SLIM! YOU'RE SOOOO CLOSE TO BIG BEND, YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO EXPERIENCE IT. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I have! Check out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6S1Z41plMplg9E

[@micamp45hc99]

@SlimPotatohead Ah! The old Airliner days, I must have missed that one! Thanks Slim!

[@pattiwhite9575]

I can not get enough of Big Bend. I just keep going back. The hikes and the views from top of mountains.

[@redsorgum]

Slim's "ants in the pants" dance.. Awesome video of the roadrunners. I noticed you don't have the snowboard deflector on the truck, I wonder if it would help the gas mileage.

[@Sunshine_day]

Awesome to see you visiting my home state! Welcome back, Slim! Edit: Any chances of meet-ups while you're here if you haven't already moved on?

[@RashleysBorderQue]

Very nice closeup videography. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@susancoleman3587]

Welcome to South Texas in the winter...I live closer to the island, but make it to Falcon a few times a year. Welcome to a naturalist's paradise 😉

[@garybanning1136]

Those Red Ants bring back memories as a kid in south Texas and Horned Toads lizard loved them

[@Sunshine_day]

Me too. When I was a kid, we all dreaded and feared red ants, but you hardly see them anymore where I live in Northeast Texas. I would much rather have them around than those horrible fire ants 🐜 😅

[@pattiwhite9575]

I was expecting him to see a few horned lizards.

[@cabbking]

Waitin’ for you to find me a Falcon, although the Hare and the other birds and animals were fun too.

[@taurota1554]

awesome as always.thanks for sharing and taking us along.

[@bertkelly7650]

Cool! The road runner doesn't go beep beep. I don't believe you said what for engine you have. I have Ram Hemi towing about 5k and my best was towing to Del with the air on and got 11.1. Thanks for sharing!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I include those details in the video description

[@jmpattillo]

That looked like a fossilized oyster bed. So cool!

[@blackbear7792]

👍❤️❤️❤️ HEY, THAT'S CLOSE TO LAREDO, TEXAS MY HOME. WEATHER IS AWESOME NOW BUT IT SURE GET VERY HOT IN SUMMER. GLAD YOU LIKED FALCON STATE PARK.

[@onrycodger]

As always, Thumbs up!👍 Go Git-em cowboy🤠

[@bryanschwertner3585]

The biggest increase in fuel mileage for GM pickups was 2014 and newer. The woke up that 5.3 with direct injection. My wife’s is a 2wd and my 13 was a 4wd but her fuel mileage is 20 give or take 2. My bros is the newest chassis Z71 and he gets a little better than that. Take care brother! Hope you enjoyed Texas!

[@CC58]

My Mazda CX-5 can tow 2,000#. Normally the 2.5L 185hp CX-5 gets 24/32mpg but gets 20mpg pulling a 2000# trailer. In Canada the CX-5 is rated to pull 3800# with no changes.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Perhaps, but not a car suited for my travels. I need a good backroad vehicle rather than a city car. Thanks! SP

[@CC58]

CX-5 is sprung hard so not suitable for back roads. It would rattle your teeth, but rides like a sports car on paved roads.@@SlimPotatohead

[@rrhopewell]

That’s a nice place as well.

[@wrxs1781]

Good video Slim, I really enjoyed it. I am watching on Feb 06 and if you were back home the weather picture is less than sunny and warm, "snow and lots of it" also one can contemplated that living in "cold overtaxed Canada" might not be ideal for us retired folk.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I'm going to assume you mean overtaxed with snow, as you know any comments about politics is banned on my channel. Thanks! SP

[@Robert-Wilson]

As for the cellphone. Some where in your phones setting you should be able to turn roaming off. So it won’t try to use data on a foreign network.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Unfortunately, as a Canadian I can only use the phone in "roaming" mode while in the US. I should have mentioned that. SP

[@Robert-Wilson]

@@SlimPotatohead oh yea i forgot the fact you from the great north. People in the very northern part of the US have been bit the same way when close to the Canada border.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

No need to turn off roaming. You just manually select an American carrier rather than use auto select. I'm suspecting the Mexicans boost their signal to slightly overpower the American signals.

