- camphost7
- Jun 27
- 8 min read
The Animals Of Big Tex!
One of the best (and sometimes most surprising) parts of life at the campground? The neighbors! And no, I don’t mean the RV next door, although I am quite fond of them all.. I’m talking about the furred, feathered, and sometimes slithery kind. Over the last few months, Ken (our fearless and curious groundskeeper) and I have spotted quite the cast of characters, and we’ve got the pictures and even a video to prove it.
So come along for a tour of the campground’s wild side!
Spotted! Our Local Wildlife Cast
From the sneaky to the squeaky, here’s a look at who’s been wandering the campground lately:
🐍 Snakes — More on these misunderstood friends in a bit.
🦎 Lizards — From speedy skinks to laid-back anoles.
🐸 Frogs — Teeny tiny little ones hopping around everywhere especially after a good rain.
🐰 Bunnies — Bouncing around like they have somewhere important to be.
🐦 Roadrunner Alert! — We caught one on camera!
🦉 Owls — Hoo-hoo-ing in the distance at night, giving a very peaceful presence.
🦅 Hawks — Graceful and vigilant, gliding above the treetops and keeping watch.
The Roadrunner Cameo
I hit the wildlife jackpot when I caught this quick-footed roadrunner doing it's thing! I just wish I had gotten better video, but he was just so dang fast and wanted nothing to do with me! These quirky birds are full of personality, and seeing one in action is a real treat.
Roadrunners are speedy usually desert dwellers that eat insects, small reptiles, and even the occasional snake. They’re built like little feathery velociraptors and have a kind of "don't mess with me" strut that's hard to forget I'm hoping to spot him again and get even more footage. He likes to live near site 10, in the wooded area near the farm next door.
Ssspotlight on Snakes
Snakes might be the most misunderstood residents of our campground but they’re also some of the most important. Out here in East Texas, we’ve got a variety of slithering species, and most of them are not dangerous. In fact, they’d much rather avoid humans entirely. One little known fact about me is that I am fascinated by snakes, and have been known to catch them out in the wild once I know they're safe. Eventually, I would like to own my own - an Albino Lavender California Kingsnake when we aren't living in an RV anymore, so I can fit a roomy and suitable enclosure for my 'danger-noodle'
I took this picture (Above) of a little Milksnake at about 2am after my husband took our dog out for the last time before bed. He saw it, snapped a photo from much further away than this, came back inside and told me and I was up out there in a hurry. This snake is commonly mistook as the venomous coral snake but if you follow the little old rhyme - which is about 95% accurate on most occasions - "red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of jack" (Or vemon lack in certain areas of the country) You'll find that this one is harmless. Milksnakes are nocturnal during the summer months, move slowly and are docile. Milksnakes are actually a subspecies of kingsnakes and very helpful friends as they are known to eat the other, more harmful snakes.
Here are some other species that may be more common to see in the piney woods area.
🟢 Rough Green Snake – Slender, bright green, and harmless, also called grass snakes. Loves to chill in trees, gardens and bushes. Super fast and agile!
🟤 Texas Rat Snake – Often seen around barns or climbing trees. Great at rodent control. Totally non-venomous but their temperament can be very variable!
🟡 Speckled Kingsnake – Shiny black with little yellow spots. Eats venomous snakes and rodents alike. A+ neighbor, there are many types of kingsnakes that populate the area.
🔴 Western Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) – Venomous, but not aggressive. Found near water and commonly mistaken with the Diamondback Watersnake. The Cottonmouth is distinct by it's angular ridge along their heads which protrudes outwards and gives them that famous 'grumpy' look. Will display an open mouth as a warning, listen and give space.
⚫ Copperhead – Camouflages very well in leaf litter, these are venomous and usually shy. Stay aware, walk away slowly and they’ll leave you alone.
Important Note: The vast majority of snakes here are non-venomous and more scared of you than you are of them. Most bites occur when people try to handle or harass a snake.
Why Snakes Matter!
Snakes are natural pest control. They keep rodent populations in check, which helps protect food supplies and even prevents the spread of disease. Kingsnakes, in particular, are like nature’s own pest control company—they even eat other snakes, including venomous ones!
They also play a vital role in the food web. Snakes feed on insects, amphibians, and rodents, and in turn, they become meals for hawks, owls, and larger mammals. Their presence means the ecosystem is working like it should.
Safety Tips for Snake Encounters
Stay on clear paths, avoid tall grass and wood piles.
Wear closed-toe shoes while on the hiking trails.
Never try to catch or kill a snake. It’s not just risky, it’s unnecessary.
Teach kids to observe, not touch. Snakes can be fascinating to watch from a safe distance.
If you see one around camp, let us know! Ken’s got a calm hand and a catch-and-release policy.
Tiny Hoppers - Frogs and Toad
Spend enough time around the campground, especially on a rainy night or after a big Texas thunderstorm and you’re bound to meet some pint-sized visitors with big voices.
