Camping spots near Eldorado, Texas lie in a transition zone between the Edwards Plateau and the Chihuahuan Desert, with elevations ranging from 2,400-2,700 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter lows occasionally dropping into the 20s. Road access to many camping areas requires vigilance during rainy periods when unpaved routes can become temporarily impassable.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Bison herds: At Red Arroyo — San Angelo State Park, visitors can explore extensive trail systems spanning both North and South units. "We saw tons of deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison of course. There are Javelina and Longhorns, but we didn't see them this weekend," reports one camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.
Cave exploration: Daily tours: The limestone formations at Caverns of Sonora provide an underground retreat from extreme temperatures. "The most amazing caves we have ever experienced. Stayed there 5 days and did 2 tours. The people are amazing and helpful," notes a visitor who spent nearly a week at the campground.
Riverside activities: Fishing and rock skipping: Along the Llano River at Pecan Valley RV Park, campers can enjoy water access for casual recreation. One long-term visitor shared, "When no one else was there, I liked skipping rocks. The river is right there! We tried to walk most every day."
What campers like
Abundant wildlife sightings: At Pecan Valley RV Park, deer viewing opportunities occur daily at predictable times. A visitor observed, "Every day, about 6:30'ish they come across the main road, through the pecan orchard. We saw as many as 30 at one time."
Spacious, well-separated sites: Campers consistently appreciate the generous spacing at Red Arroyo campground. "Sites are huge and spaced out well. Not much privacy, but that's because it's basically prairie land," explained a camper who stayed in the South section loop.
Farm animal interactions: Several campgrounds offer unique opportunities to interact with resident animals. At Spring Creek Marina & RV Park, "My daughter loved feeding the deer," reported one visitor, while Pecan Valley features free-range chickens that respond to calls of "Chick, chick, chick!"
What you should know
Extreme wind conditions: The open prairie landscape offers little protection from strong gusts. At Red Arroyo, one camper noted, "While we were there, it was really windy, maybe that's the norm."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Middle Concho Park, reception can be spotty, though most established RV parks maintain reasonable service levels.
Seasonal rainfall impacts: Despite generally dry conditions, occasional heavy rains can affect campground access. A Pecan Valley RV Park visitor reported, "The second-to-last day of our stay there was a very rainy day... but tapered off around 2am. When we got up to pack up the rig in the morning, there weren't really any muddy spots."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump facilities. One Caverns of Sonora visitor cautioned, "RV people campsite isn't Full hookups (water & electric) dumping station is 6 miles away at rest area on I-10. Still worth the stay!!"
Tips for camping with families
Seek covered picnic areas: Shade structures provide essential relief from intense sun. "Great covered picnic area. Plenty of options with the recreation center, pool, and playground," noted a visitor to Goodfellow AFB Recreation Area.
Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer nights can cool significantly. Caverns of Sonora tours require temperature-appropriate clothing as noted by one visitor: "Dress lightly for the cave. We came out soaked!"
Bring alternative recreation options: During high wind days, standard outdoor activities may be challenging. Middle Concho Park offers diverse options, with one camper noting, "Love the fishing here and it's quiet."
Consider water availability: Many sites have limited or no water hookups. "No showers or power. Does have public restrooms. Bring hammock, has plenty o trees," advised a regular visitor to Middle Concho Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site length limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. At Caverns of Sonora, "For a big rig in the pull thru the site is tight. No sewer," cautioned one RVer.
Verify hookup types before arrival: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. Goodfellow AFB Recreation Area provides full hookups but requires military ID, with a visitor noting, "We only stayed overnight but it was very pleasant. It's NOT located on base. Make sure to confirm location when you reserve."
Consider seasonal pricing fluctuations: Rates may vary significantly between peak and off-peak periods. At Caverns of Sonora, "I think camping was $35. Clean bathrooms. Cheap to do the cave tours and they are out of this world," reported a visitor who found the combination to be good value.
Anticipate tree sap issues: At Pecan Valley RV Park, pecan trees can affect vehicle cleanliness. "Unlike pine sap, the sap from the pecan trees just washes off easily. Every few days when we'd get in the truck, the windshield would look horrible, but a squirt of washer fluid and a couple of wiper wipes and it was perfectly fine."
