O.H. Ivie Reservoir offers several campgrounds within 30 miles of Eden, Texas, in an area characterized by rolling hills and limestone outcroppings typical of the Edwards Plateau. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights occasionally dropping below freezing. The surrounding terrain transitions between rocky hillsides and flat prairie land with scattered mesquite and oak trees.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: O.H. Ivie is known for trophy bass fishing despite low water levels. At Concho Park - O.H. Ivie Reservoir, visitors can access the water even when levels are low. "There is no 'lake' at this time. It is more like a narrow stream that winds through a valley. At 17% capacity when I visited in June 2018," reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities to observe native Texas wildlife. At Spring Creek Marina & RV Park, "Deer and turkey lots of them" can be spotted regularly throughout the property. Many campgrounds have feeding stations that attract wildlife at dusk and dawn.
Star gazing: With minimal light pollution in rural areas outside Eden, night sky viewing is exceptional. Junction's Pecan Valley RV Park offers "Quiet at night and very little light pollution allows for peaceful star gazing."
River access: Several campgrounds provide access to rivers for wading, swimming, or fishing. Pecan Valley RV Park has "plenty of space to walk our dogs around the property of this large pecan farm along the river" and "The river was nice and clear and we fished for a while."
What campers like
Affordable camping: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value at many dog-friendly campgrounds near Eden. At Concho Park, "For $5 a night you can camp at any one of the dozens of sites scattered around the lakeshore. Lots of space in between sites and most with beautiful sunrise/sunset views."
Wildlife encounters: San Angelo State Park's Red Arroyo campground offers frequent wildlife sightings. "We saw tons of deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison of course. There are Javelina and Longhorns, but we didn't see them this weekend."
Covered picnic areas: Many campsites feature sheltered tables that provide much-needed shade. Concho Park has "a picnic shelter above the table for shade, and rain, a grill and fire ring, plus your very own trashcan – never saw all that before in such an inexpensive park."
Farm-fresh products: Some campgrounds offer unique local items. At Pecan Valley RV Park, "At the CG's quaint little store, you can start a tab for items such as eggs, jams/jellies, ice, and firewood" and they "deliver the farm fresh eggs that we ordered at check-in."
What you should know
Extreme temperatures: Summer heat requires preparation for both humans and pets. "San Angelo good place for mountain biking, decent trails, it was so hot, that it brought some very bad thunderstorms, had some hail damage at this location."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary dramatically by season and drought conditions. "Note that if you're coming for O.C. Fisher Lake, that is a reservoir that is emptying out and never likely to come back. A ranger told us the lake is at about 6-8% of its glory days."
Limited shade: Many campsites have minimal tree coverage. At Red Arroyo, "It's basically prairie land" and "No trees, no shade. Certainly would not want to be here in the summer."
Water quality issues: Brady Lake City Park and other sites may have variable water quality. At Concho Park, one camper noted, "apparently water had not flowed through the pipes going to my campsite in a very long time. When I opened the water valve, a flood of ants preceded a brown geyser of dirty water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Willie Washington Park in Brady offers "restrooms, playground, basketball court, picnic areas with water and 110 electric, one pavilion" making it suitable for families with children.
Animal interactions: Some campgrounds provide opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. At Pecan Valley RV Park, "free range chickens have the run of the park, goats baby ducks can be seen and petted as you stroll the 100 yards to the river."
Security considerations: Spring Creek Marina & RV Park provides "access is restricted at night" which can give families peace of mind when camping with children.
Insect preparedness: Ants and other insects can be prevalent at many campgrounds. At Concho Park, "Black ants rule the park. Plan accordingly" to avoid discomfort for children.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary widely in how RVs are positioned. At San Angelo State Park, "Sites are huge and spaced out well" while Concho Park offers "drive-up campsites with electrical and water hookup."
Road conditions: Access roads may become difficult after rain. At Pecan Valley RV Park, "A word about the dirt, it is mostly clay which when saturated with rain water will form the most exceptionally sticky mud to coat the underside of your vehicle."
Hookup quality: Water pressure and electrical service quality varies between campgrounds. Richards City Park in Brady receives positive reviews as campers "stay here at least twice a year. WiFi is provided. Plenty of walking trails. Great showers."
Wind exposure: The open terrain means wind can be significant. "We were in the Red Arroyo loop in the south section. Sites are huge and spaced out well. Not much privacy, but that's because it's basically prairie land. While we were there, it was really windy, maybe that's the norm."