[@pattiwhite9575]

So glad you got to experience Texas State Park system. So many great places to visit and very affordable. A birders dream down near Falcon Lake and south. Your drive north should be full of other places to stop and enjoy too. I wish I was you and could trip around. I'd never leave Texas. Its got it all. Tip on ants. Chew some bubble gum and then put it away from your camp spot a little way. Ants will move to another area and enjoy it.

[@HighRoad317]

Good times, such amazing cinematography, you have a gift and eye Slim…

[@davidlayson2685]

I have enjoyed your videos for a while now. I sympathize with you on gas mileage. I have a Chevy 2500 and pull a 30 foot travel trailer. In 2016 I drove it from Indiana to Seattle, WA and back. Believe it or not my worst mileage was in Iowa and Nebraska. My best was in the upper elevations of the mountains. Enjoy your travels.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Interesting. Maybe that's why my mileage was better in Alberta!

[@SteveA25414]

Great episode!

[@KrzysztofC-1]

For those unaware: When you travel outside your home country to another EU country, you don't have to pay any additional charges to use your mobile phone. This is known as "roaming" or "roam like at home".

[@SlimPotatohead]

I think what you are trying to say is turn "roaming" off. However, as a Canadian I have a US/Canada roaming plan. Thanks!

[@karenlowes7802]

The wildlife is amazing and the sunsets incredibly beautiful. What a wonderful Creator we have!❤ Thanks Slim for sharing.

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Good morning slim my slim potato hoodie getting old .I will buy a new one soon.thank you

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good morning Jason!

[@lindabenstead6672]

At first, I thought it was camping with Rusty.😆 Texas is a beautiful state. Thanks Slim! ❤

[@williamleopold507]

Lovely video , thanks for sharing .

[@sheridanrose9880]

Beauty takes wing! Thank you for sharing your excursion.

[@wildlifeonwheels4236]

You could try to disable data roaming in cellular settings. That should prevent all those unexpected changes like that

[@SlimPotatohead]

Then I wouldn't have a phone. I'm Canadian!

[@RussellPecot]

Since we don't have hardly any public lands in, Texas Parks and Recreation and the annual pass can't be beat.

[@Gary_Snook]

Hey have a good trip….watching from Newfoundland by the way you are missing all the snow here Canada 🇨🇦

[@SlimPotatohead]

I hear you really got hammered out there! (by snow)

[@Gary_Snook]

Hey Cape Breton got hammer 100-150 cm snow, plus state of emergency in Cape Breton all business close until this Saturday. Here in Stephenville, Newfoundland we only got 25cm. I be watching to see how far West you go…..Gary

[@connienelson1515]

I have now watched all five and am awaiting #6. Be safe out there!

[@homelesstravelinglivingmyd9225]

Thank you for sharing, I Loved Texas state parks, I’ll be traveling back through soon 🌵✨🙏

[@hansostlund4626]

Exellent videos sir…😂 One after another!

[@ronjr831]

Really good video work. Thanks

[@stevengreco8961]

I really enjoy this KZbin channel! Enjoy!

[@lisantica842]

I wonder if those were the somewhat mild mannered honey bees moving to a new home. They are worth understanding since they do a lot of good.

[@carycoombe3380]

That is the first time I have seen a video of real roadrunners. Thanks!

[@victormorris3680]

Speaking about mobile phone suppliers where I live in the UK when I go to a local beach I am welcomed to FRANCE l lol love your vidios .

[@lukeb6394]

Nice job on the plants and birds

[@karenebarker9244]

Glad to get all this information on the park. We are planning our winter travels back out West abd will add Falcon to our list

[@bushwhacker2198]

Great video. Haven't heard a roadrunner before. Thank you.

