Located northwest of San Antonio, Fair Oaks Ranch camping opportunities extend beyond the popular equestrian facilities. The area features limestone hills, cedar-juniper woodlands, and several waterways including the Medina River. Summers are hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions for outdoor activities. Winter camping remains viable with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Pedernales Falls State Park offers diverse terrain for hikers of all skill levels. "The trails are the must for going to the park! Great hike down to the Pedernales Falls and cool little caves to explore. On the other end of the park, there are longer trails (roughly 4 Miles) with scenic overlooks of the Pedernales River," notes Kaitlyn M. about Pedernales Falls State Park Campground.
Explore local wildlife: The Texas Hill Country is home to diverse native species. "We saw a deer, squirrels, and even a herd of blackbuck antelope," reports Jackie R. at Kerrville-Schreiner Park. This city-run park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities just a short drive from Fair Oaks Ranch.
Geocaching adventures: Several parks in the region feature hidden caches. "Camping, river play and over 20 geocaching sites make it a great place to wind down," says James G. about Pedernales Falls State Park. Geocaching provides an interactive way to explore the natural surroundings while searching for hidden treasures.
What campers like
River access: Guadalupe River access is a highlight at several campgrounds. "The Medina River runs along the edge of the park. Walk under Hwy173 to access City Park," explains Denise V. about Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort. The resort provides convenient river access with walking trails along the water.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, several parks offer backcountry sites. "Primitive camping along the wolf trail, with a bigger car camping area near the swimming spot," describes Emily M. regarding Pedernales Falls. These sites typically require a short hike from parking areas.
Trail connectivity: Kerrville-Schreiner Park features well-maintained path networks. "Kerrville park has great in town trails. Guadalupe River access & nice warm showers in the restrooms," shares Kevin H. These interconnected trails allow for varying route options depending on your fitness level.
What you should know
Campsite spacing: Site layout varies significantly between parks. "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites," writes Kaitlyn M. about Pedernales Falls. This contrasts with more densely arranged sites at some other facilities.
Flash flooding risks: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Hill Country. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" cautions Faith S. about Hill Country State Natural Area. River levels can rise quickly during storms, particularly in spring.
Trail closures: Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility. "Be sure to check their Facebook page if it has recently rained to see the status of the park and trails. Occasionally the park or some trails will close if the risk of damage to the natural area is high," advises Megan E. about Hill Country State Natural Area.
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: Choose locations based on your family's needs. "Took the family and had a blast. Fishing, hiking, and geocaching was great," says Jake S. about Kerrville-Schreiner Park, which offers large tent sites suitable for families with children.
Swimming options: Several parks feature safe swimming areas. "Let me start by saying avoid July if possible and don't sleep with food in your tent. This was one of our first Texas camping excursions and it could have gone much better," advises R W. about COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park, noting that summer heat can be challenging for families.
Wildlife education: Turn animal sightings into learning opportunities. "Beware of cayotes and curious deer," notes Jimmy R. about Pedernales Falls, indicating that wildlife encounters are common but generally safe if proper precautions are taken.
Tips from RVers
Gate code access: Some parks have secured entry systems. "There is a gate code to get back in, after hours. Some reviews noted a lot of road noise from hwy, but we were not anywhere near hwy, so NO noise," explains Mark M. about Kerrville-Schreiner Park. Requesting this information at check-in prevents late-night access issues.
Utilities positioning: Note the location of hookups when selecting sites. "Site had water, 30 amp service, no sewer but dump near by the restrooms," reports Mark M., providing practical details for RVers planning their stay at Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground. The arrangement of utilities can significantly impact RV positioning and comfort.
