Campers seeking glamping near Brackettville, Texas can access several well-equipped facilities within a 60-mile radius. The region sits at the edge of Texas Hill Country, characterized by limestone formations, oak groves, and clear rivers with temperatures reaching above 95°F during summer months. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F, making off-season camping viable for those seeking fewer crowds and more moderate weather conditions.
What to do
Cavern exploration and bat viewing: Kickapoo Cavern State Park offers hard hat and flashlight tours of its undeveloped cavern. "I camped here with my granddaughters and had a wonderful time. This is a small park that is centered around two main attractions. First is the actual cavern. Kickapoo Cavern is a moderate size cavern and completely undeveloped. The park staff conducts a hard hat and flashlight tour once a week, so reservations are a must," explains Gary F.
Night sky observation: The area offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "The main reason we traveled here was for the very dark skies at night for star gazing and astrophotography. Unfortunately it was cloudy at night except for two hours one evening," notes Cindy Y. at Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
River activities: Seven Bluff Cabins provides easy access to the Frio River. The property features "Quiet, small, 16 site RV Park set in a pecan grove along the scenic Frio River in the southern end of the Texas Hill County. We stayed in late October and the pecans were falling. If you wanted to gather any pecans you had to beat the deer to them," reports R B.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas around Brackettville attract diverse wildlife. "Lots of deer and wild turkeys all over the grounds. Plan ahead and book early, it's quite a popular location," notes R B. at Seven Bluff Cabins.
Birding opportunities: The Camping Spot offers natural settings with abundant bird species. "Ms. Donna is as honest and good hearted as they make here in Texas, she was super helpful from the start! We never had a problem! She has a truly unique piece of property for primitive camping chocked so full of wildlife we could hear the deer breathing next to our tent as the sun was coming up," writes Charles M.
River swimming: Clear waters make swimming a popular activity. "It's a short distance to the Nueces River which will completely blow you away. I thought the Frio River had the bluest water and whitest limestone until Donna showed us the small private river access point where it's deep enough to swim," mentions Charles M. at The Camping Spot.
What you should know
Remote locations: Many camping areas have limited cell service and town access. "This park is really in the middle of nowhere. It has a tiny campground, with only 5 RV sites. The sites feel well spaced with trees in between them giving you privacy. There is no cell service so you can fully unplug and relax," Laura F. notes about Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, requiring preparation. "Shade is sparse and it is VERY hot in the summer months. It was also very windy while we were there," reports Cindy Y.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Plan ahead and book early, it's quite a popular location," advises R B. about Seven Bluff Cabins.
Tips for camping with families
River safety: Bring appropriate footwear for rocky river bottoms. "You can rent tubes but don't forget to bring old shoes for the water or your feet will hurt!" advises Stephanie S. at Garner State Park.
Family-friendly hikes: Choose appropriate trails for children. "The hiking here is fantastic. Must of the hikes include elevation changes and rocky ground, so I would call them moderately difficult. There is one easy hike for those who prefer that. Trails are well marked and intersect, so you can choose your adventure," explains Heather G. about Garner State Park.
Water quality awareness: Some locations have poor water quality. "One caveat, the water is the park is terrible. Do not expect to use water for cooking or drinking. We went thinking we'd use the water in the cabin but could hardly take a shower in it much less drink it," warns Heather G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose wisely when setting up camp. "Now Called Nueces River RV & Cabin resort. We were here Easter Weekend 2021. Lots of families here for the holiday. We have an 18 foot travel trailer so they put us down near the river. There were mostly tents on that area but there were partial hook ups. Our spot was Beautiful with a perfect view of the hills and the river," shares Becky B. at Nueces River RV and Cabin Resort.
Bring fire equipment: Some sites require your own fire pit. "The bathhouse had about 6 individual bathrooms. It would probably be plenty big for a normal weekend but was very small and busy for a holiday weekend. ****BYOfire pit!!" notes Becky B.
Distance from attractions: At some sites, RV parking can be far from water access. "Rvs are a schlep from the water. Facilities were cleanish- I wasn't bothered but my partner was," reports Steven T. at Neal's Lodge.