camping awards

Unique North Texas campground named best glamping resort in the state

Camp Quitcherbichin in Lake Bridgeport covered wagons

Camp Quitcherbichin's hilarious name is a lighthearted reminder to enjoy your trip and leave the worries behind.

Photo by Jeff Crider Photography

Let's TACO 'bout it: The Texas Association of Campground Owners has awarded Camp Quitcherbichin (you read that right) in Lake Bridgeport a new title as Glamping Resort of the Year.

The 54-year-old trade association currently represents over 430 Texas campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts. In 2024, the organization launched its annual TACO Awards to "recognize the hard work of campground owners" throughout the Lone Star State.

Awards are presented in three categories: Small Park of the Year (under 125 sites), Large Park of the Year (125-plus sites), and Glamping Resort of the Year. The 2026 winners were announced at the TACO Annual Spring Meeting and Trade Show on April 21.

Camp QYB is a camping and RV resort located 90 miles northwest of Dallas. A variety of camping sites are available for solo campers, families, and large groups alike, including Airstream trailers, covered wagons, fully-furnished cabins, and more.

The resort also offers 10 futuristic "Area 51" vessels that look like they came straight out of a sci-fi comic — think space station pods with floor-to-ceiling windows, electronic skylights, modern finishes, and luxe amenities like smart mirrors and heated floors.

Camp Quitcherbichin in Lake Bridgeport "Area 51" vessel The "Area 51" vessels are futuristic tiny homes.Photo by Jeff Crider Photography

Water-based activities are the main entertainment at Camp QYB with pontoon boat, kayak, paddle board, and pedal boat rentals for guests to take advantage of the property's one-mile stretch of waterfront lake access. Night fishers will appreciate the resort's guided night bow fishing tours, and animal lovers can visit the on-site petting zoo to spend time with miniature donkeys, horses, goats, pigs, and a turkey.

Weekends are often packed full of organized activities like scavenger hunts and foam parties for kids, or poker and music bingo nights for adults.

In a release, CampQYB's CEO and founder Justin McWilliams said he came up with the resort's iconic name as a lighthearted and witty message for travelers.

"It’s a reminder for everyone to relax, have a good time, and leave your worries at home," he said.

The two other award-winning Texas campgrounds are located much farther from Dallas: Lagoon Ranch Luxury RV and Cabin Resort in Onalaska, a city less than two hours from Houston, was dubbed the Large Park of the Year. TACO's Small Park of the Year is River's Edge Campground in Johnson City, a small city about an hour west of Austin.

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are we there yet?

Texas rides high as 6th best summer road trip destination in America

A winding road through Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend, Texas

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Those planning a good old-fashioned road trip this summer will be happy to know that the Lone Star State is cruising as one of the 10 best road trip destinations in the U.S. this year.

Texas ranks 6th in WalletHub's latest study, "Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips," which compared all 50 states based on their affordability, scenery, safety, and fun. The survey analyzed factors that road trippers prioritize for their vacation plans, such as the average price for gas, traffic congestion, the type of attractions in each state, among others.

Minnesota reigned as the No. 1 best road trip destination for 2026, followed by Utah (No. 2) and Louisiana (No. 3).

Nearly three quarters of Americans are planning a road trip this year, and traveling affordably is a big priority no matter where the destination, the report found.

"While deciding to travel is easy, choosing the right destination — and staying within budget — can be more challenging," the report said. "Gas prices remain a concern, with the national average still above $4.50 per gallon."

Gas prices will vary depending on the city, but AAA reports the statewide average price for gas is $3.48 for regular, $4.36 for premium, and $4.50 for diesel in June.

This is how Texas performed across the three main categories in the study:

No. 5 – Activities
No. 15 – Costs
No. 39 – Safety

There's no shortage of things to do around the state this summer, from going camping, indulging in as many food festivals as you can handle, taking the kids to a new theme park, or taking a trip down to the coast for a sun-filled getaway.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said the best destinations for road trips are the places that similarly value affordability while "providing the best driving experience and most fun activities."

"Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations still impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable," Lupo said. "Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road."

The top 10 best states for road trips in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Minnesota
No. 2 – Utah
No. 3 – Louisiana
No. 4 – New York
No. 5 – Florida
No. 6 – Texas
No. 7 – Maine
No. 8 – Georgia
No. 9 – North Carolina
No. 10 – Ohio

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