[@philoakley221]

You might have mentioned this previously…if your tire size is different than what the truck was originally built with you shouldn’t use the odometer as the actual distance covered. Larger tires will result in odometer readings that are less than the actual distance driven and vice versa.

[@SlimPotatohead]

See this video to explain the issues: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e16Ve4uuedWmm8U

[@philoakley221]

Ah ha! I thought you might have discussed this before. There are so many variables that can affect fuel mileages…tire tread, rolling resistance, etc. Everything has its trade offs..more aggressive tread better off road traction but lower rolling resistance. Wife and I have decades of trailer travel under our belts and really enjoy your videos. Keep it up please!!

[@cwitt483]

If your looking for better milage you should replace your PCV Valve which will help and only costs $20-30 and takes 5 minutes. Then you should replace your spark plugs/wires. Both repairs are very reasonably priced and very easy to do and can affect your milage drastically

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks for the tip. I expect there will be a labour charge on that. I never work on engines myself, I leave that to the experts! SP

[@cwitt483]

​@@SlimPotatohead It's called the Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve and it's a small part you locate on the outside of your engine and just unscrew the old one out and thread in the new one. The majority of the time people never replace this part because they don't know it needs replacement every 40-50,000 miles 5 minite job for anybody

[@ravenfeather7087]

I averaged 14.4 mpg with my Taco 6 cylinder 4 x 4 on a 3000 mile trip to and from the middle of Montana last fall. Pulling my Scamp. I'm too lazy to look up it's weight. But I'm a little jealous of your trailer - I think it's lighter and I have an air conditioner sticking up into the slick stream. That's disappointing for me. I did much better, generally, with my older Taco with a 4 cylinder.

[@rajanikumari3672]

I now have a picture in my mind's eye of a 🌮 pulling a travel trailer.😂

[@emelinaapuyan6571]

You’re love of nature shines through with your videos 😊

[@suestokke1839]

I love your videos and look forward to each and every one. I wanted to share with you, I'm not the only fan in this house. Miss Rubble, my 7.5 pound cat, also watches your videos. I have many of her sitting in front of your shows intently watching. Not sure if it is your calming choice or all the nature sounds.

[@scarymarymmm]

My cat is watching with me too, lol!

[@campfirerob1089]

Thanks Slim :)

[@LOT9T]

Yes you sure can feel the difference in dry arid atmosphere. New Mexico Arizona maybe? Thx for another episode Slim!

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Both are affected by La Nina this year and getting more rain and snow.

[@birdyolsen749]

Great video to start my day. Roadrunners lol. Could sit with a pair of binoculars for hours just observing. Definitely a camping gem. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe. ❤

[@bobmanzi7712]

great stuff Slim thanks, safe travels

[@dncook1955]

Remember slim, it's not miles per gallon, its smiles per gallon. I was gunna go to BBNP Wed thru Monday but it was a head wind going and then the wind shifted around for a headwind return so I cancelled. Waiting on the wind to cooperate.

[@dmdavis4551]

LOVE your travels! Thank you for them.

[@user-lg1gj3li9j]

I have watched many other RVer's camping at the southern border and not a single one ever mentioned anything about cell phone reception possibly causing issues. I'm so GLAD you mentioned it! Now I can relay that info to a friend who plans on visiting in that area next month. I don't think he knows about that particular info. He already knows about letting his bank know about his traveling plans so the bank doesn't shut down his card, like they did me when I went home to visit my family. Thanks for the info and as always, I love your videos featuring so much nature and the DIY projects. It's always a a sure bet that I'm going to learn something new or see something very interesting in your videos.

[@raktoda707]

Boy that sure was fun ! My parrot enjoyed all your excellent shots of birds,it did indeed seem like a peaceful place.The bunny really liked you ! Safe travels !

[@larryparson9609]

Happy Trails

[@johnhaug1747]

The air comes from the Chijuajuan desert, & will get down to 10% RH or less at heat of the day.

