Camping options around Brackettville are scattered across the Edwards Plateau region at elevations ranging from 1,000-1,500 feet. This semi-arid region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. The area's limestone terrain creates distinctive features including clear rivers, natural springs, and caves that provide unique camping experiences.
What to do
**River activities: Near Nueces River RV and Cabin Resort, campers can enjoy the crystal clear water. "There are multiple gate ways leading into the beautiful Nueces river bed where you can explore, fish and swim in the crystal clear cool water," notes reviewer April.
**Stargazing sessions: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. At Kickapoo Cavern State Park Campground, "The sky is amazing at night! They have good hiking and allow mountain bikes on the trails," according to Laura F.
**Wildlife observation: Set up near dawn or dusk for best viewing. "Wildlife sightings limited to squirrels and armadillos," mentions one Kickapoo Cavern reviewer, though others report more diverse wildlife throughout the area depending on season.
What campers like
**Remote atmosphere: The Camping Spot offers true seclusion. As Charles M. describes, "We really wanted to be far from everything we knew, we wanted it to be beautiful, we wanted to get away from the city and close to the stars, we found 'the camping spot'."
**Natural swimming areas: Limestone-bottomed rivers provide refreshing spots during hot days. At Nueces River Resort, one camper notes: "We could have probably driven down the road a bit to the dam and gotten in there but it was a little too cold on the weekend we were there."
**Spacious camping areas: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At San Pedro Campground, Marnie G. reports: "We stayed two nights on our way south to Big Bend National Park. Because it was winter we were not interested in the lake (it was cold) but we appreciated the ample space between each campsite."
What you should know
**Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s, winter nights can be cold. At Kickapoo Cavern, one reviewer advised, "I would like to come back but would only do it during the colder months as we were tent camping and the daytime temperatures were high 90's F."
**Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no reception. Laura F. mentions that at Kickapoo Cavern, "There is no cell service so you can fully unplug and relax."
**Water levels: Drought affects river and lake access. At San Pedro Campground — Amistad National Recreation Area, Stacy M. reports: "The lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you can not see it from the tent sites. But everything is clean."
Tips for camping with families
**Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with multiple activity options. At Garner State Park Campground, "The park has a gift shop, ice cream store, general store, mini golf... So really a bit of everything!" according to Laura F.
**Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing areas offer family learning experiences. At Kickapoo Cavern, one camper noted: "There is also a really nice bird blind where staff set up a little recirculating creek to attract lots of birds. I saw several species of birds I had never seen before."
**Safety precautions: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. Charles M. from The Camping Spot reports: "It was awesome listening to the mountain lions screech and the coyotes howl" - which can be exciting but requires proper preparation with children.
Tips from RVers
**Site specifics: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Brackettville have varying hookup options. At Laughlin AFB FamCamp, Chris L. appreciates the "Nice concrete level sites. Easy access. The sites are large with short fence sections between."
**Weather preparation: Extreme temperatures require planning. A Garner State Park visitor notes: "April 4-6, 2019 It was very hot in April. No TV through antenna, no Verizon cell service. WiFi is available at Visitors Center."
**Cost-saving options: Several pet-friendly camping areas near Brackettville offer discounts. At San Pedro Campground, one reviewer shared: "Great value, only $3 with the senior pass. We stayed at site 31, level, gravel with a picnic table under a sun shade and a grill."
