Glamping options near Castell, Texas span multiple terrains including riverside, hillside, and forested areas within 30 miles of the small community. Elevation varies from 1,200 to 1,800 feet depending on location, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F between June and September. Many sites require advance booking during peak seasons with waiting periods sometimes extending 2-3 months for premium locations.
What to do
Kayak the Colorado River: At Dos Rios RV Park, kayak rentals provide access to calm waters perfect for beginners. "You can rent kayaks and explore the calm waters or tie up a tube and float," notes one visitor who stayed at the group site.
Explore hiking trails: The area offers trails of varying difficulties, with some requiring more preparation than others. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground features "lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain."
Visit nearby historic sites: Fort Mason City Park sits near several points of historical interest within short driving distance. "The park itself is surrounded by baseball fields, golf course, football stadium, rodeo grounds. All convenient in one location," explains one camper.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: At Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort, campers appreciate the natural canopy. "Spaces are nice, there's room between campers and the huge oaks give lots of shade!" wrote one visitor. Sites in the back half of the park are particularly well-shaded.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many locations offer chances to observe native animals. "Family of deers that seem to visit every evening! That was a lovely surprise for us!" mentioned one camper at Fort Mason City Park.
Swimming access: The river access at Sulphur Springs Camp provides natural swimming opportunities. "Down in the canyon there is no cell service so you can break away from the modern world. Nestled right on the river, with a natural Sulphur Spring. A spring fed swimming pool cleaned weekly," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Especially during peak seasons (March-May and September-October), book well ahead. "Tent sites available within 3 days of my visit (October 23-25, 2020)," noted one visitor to Kerrville-Schreiner Park, suggesting off-peak times offer more flexibility.
Self-sufficient camping: Some locations have limited services. "There is not a store in the park," mentions one camper about Dos Rios, while another notes about Sulphur Springs Camp: "There is no cell service or Internet/wifi!"
Weather considerations: Flash flooding is a concern in low-lying areas. A Pedernales Falls visitor warns: "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with kid-friendly amenities: Several locations offer features specifically for children. HTR TX Hill Country provides space for kids to play: "Our site was right on the end of the 'do not drive' section so the kids had a HUGE yard area to play in which was awesome."
Look for shallow water access: For those with young children, HTR TX Hill Country offers graduated water depths. "The river/tributary was STUNNING and an easy walk across the bridge to the deeper side for fishing but the nearest portion was ideal for feeding ducks and such."
Consider educational opportunities: Many sites offer nature learning experiences. "Lots of lovely giant cypress trees and lots of places to walk our dogs and enjoy the scenery and the river," reports a camper at HTR TX Hill Country, where children can observe turtles, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV sites vary considerably in quality and setup. "The sites are close together, but a privacy panel makes it a bit better. Sites level; most are pull through. And many have great shade," notes a visitor to Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort.
Choose parks with adequate hookups: Full-service sites save hassle. At Dos Rios RV Park, "The front part is for rv hookups, with the back road (will need a higher clearance vehicle) for tent/car camping. Lots of places to access the river."
Consider the terrain: Some parks require careful navigation. "The road leading to your campsite is gravel and windy. I'm not sure how well a 30-40 foot camper would fair going down the trail to the best sites by the water," cautions a visitor to Dos Rios RV Park.
