Elmendorf, Texas camping areas sit along the San Antonio River at approximately 500 feet elevation. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, making early morning and evening activities essential during warmer months. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with fall and spring offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Braunig Lake Park offers dedicated fishing areas where campers can catch catfish and red drum. The lake is stocked with redfish, making it a popular destination for anglers who don't have time to travel to the coast. According to JonnySin R., "Has some great fishing. If you don't have time to go to the coast but love fishing for reds this is a nice spot to come to."
Mission tours: Located within 15-25 minutes of most campgrounds, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park provides educational opportunities with five preserved Spanish colonial missions. Kirk J. from Travelers World RV Resort notes, "Located about 5 miles from The Alamo and Riverwalk. Both are a must see. We spent 3 days here and this park did not disappoint."
Biking trails: The San Antonio River Trail system connects multiple historical missions and provides miles of paved pathways for cycling. At Mission City RV Park, Carlyne F. mentions, "Located on the Eastern side of San Antonio, the park is located only a short 10 minute drive away from the famous Riverwalk or popular restaurants and breweries at the historic pearl."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower and bathroom facilities, important during hot weather activities. HandL C. reports about Mission City RV Park, "You don't get a much nicer RV park than this in a major city. It hits all of the marks: mass transit at your doorstep; pool, laundry, showers and a gift shop at the entrance; easy pull-through, level sites; picnic tables at each site."
Gated security: Several parks provide controlled access for added safety. Kathy H. from Mission City RV Park shares, "The park is gated and beautifully maintained. There is a heated pool, spacious pet area with benches and toys for your furry friends. The bathrooms were very clean and well kept."
Convenient location: Most campgrounds provide quick access to San Antonio attractions while offering quieter settings. Kate S. from Braunig Lake RV Resort notes, "Lake veronic is far enough out of San Antonio to avoid the big city traffic. However it's close enough to access all the conveniences that San Antonio has to offer."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures routinely exceed 95°F, making morning activities essential. Morning walks with pets should be completed before 10am during summer to avoid heat-related problems. Fishing enthusiasts often report best catches in early morning or evening hours.
Limited shade: Many area campgrounds have minimal tree cover. As Steven V. notes about Fort Sam Houston Army RV, "All the sites are pull through, have full hook ups (30 and 50) and are big enough to park the largest of rigs. Would be 5 stars if there was a little more shade."
Varying maintenance: Facilities quality differs significantly between private and public campgrounds. Regina C. warns about Braunig Lake Park: "No working showers and the bathrooms were discussing, no picnic tables, the only fire rings were at the shelters and were full of old trash. The park was not maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as relief from summer heat. Fighter J. from Travelers World RV Resort shares, "Very quiet, clean with fun activities. Movies to borrow and books to read. Staff is great, great location."
Playground access: Some parks maintain dedicated play areas for children. At Yanawana Camp, zarea F. recommends, "Our hosts were beyond kind, greeted us with brochures of the local attractions, maps to the Missions, and great restaurant suggestions. We were lucky enough to visit the Tipi erected on the property, and enjoy a campfire with the other guests."
Educational opportunities: The nearby missions provide historical learning experiences suitable for school-age children. Many campgrounds provide maps or brochures for self-guided tours of the mission trail, with most sites accessible by both car and bicycle.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most pet friendly camping near Elmendorf, Texas provides concrete or well-maintained gravel sites. Roy B. from Cactus Country RV Park shares, "Owners are very nice. Campground is very clean. Campground makes you feel like you are in the country but close enough to San Antonio to visit downtown in about 20 minutes."
Public transportation: Some parks offer direct access to San Antonio bus service. Marisol A. from Alamo City RV Park notes, "Place is clean, organized. Nice receptionist. It has good laundry machines which we needed. Close to the city. Wifi, showers."
Full hookups: Most parks provide complete water, electric, and sewer connections. Rachel P. reports about Vista Ridge RV Park, "We stayed 5 nights visiting San Antonio. This is a beautiful park outside of the city on the river. 30 minutes to downtown. Pool, hot tub, fitness center, laundry, dog park, golf cart rentals, clubhouse, and much more!"
Water pressure regulation: Several parks report high water pressure that can damage RV plumbing systems. Diane from Travelers World RV Resort cautions, "Clean grounds, clean bathroom/shower. Friendly, helpful staff. High water pressure; you'll need a pressure regulator. They sell them at the office!"
