Kickapoo Cavern State Park Campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet in the rugged terrain between Edwards Plateau and the South Texas Plains. Located approximately 22 miles north of Brackettville, the park encompasses 6,368 acres of mixed oak-juniper woodland and semi-desert scrubland. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, creating distinct camping seasons with varying wildlife activity.
What to do
Night sky viewing: Kickapoo Cavern State Park offers exceptional dark sky conditions for astronomers and casual stargazers. "This state park is really in the middle of nowhere... The sky is amazing at night!" notes a visitor at Kickapoo Cavern State Park Campground. The remote location creates minimal light pollution, making constellation identification and astrophotography possible.
Hiking trails: The park features several trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "We hiked most of the trails, but did not get to see the bats due to the time of year, and did not get to do a guided tour to the cavern so have a great reason to go back," shares one camper. The Sergeant Memorial Trail provides a challenging climb to elevated viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Bird watching: The park's bird blind attracts numerous species to a water feature. "I saw several species of birds I had never seen before," reports a visitor, making this an excellent spot for both experienced and novice birders to observe native and migratory species in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Visitors consistently appreciate the space and natural screening at Laughlin AFB FamCamp. "Nice concrete level sites. Easy access. The sites are large with short fence sections between," notes one reviewer. This layout allows for a sense of seclusion even when the campground has multiple occupants.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive mentions from visitors staying near Del Rio. "Clean restroom/shower facility" and "Campsite hook-ups in good condition" are highlighted by glampers who appreciate the well-maintained infrastructure that enhances comfort during their outdoor stay.
Disconnected experience: The lack of connectivity is often mentioned as a positive feature. "There is no cell service so you can fully unplug and relax," writes one camper. This forced digital detox creates opportunities for genuine nature immersion and interpersonal connection during glamping trips near Del Rio, Texas.
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds in the area have restricted amenities. At Buzzard Roost RV Campground, a visitor noted: "We wanted a layover stop on our way to Big Bend National Park and chose this park to use a PassPort America discount. It is close to Del Rio with all the shopping, etc. you might need, but it's target clientele isn't transient folks." Supply planning is essential as services can be limited.
Weather considerations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Shade is sparse and it is VERY hot in the summer months. It was also very windy while we were there," reports one camper. Plan accordingly with proper shelter, sun protection, and sufficient water reserves, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have limited availability, particularly at peak times. "The park opens Friday morning and closes Monday morning," notes a reviewer about Kickapoo. Checking operating schedules and making advance reservations is strongly recommended to secure preferred sites.
Tips for camping with families
Pack-in necessities: Remember that stores are limited near most camping areas. "No park store, so come prepared with all necessary supplies as Brackettville is closest small town which is 25 miles away with only a grocery store and couple fuel stations," advises a camper at Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
Plan for isolation: Emergency services may be difficult to access. "No AT&T signal; no park WIFI, so completely without phone service and no public phone available for emergerncies. Had to drive outside of Park about 3 miles for AT&T signal," reports one family. Consider bringing satellite communication devices if traveling with children to remote glamping locations near Del Rio.
Schedule around bat viewing: For families interested in wildlife, timing is crucial. "About 1 million Mexican Free-tail Bats exit the cave at sunset to search for food. The viewing area is very nice and handicap accessible. You can also watch them return, which is quite impressive, if you get there before sunrise," shares a visitor at Kickapoo Cavern, highlighting this unique natural spectacle.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Many RV sites in the region offer concrete pads. "Nice concrete level sites. Easy access," notes one RVer at Laughlin AFB FamCamp. This feature reduces setup time and ensures stability for larger vehicles during overnight stays.
Limited big-rig access: Not all glamping locations near Del Rio accommodate larger RVs. "The sites feel well spaced with trees in between them giving you privacy. They have sewer hookups at the official RV sites, and a dump station if you stay in one of the no hookup sites," advises a visitor, indicating the importance of confirming site dimensions before arrival.
Utility reliability: Water and electrical connections vary between campgrounds. "Campsite hook-ups in good condition" and "Level gravel campsite" are practical features mentioned by RVers who appreciate the reliable utilities that support comfortable glamping experiences while maintaining the natural setting that makes the Del Rio area appealing.
