RV camping options near Hondo, Texas, lie among rolling hills of Edwards Plateau, where elevations range between 900-1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Camping areas typically feature limestone outcroppings and mesquite trees, with many sites providing access to the nearby Medina River and its tributaries.
What to do
Fishing access: The Medina River at Alamo River RV Ranch offers flowing water for anglers. "We loved walking the trails and seeing deer and other wildlife," notes one visitor. The campground provides necessary equipment for fishing excursions.
Water recreation: During warmer months, the Frio River at Parkview Riverside RV Park provides swimming opportunities. "We thought the river would be too cold to float in October but there were several people swimming to our surprise! So we joined them all four days," reports a camper who visited during fall.
Trail exploration: Multiple parks feature hiking trails with wildlife viewing. "Located right next to the San Antonio river, you are just a few miles from the famed San Antonio Riverwalk and many of the historic Missions in the area. The easy access to the river affords you miles and miles of bike and walking paths," shares a reviewer about camping options near San Antonio.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate peaceful settings. A visitor at Thousand Trails Medina Lake notes, "Breathtaking views, wildlife abound and the overall peace and serenity with staying at this campground. We stated close to the water which btw is just water and electric."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds. "Deer walk around the park all day and night. Dog friendly even with 'aggressive' dog breeds. Very much a plus for us," mentions a Medina Lake visitor. Another camper at Boulderdash notes they provide "deer corn and bird seed left for each camper so they can interact more with their surroundings."
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates excellent nighttime viewing. "Peacefully quiet at night and light is just enough to see but not too much to obscure the sky full of stars," reports a visitor at Alsatian RV Resort in Castroville, highlighting the area's dark skies.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "Apparently the earlier in the season the more water usually you will find because later in the season the water is used for irrigation in surrounding areas and it becomes very low," explains a camper at Boulderdash Cabin & RV Park.
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies between parks. "We work full-time remote and this has beautiful clear views of the sky for our Starlink dishy," mentions one Alsatian RV Resort visitor about satellite internet options. Another reviewer notes, "We are 'distant learning' with the kids due to Covid. We had to connect to the wifi every morning for zoom meetings. GREAT wifi!!! No problems."
Site terrain variations: Ground surfaces differ across campgrounds. A visitor at Parkview Riverside notes, "One negative with this park is the ground. It is made up of fine dirt and gravel that gets everywhere in your rig when it rains and with the morning dew." Some parks offer paved options at premium rates.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Old River Road RV Resort offers multiple swimming facilities. "They have river access for swimming and fishing as well as 2 swimming pools. One outdoor pool with a splash pad for the little ones. Then they have an indoor pool and hot tub that is heated," reports a visitor, providing year-round swimming options.
Recreation amenities: Several parks provide playgrounds and sports facilities. "They have a great playground for kids as well as a covered basketball court. The basketball court also has a net that can be used for tennis or pickle ball," notes an Old River Road RV Resort visitor.
Nature education: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound for children. "If the time of year is right you will see fireflies and lots of deer," mentions a Boulderdash reviewer, noting seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities that interest younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate larger vehicles. "Very quiet, clean with plenty of space between sites and extra wide paved roads and sites," notes an Alsatian RV Resort visitor, important for those with larger motorhomes or fifth wheels.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites with both 30 and 50 amp service aren't universal. "We stayed close to the water which btw is just water and electric. If you want full hookups you will need to be a short distance away from the lake. About a 1/8 of a mile," explains a Thousand Trails Medina Lake visitor about the trade-offs between water proximity and hookup availability.
Leveling requirements: Pay attention to site grading. "There's a slope off the front of the site, so I needed to center the rig on the level part of the cement pad. By doing this I needed 20' of sewer hose to get from my rear black tank to the sewer," explains an Alsatian RV Resort visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing extended sewer hoses.
