Bend, Texas sits at the confluence of the Colorado and San Saba rivers in San Saba County, with an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the area are situated on or near water, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and water recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Barefoot Fishing Camp & RV Park, the Colorado River bend creates prime fishing spots. "It's a nice property to explore... The campground is right on a bend of the colorado river and it's good for swimming, fishing, floating, etc.," notes Chris K.
Wildlife viewing: Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park combines camping with animal encounters. "The drive through safari is an extra $15 per car and worth it," says Chris P., who visited during COVID lockdown. The property features a variety of exotic animals viewable from your vehicle.
Bird watching: The Bend area attracts diverse bird species year-round. "Saw my first tarantula and painting buntings here. Overall cozy vibe," shares Karrah C. about her 5-day tent camping experience at Barefoot Fishing Camp. Spring migration (March-May) brings the highest concentration of species.
Disc golf: Some campgrounds maintain on-site courses. "We greatly enjoyed their Disc golf course," mentions Cathy J. about her stay at Big Chief RV Resort, which offers a full course suitable for all skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Big Chief RV Resort receives praise for site size and placement. "The pull through sites made it easy to arrive and depart with ease," notes Eddie R., while another camper mentioned, "We had a pull through water view which was great, the lake is gorgeous."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness ranks high in camper reviews. Kathy H. says about Riverway RV Park: "Had to use the bath/shower and it was exceptionally clean. The clubhouse is the only place with WiFi, but has books, puzzles, and full kitchen."
Water access: Proximity to water is a major draw for campers. "The river is a short stroll away with a nice walking path and place to view the sunset. Multiple deer by the rIver that are human friendly," notes Kathy H. about Riverway RV Park in Llano.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of Bend area campgrounds. "It's a nice and quiet" location according to Kayla D. about Buena Vista Wildlife Safari, while Rick S. describes Little Lucy RV Resort as "Peaceful and relaxing with good amenities."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Not much for any type of cell service, ESPECIALLY AT&T," warns Kayla D. about Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park. Other campgrounds report stronger signals, with WiFi often limited to common areas.
Site variations: Different campgrounds offer vastly different site types. "We had site 1, far away from anyone and couldn't even see the site 2 camper," notes Rick S. about Little Lucy RV Resort, while Cedar Bend RV Park provides "level and spacious sites, which is important for RVs to ensure stability."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Bill P. advises about San Saba River RV Park: "Turn off of hwy 190 onto cr 104 will save you from crossing a very uneven railroad track crossing."
Seasonal issues: Summer heat can be intense, often reaching 100°F. George B. cautions about potential hazards: "Avoid parking in the spaces up against the river and under the pecan trees. A couple of large branches fell on and next to us causing us to move the first night."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters: Kids enjoy animal sightings common to the area. Kathy H. from Riverway RV Park notes, "Multiple deer by the river that are human friendly," making for easy wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access for swimming. Chris K. notes about Barefoot Fishing Camp, "The campground is right on a bend of the colorado river and it's good for swimming, fishing, floating, etc."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment. Jess&Tony mention Riverway RV Park has "a small playground on site with several city parks close by."
Community spaces: Shared facilities provide rainy-day alternatives. Lawrence P. mentions Big Chief RV Resort hosted "a free super bowl party in the community room," while Riverway RV Park has a clubhouse with "books, puzzles, and full kitchen."
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: RVers consistently mention site levelness as important. Alley R. notes that Cedar Bend RV Park "provides level and spacious sites, which is important for RVs to ensure stability and ease of setup."
Hook-up variations: Electric service differs between rv campgrounds near Bend, Texas. Landon from Eagle's Nest Village RV Park appreciates that "all hookups worked great, and they're on city water and sewer," while Becky B. specifies that Freedom Lives Ranch offers "30/50 electric, water and sewer."
Navigation considerations: Large RVs require careful route planning. Bill P. advises fellow RV campers at San Saba River RV Park: "We are staying in a 43' class A RV... Turn off of hwy 190 onto cr 104 will save you from crossing a very uneven railroad track crossing."
Amenities beyond basics: Some RV parks provide additional conveniences. Brandon P. mentions Eagle's Nest Village RV Park isn't "a concrete jungle, it's quiet, and the owners have gone above and beyond to provide new amenities. The Wi-Fi is free and worked great."
