Bandera's Hill Country location sits at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, creating a landscape of rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and cypress-lined waterways. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Many campgrounds remain accessible year-round despite seasonal fluctuations in water levels at nearby Medina River and Medina Lake.
What to do
Riverside recreation: Boulderdash Cabin & RV Park provides direct Medina River access for fishing and kayaking. "This place was interesting. It was very pretty... We hiked quite a bit up and down the river but it all looks fairly the same," notes one visitor about low-water conditions. Two kayaks are available for rent when river levels permit.
Wildlife viewing: Feed local deer populations with provided corn at several campgrounds. "Deer walk around the park all day and night. Dog friendly even with 'aggressive' dog breeds. Very much a plus for us," reports a camper who stayed at Thousand Trails Medina Lake. Approximately 75-100 deer can be spotted during evening hours around many campgrounds.
Day trips: Explore downtown Bandera, self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World," located within 5-10 minutes of most campgrounds. "We enjoyed the Bandara area, floated the river and horseback riding. Some nice shops in town but they could use a few nicer restaurants. The 11th street bar had great live music," shares a visitor who stayed at Antler Oaks Lodge.
What campers like
River access: Antler Oaks Lodge and RV Resort offers both swimming pool and river recreation. "We enjoyed the pool and the river multiple times daily. It was hot but we managed to keep cool. There is a huge hall rec area that they have where they have games, couches, store and a library," reports one camper. River depth varies significantly by season.
Recreation facilities: Many campgrounds maintain basketball courts, playgrounds, and game areas. "They have a great camp store with everything you could need. They rent golfcarts. They have 2 swimming pools, a splash pad, 2 play grounds, a fully covered and fenced basketball court and an awesome dog park with agility items," notes a visitor to Old River Road RV Resort.
Spacious campsites: Skyline Ranch RV Park provides sites with ample shade. "This site has a couple large Live Oak shade trees. On the end, so the front of the camper has a large area for the 'yard'," comments one visitor. Most campgrounds feature gravel pads with 30-50 feet between sites.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Medina River and Lake fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. "The water was very low when we went. It was quite a walk to the river and it was very very low," notes a camper at Antler Oaks Lodge. Spring typically offers the highest water levels before summer irrigation reduces flow.
Weather impacts: Unpaved roads throughout the area become problematic during rain. "The roads are gravel that is pressed into the dirt so the roads are muddy when raining," observes a visitor to Skyline Ranch RV Park. Storms can develop quickly, especially during spring and fall.
Night arrival challenges: Some campground entrances lack sufficient lighting. One visitor at Skyline Ranch noted, "If you leave the park and come back at night or if you arrive at night the driveway is not lit. You can see the sign but you cannot see the road till you turn enough for your lights to hit the road."
Local security considerations: Travelers World RV Resort in nearby San Antonio reports occasional theft issues. "We stayed here at the camp ground for a week... But this park is in a bad part of town. When we pulled into our site the lady next door told us to make sure we lock up our bikes. They have had theirs stolen in the past," cautions one visitor. Always secure valuables at campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Several rv parks near Bandera, Texas offer family-friendly amenities. "There is a playscape, basketball and volleyball court. We have an RV but there are tons of cabins to rent as well. Our kids loved it and we have it on our list to go back to again one day," shares a visitor to Antler Oaks Lodge.
Swimming opportunities: Old River Road RV Resort provides multiple water recreation options. "This is a beautiful park next to the Guadalupe River. They have river access for swimming and fishing as well as 2 swimming pools. One outdoor pool with a splash pad for the little ones. Then they have an indoor pool and hot tub that is heated," reports a camper.
Cabin alternatives: For families without RVs, cabin rentals provide comfortable options. "They also have very nice cabins for those who don't have r.vs.," notes a visitor to Old River Road RV Resort. Cabins typically sleep 4-7 people depending on configuration and campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Most Bandera RV parks offer full-service connections. "Our spot fit my 33 ft bumper pull and mega cab just right," shares a visitor to Travelers World RV Resort. Water pressure varies by campground, with some requiring pressure regulators.
Site privacy considerations: Al's Hideaway Cabin and RV Rentals provides vegetative buffers between sites. "Grassy space between each RV space with room to enjoy without being too close to neighbors RV," reports one visitor. This layout differs from more densely packed parks in the area.
Winter camping options: Many RV parks near Bandera operate year-round with seasonal activities. "The resort offered nightly activities like dinners and live music during their winter months which was enjoyable for us," notes a camper at Old River Road RV Resort. Winter temperatures generally remain mild but can occasionally drop below freezing.
