Camping near San Felipe, Texas offers multiple options within a 35-mile radius of the historic town where Stephen F. Austin established his colony in 1823. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and mild winters averaging 50-65°F. Several campgrounds provide water access to the Brazos River, which can rise significantly following heavy rainfall events typically occurring in spring and fall.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, visitors can observe numerous alligators along the park's trail system. "If you want to see alligators in their natural habitat this is the park for you. There were so many. We even came across one on the trail eating a snake," reports a camper. The park is located about 40 miles southeast of San Felipe.
Astronomy experiences: The observatory at Brazos Bend State Park offers unique stargazing opportunities. "The best part though is the observatory. There's always plenty of stargazers up there that love to share their equipment, you can also pay for the big telescopes," notes one visitor. Weekend hours are available year-round with special events scheduled periodically.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide river and pond fishing opportunities. At Thousand Trails Colorado River, campers can fish in multiple locations. "Right on the Colorado river plus two ponds to fish in. Lots of places to walk or ride your bikes," mentions a recent visitor. The campground is approximately 45 miles west of San Felipe.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground offers pull-through sites with full hookups. "Aside from the fact that the park is very well maintained and there is an abundance of wildlife, you get pull through sites with full hook ups on the cheap!" reports one camper. The park features sites that can accommodate large RVs up to 44 feet.
Clean facilities: Many campers specifically mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. "The facilities were old, but very well taken care of and clean! Very few bathrooms and showers, so if you are going during peak season be aware you could be waiting in line," notes a visitor to Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe native Texas wildlife. "We saw an abundance of deer and bunnies, plus we were able to listen in on a conversation between a very large owl who had taken up residence in one of the trees by our site," shares a camper at Stephen F. Austin State Park.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: The region's proximity to rivers and lakes means mosquitoes can be problematic, especially after rainfall. At Houston West RV Park, located in Brookshire about 15 miles east of San Felipe, a visitor notes: "They've got a pretty severe red ant infestation everywhere, so you can't spend too long standing outside on the gravel or the grass."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Stephen F. Austin State Park staff provides additional assistance with late arrivals: "A separate email from the park staff allowing me to go ahead and have them print my reservation and have it waiting for me - a great feature because we got on after the park office had closed."
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