RV campgrounds near Abilene, Texas provide options for travelers exploring the region, which sits at an elevation of 1,719 feet in west-central Texas. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most RV parks are positioned along the I-20 corridor, creating convenient access for travelers but also contributing to varying levels of traffic noise.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park offers direct lake access with boat ramps adjacent to campsites. "Great spot for fishing and swimming. People are very welcoming and it's affordable," notes a camper at Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park.
Outdoor games: Several parks maintain recreational facilities for guests. At Whistlestop RV Resort, "There are plenty of amenities including pool, covered area with corn hole and other games, beach volleyball, pickle ball, golf net and a bunch of other forms of entertainment," according to a reviewer.
Evening relaxation: Sunset viewing is particularly good at RidgeView RV Resort, where "The park sits on a high ridge providing beautiful west Texas sunsets," as one visitor reported. Many parks also feature communal areas for socializing in the evenings.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. "Bathrooms are worth the price of admission alone. They are separate rooms with enough room for two and incredibly clean, new and great water pressure," reports one guest at Whistlestop RV Resort.
Free laundry services: Tye RV Park stands out for offering complimentary laundry. A visitor notes they have "nicest laundry facility we've ever seen - best part is there are 9 machines which are FREE and new." This unusual perk saves travelers significant money during extended stays.
Fishing access: Lakeside options provide opportunities for anglers. "Great fishing dock and crappie house," mentions one camper at Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park, highlighting the dedicated fishing infrastructure available directly from the campground.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Extreme heat affects comfort at many parks. "Since it on a lake the closet gas stations are about 7 miles away," notes a Fort Phantom Lakeside camper, suggesting visitors should arrive prepared with adequate supplies during hot weather.
Noise considerations: Many parks experience multiple noise sources. At Tye RV Park, "The rv park itself is right off highway which is good and bad. A little noisy but not bad for easy access after long day of driving," explains one camper. Another notes it "alligns with the airport runway perfectly, right next to the railway and highway."
Long-term occupancy: Several parks primarily serve extended-stay residents. A Buck Creek RV Park visitor observed "About 50 sites, most seem to be long-term," indicating travelers should book ahead for overnight sites, which may be limited at certain parks.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: During summer months, swimming pools become essential. At Love's RV Stop in nearby Sweetwater, "Gated, clean, several of the sites have a covered veranda over the private picnic tables. Dog park with separate areas for small and large breed dogs," making it suitable for families with children and pets.
Security features: Gated access provides peace of mind at select locations. Love's RV Stop receives praise as "Clean, gated, good grass, dog park," offering families a secure environment with additional amenities for children.
Proximity to activities: Location relative to town affects family convenience. "Close to town and with plenty to do and explore, this property is centrally located," notes one reviewer about Trent RV Park, formerly called Weeping Willow RV Park, suggesting good access to family-friendly activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many parks feature uneven sites requiring adjustments. At RidgeView RV Resort, "Sites are large but hard to find level on many of them," according to one RVer, suggesting travelers bring leveling blocks.
Spacing considerations: Site proximity varies significantly between parks. Buck Creek RV Park offers "Decent spacing between sites, a very basic, but clean campground," which contrasts with tighter arrangements at other facilities.
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At one park, "AT&T coverage was excellent, with 5 Bars of 5G service and speeds up to 10 MB/s," allowing RVers to maintain connectivity for work or entertainment needs.