We’re talking about our bumpy, jumpy, bug-slaying buddies that call East Texas home. Whether they’re peeking out from a damp corner of the bathhouse or serenading the stars from a puddle near your picnic table, they’re always a joy to see (and hear). Here’s a closer look at who’s who in the amphibian world, how to tell a frog from a toad, and why we’re big fans of these little critters.
What's the Difference? Here's How to Tell
They’re all amphibians, they all love moisture, and they all make great bug control. But frogs and toads have a few key differences that help you figure out which is which.
Feature | Frog | Toad |
Skin | Smooth, moist, often shiny | Dry, bumpy, “warty” skin |
Legs | Long and strong for jumping | Shorter, good for hopping or walking |
Habitat | Near water, ponds, streams | Often found in drier spots like gardens or shaded areas |
Eggs | Laid in clusters | Laid in long strands |
Movement | Leaping champs | Awkward but determined hoppers |
Baby frogs (froglets) tend to stay near water longer, while baby toads wander further once they grow legs.
Toad Warts Are Not Dangerous
Let’s clear this up: toads won’t give you warts. That old myth just won’t hop away.
Toads do have little bumps behind their eyes called parotoid glands, which can release a mild toxin as a defense mechanism. It’s not dangerous unless you try to eat them (don’t), or if a pet mouths one (which you should monitor). For humans, just wash your hands after handling them, and you’re totally fine.
Who You Might Meet Jumping Around
Gulf Coast Toad
Most common toad in East Texas, this is the one you're probably seeing jumping around everywhere!
Brown with dark blotches and a pale stripe down the back.
Often seen on near RV's and paths at night hunting bugs under the lights.
Makes a short, raspy trill.
American Green Tree Frog
Bright green, slender, with a white stripe along its sides.
Sticks to windows and have been on top of our own RV! Can climb like a pro and truly does stick to you.
Known for its loud call during summer rains.
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad
Tiny, round-bodied, and secretive.
More likely heard than seen, sounds like a buzzing kazoo.
Eats ants and termites (we love that for us!)
Southern Leopard Frog
Green or brown with leopard-like dark spots.
Lives in wetter areas like creeks or the edge of ponds.
When they jump, they launch like mini rockets.
Why We Love Frogs & Toads (Besides Being Cute)
Natural pest control – One frog can eat hundreds of bugs in a single night.
They love eating ants, mosquitoes, spiders, and flies—basically, all the things we don’t want in a RV.
Ecosystem indicators – Frogs and toads are sensitive to environmental changes. Seeing them means your campground is healthy and balanced.
They bring peace – That chorus of croaks after dark? It’s nature’s white-noise machine.
How to Handle Frogs & Toads Safely
Always wet your hands first before touching them, you may not know it but dry skin or soap can damage their delicate, permeable skin.
Look, don’t linger. Snap your photo and let them go on their adventures.
Don’t relocate unless necessary moving them too far from their home turf it can confuse or harm them.
Wash your hands afterward, just to be safe (especially with toads)
But Like.. Can We Talk About How Cute They Are?
There’s just something about a tiny toad nestled in a flowerpot or a green frog stuck to your window that makes your whole day better. They’re awkward. They’re expressive. They’re like weird little potatoes with legs. And they don’t ask for much.. Just a little moisture, a few bugs, and a safe place to sing.
Whether you’re camped out for a weekend or living the full-time RV dream, spotting a frog or toad is a good omen. It means the land is alive, healthy and working the way it should.
What To Do If You See Wildlife
It’s a thrill to spot animals in their natural habitat—but safety (for both you and the animals) comes first. Here’s how to handle it if you run into some of the other local friends you may see around here!
Raccoons or possums: Cute, curious, and surprisingly clever. Keep food sealed and trash secured—they will snoop, dig and tear up and left out trash so be sure to use our dumpsters!
Feral hogs: We haven't seen any of these around here, but you can never been too careful! These aren’t your average pigs. They can be aggressive. Back away slowly and notify staff.
Owls or hawks: Try and snap a picture or video, but you rarely will get up close and personal. They will fly away before you even notice they're there! Keep pets close and on leashes.
Turtles: Some can snap, have spurs and ferocious bites. Unless they're in the road crossing, we suggest letting these fellas just go about their business.
A gentle reminder: Please don’t feed the wildlife. It may feel like a kind gesture, but it changes their behavior and can cause long-term harm to them and to us.
Wild and Wise: Our Campground Philosophy
We love our wildlife—and we want to keep them (and our guests) safe and happy. That means respecting nature, staying alert, and sometimes just pausing to appreciate a bunny hopping by or a hawk soaring above the trees.
So the next time you hear a rustle in the brush or catch sight of a quick flick of a tail, open up your mind and enjoy sharing this space with all the critters!
Snap a photo, enjoy the moment, and know you’re experiencing a slice of East Texas wilderness at its finest.
