Like the lake, but you prefer drier recreation? This resort also has a dazzling array of inland amenities. A sparkling pool and adult jacuzzi (with adjoining cabana) are at one end of a centrally-located recreation area that also includes tennis courts, a mini-golf course, one of two basketball courts, a rollerblade court, and shuffleboard and horseshoe pits. A children's playground, another basketball court, and a softball diamond are also in close proximity.

After a fun-filled day at the lake, a pool party splashfest, or a rousing game of horseshoes, there's nothing quite like returning to your campsite to unwind. The Lake Conroe preserve offers more than 350 campsites, 324 of which have full hook-ups, perfect for any tent, pop-up, motorhome or 5th-wheel. Several 50-amp sites, some with phone connections, are available for rigs requiring more power. Call the preserve directly for more information about RV storage, boat storage and site leasing: 1-800-807-6097.

If you are interested in a day trip or short excursion, several local attractions beckon. Prime Outlet Mall is only four miles away. And, the city of Conroe proper is six miles south, with plenty of restaurants, movies, and a Wal-Mart. Other points of interest include the Sam Houston Museum in Huntsville (28 miles away), Old Town Willis (3 miles away), or any of the big-city accoutrements in nearby Houston.

For a special treat, embark on a luncheon cruise aboard the Southern Empress, an authentic 19th-century reconstruction of a riverboat paddlewheeler. The boat launches from Lakeview Marina in Conroe, a twenty-minute drive from the preserve. Dine buffet-style on fine linen to the strains of the Southern Nights Band while scenic Lake Conroe unfolds all around you. Three decks offer breathtaking views of the water, lakefront property, and water enthusiasts enjoying themselves. Call 1-800-324-2229 for reservations, or see their website for more information.