The Kenedy area offers several dog friendly campgrounds with easy access to the San Antonio River and surrounding coastal plains. Located between San Antonio and Corpus Christi in south central Texas, most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 150-250 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Historic exploration: Goliad State Park features a 16th century Spanish mission and numerous historic sites. "This Texas State Park is located in Goliad Texas. This is in the south central area of the state between Victoria and Austin on Highway 183. The park has some great historical sites including a 16th century Spanish mission," notes one camper.
Kayaking: Paddle along the San Antonio River at Jacales Camping Area. "You can kayak along the 6 mile long kayak paddle trail or try your luck at fishing. The campground is well maintained and offers a nice range of sites from tent to RVs and small cabins," explains a reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: The region's parks provide excellent opportunities for animal spotting. "We saw wild turkey Tom with his harem of hens, numerous birds, rabbits and deer," shares one visitor about the abundance of wildlife in the area.
What campers like
Shaded camping sites: Vaquero Camping Area offers tree cover that campers appreciate. "We are in site 17. A little uneven but pull through and lots of shade around the fire pit," mentions one reviewer who enjoyed the natural canopy.
Clean facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The facilities were in good condition and the shower had amazing water pressure. Only downside was there was only one shower in the women's restroom," reports a camper who stayed at Jacales loop.
Nature trails: Longhorn Camping Area provides accessible paths for walking dogs. "Great historic site. Shady trails, too, along the river. We stayed at site 14. It looks like number 17 and number 19 are real shady," notes a visitor who enjoyed the terrain.
What you should know
Summer heat considerations: The region experiences intense summer temperatures that affect pets. "Visitors should pack extra water for pets during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees," advises a regular camper.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "The Jacales loop is quiet and dark, but it's really just camping in a big parking lot with a picnic table, shade pavilion and grill for each site," reports one camper who stayed there.
Wildlife encounters: Choke Canyon State Park has abundant wildlife that can approach camping areas. "Woke up to a large group of javelinas at our site who were sniffing around," shares one visitor, highlighting the importance of securing food and pet supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sheltered sites: Some campgrounds offer sturdy structures that work well for families with pets. "We stayed in a sheltered site in mid-April 2018. We hired 2 sites for 2 families but only used one of the shelters as they were large enough for us to share," notes a visitor to Jacales Camping Area.
Find parks with playgrounds: Facilities for children enhance the experience. "There is a small playground for the kids - perfect for our ages (3,5 &7)," shares a family who visited with young children.
Consider cabin options: Helton Nature Park provides alternatives to tent camping that work well for families with pets. With 43 tent sites and designated pet exercise areas among its nature trails, this park offers "a very calming experience" according to one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site measurements: RV sites vary significantly in size and leveling. "The sites are located along the river with no privacy. They have some walk in tent sites as well," mentions a camper about the layout at Goliad State Park.
Be prepared for insects: The region's humidity contributes to bug activity. "There were a lot of ants and insects around that's even more than usual. Definitely bring a tent screen," advises one RVer who visited the area.
Choose dog-friendly hookup sites: Angels in Goliad RV Park offers practical amenities for pet owners. "Gravel pads. New hookups," notes a recent visitor who found the park clean and well-maintained for traveling with pets.
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