[@larryparson9609]

Wonderful Thanks 😊

[@jacquiemarshall6843]

Wonderful video. Thanks

[@steveleonard5206]

Falcon was our spot to escape to in January for the decade before Covid. We spent the month in the section you stayed in. There are water spigots throughout. It is also a no-reservation area. If you stay a week, the last day is free. You missed one of our favorite features. It is the double wash sinks with hot water on the back of the shower house. We washed all our laundry there and would hang on lines under our shelter. The desert dryness sucked the water out in less than an hour. Is the clubhouse by the butterfly garden still an active place for the campers. There was a community of snowbirds that came back every January and February. Really miss our winters there.

[@tusk242]

Thank you . Javelina , did not know that was what they were called. Usually when in The East. like NC. They call them Wild boars, that created havoc in the garden fields. and do attack. Enjoy but did you ever see a Falcon?

[@SlimPotatohead]

I didn't see one!

[@suzyfoster623]

Such a beautiful place ❤

[@RiDankulous]

You look so fit and it's because of what you eat. I eat a whole food-plant based diet but I still need to be careful and watch calories since I eat lots of bread and pasta.

[@kimprocarione5473]

Excellent Park! It is definitely a winter bucket list destination! So much to see, hear, and explore! Thanks, Slim!

[@carlosmoniz123]

Hey Slim, longtime viewer, I own a GMC 1500 basically same as your Silverado. I have a diesel 3 liter. and a Airstream 22' 6000 pounds and i get 18 miles per gallon or 13 liters per 100. Driving just the truck alone being careful i can get 7 to 8 liters per 100 k. keep up the good work

[@SlimPotatohead]

wow, that's amazing! What year is your truck?

[@loriegreene9375]

Slim, once again you out did yourself. Your narration of the fauna and flora was outstanding. Please keep making videos. Beep beep.

[@Larry56ify]

Loved seeing Falcon State Park. This is where my brother and I went camping together after I got my first drivers license. Little did we know at the time the one of the park rangers was my aunts brother. Growing up in this area seems I have relatives everywhere. It has grown and improved since then. FYI: It was not named after the falcon bird but after Maria Rita De La Garza Falcón, and of course she is also a relative of my Grandmother. LOL.

[@rl5271]

The sunsets are great. For an added experience, be vigilant for "the green flash". You will never forget when you saw one for the first time! Many thanks!

[@garybanning1136]

There’s a beach near Port Lavaca Tx that’s free can’t remember the name Welcome to Texas

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

Lavaca Beach is what it's called. Know your tides before staying there.

[@Starrmiller]

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous!! Tks Slim

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Good to see you happy and enjoying your trip. Wonderful video.👍

[@jimandmarsha]

Marsha and I think you should have your own PBS show. Nice job every time. God bless!

[@jamanne2504]

Really enjoying your USA trip. You’re The Best narrator on the tube! 🙏❤️ Safe Travels ✌️

[@corypotter9497]

Thanks again , Slim . Being notified that you have a new video is the highlight of the day ! keep it up buddy

[@jtsterry]

Great video ! Good tip on cell phone

[@ireneluciow455]

I agree, we've stayed there many nights. Perfect spot.

[@lifeofriley8160]

Slim you need a van. We have everything in our Ford Transit you have in your Casita, but we get 17.4 mile's per gallon. We kept the build light. And...we can stealth camp for free.

[@SlimPotatohead]

A fully customised Ford Transit would be a huge investment for a vehicle with a single purpose. Not practical for a budget traveller like me. I don't want to have to haul around my bed and kitchen when not travelling. To each his own. SP

[@ShawnPatterson402]

that does look like a wonderful place to camp and visit. Thanks for bringing us along..and continued safe travels..

[@The3800Bird]

Hello from El Paso, TX 👋🏼 I’m glad your visiting my neck of the woods! Texas has a little bit of everything and is such a beautiful state. Safe travels.

[@DesertDog8989]

Great job, Slim! Your videos are the best on YT!

[@barbgilbart7945]

Definitely our kind of park adventure! Great video, capturing the wildlife and surrounding beauty! Thanks Slim!