Camping options near Hondo, Texas range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with riverfront access. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the South Texas Plains region with mild winters and hot summers reaching over 95°F from June through September. The surrounding terrain features rocky hills, oak woodlands, and access to both the Medina River and Lake.
What to do
Wildlife observation trails: The area teems with native Texas wildlife including deer that freely wander through many campgrounds. "Deer walk around the park all day and night. Dog friendly even with 'aggressive' dog breeds," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Medina Lake.
River access activities: Multiple campgrounds offer direct access to local waterways for swimming, fishing and boating. "The river is crystal clear and very inviting on a hot summer day," reports a camper who visited Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground. The campground features multiple hiking trails alongside water features.
Dinosaur track exploration: Several parks in the region preserve ancient dinosaur tracks for visitors to discover. "There are some dino tracks in the creekbed to check out in the backcountry along with an old stone house," explains a visitor to Government Canyon State Natural Area, who adds, "The guided hikes are informative."
What campers like
Spacious, shaded campsites: Many parks in the region provide ample site spacing with mature tree cover. A camper at Thousand Trails Medina Lake appreciated that "Large spots, fire pits, Medina Lake access and the friendliest of people!" contribute to a positive camping experience.
Fall color viewing: The region offers seasonal color changes that attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. "Lost Maples is a great place to see the colors of Fall," explains one visitor, while another mentions, "The fall colors are beautiful (not like Northeast colors, but very nice for Texas)."
Year-round accessibility: Unlike many camping destinations, the Hondo area remains accessible during all seasons with varying natural features. "We stayed as part of a campers rally. The campground is quiet, and well maintained," explains a visitor to Skyline Ranch RV Park, adding that there are "Endless activities to participate in, or you can pause and relax as it is very quiet."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor connectivity. A camper at Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground cautions, "The only drawback is that it's in a complete deadzone for cellular. I had absolutely zero service on my cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g."
Reservation timing matters: Popular parks fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Make a reservation six months in advance. If no campsites are available you may visit for the day and find a private campground nearby to camp," suggests one experienced camper.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Hondo, Texas, several ranches offer these structures as alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping. Neal's Lodge provides various accommodation types including glamping options. A visitor noted, "Neal's Lodges has primitive camp grounds, so you will not have water or electricity hookups. They also provide cabins, but who could resist getting to sleep in a tent right on the water."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Family-friendly parks often feature multiple activities beyond camping. At Antler Oaks Lodge and RV Resort, a visitor enjoyed that "There is a huge hall rec area that they have where they have games, couches, store and a library. There is a playscape, basketball and volleyball court."
Water features for hot days: Swimming opportunities provide essential cooling during summer months. "We enjoyed the pool and the river multiple times daily. It was hot but we managed to keep cool," explains a family that visited Antler Oaks Lodge.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs ideal for children. "The guided hikes are informative," notes one visitor, while another mentions trails with educational displays about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Different campground areas offer varying experiences. A camper at Kerrville-Schreiner Park advises, "We stayed down by the river. The road was real close to the site that we stayed in. Overall the camp grounds are nice well maintained and not stacked on top of each other. We will go back and stay on the upper hillside."
Gate access information: Some parks have after-hours procedures for returning campers. "Remember to check in at the Ranger station over on the river side because you will need a gate code to access the hill side of the park," explains one RVer.
Advance planning for yurt camping: When searching for yurt camping in Hondo, Texas and surrounding areas, book early as these specialty accommodations fill faster than traditional sites. Many primitive yurt sites complement traditional RV sites throughout the region.
