Cabin accommodations near O.C. Fisher Lake offer alternatives to traditional tent and RV camping. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer highs regularly reaching 95°F and winter overnight lows dropping below freezing. Wind patterns across this open terrain can be particularly strong during seasonal transitions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: San Angelo State Park maintains herds of bison and longhorn cattle with scheduled feeding times. "I saw tons of deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison of course. There are Javelina and Longhorns, but we didn't see them this weekend," notes a visitor at Red Arroyo — San Angelo State Park.
Mountain biking trails: The park's extensive trail system provides varied terrain for riders of different skill levels. "San Angelo is a good place for mountain biking, decent trails, it was so hot, that it brought some very bad thunderstorms," reports a summer visitor who recommends visiting "at a cooler time of the year."
Fishing access: Multiple access points around the reservoir allow for bank fishing or boat launches. A camper at Spring Creek Marina & RV Park shared, "Great time and fun time but people can be loud all night," indicating the popularity of evening fishing activities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The open prairie landscape provides generous spacing between campsites at most locations. According to one visitor at Red Arroyo Campground, "It was a well maintained state park, clean bathrooms, flat sites, easy hook ups."
Night sky viewing: Despite some light pollution from San Angelo, the open prairie setting creates good conditions for stargazing. The wide horizons also provide "really cool sunrises and sunsets right from your campsite."
Onsite conveniences: Some locations maintain well-stocked stores for essential supplies. During severe weather, campers at Spring Creek Marina & RV Park appreciated that staff "had propane fill onsite, kept their well stocked general store open, and were so kind and pleasant even though they were working round the clock."
What you should know
Limited shade protection: The prairie terrain offers minimal natural cover from sun or wind. One camper noted, "Sites are huge and spaced out well. Not much privacy, but that's because it's basically prairie land. While we were there, it was really windy, maybe that's the norm."
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom infrastructure can be limited at some locations. "In Red Arroyo, there is only one shower for women and one for men for the whole campground," mentions a reviewer who also noted that despite being clean with hot water, the facilities were aging.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for close interactions with local fauna around cabin sites. At San Angelo KOA, a visitor mentioned, "Doggies enjoyed the dog park" and "Trail nearby and running up the hill gives you a great view of the surroundings."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for summer heat: During hot months, swimming facilities provide crucial relief. "We were pleased to find the crystal clear pool to cool off in," mentions a family staying at San Angelo KOA during summer travel.
Wildlife education opportunities: Schedule visits around ranger-led programs. "On Saturday and Wednesday mornings, the rangers do supplemental feeding of the bison and longhorn cattle herds, bringing them right up to the fence for visitors to see."
Recreation alternatives: When water activities aren't feasible due to reservoir levels, seek alternative recreation. A visitor at Goodfellow AFB Recreation Area found it to be "very pleasant" and noted it has "plenty of options with the recreation center, pool, and playground."
Tips from RVers
Utilities reliability: During extreme weather events, system failures can occur. One RVer recounted staying during "rolling black outs, single digit temperatures, and water being shut off due to main breaks" and advised bringing emergency supplies.
Site leveling considerations: Most cabin and RV sites feature level terrain. A camper mentioned, "Parking is level raked gravel but a little close together" at San Angelo KOA, while another noted at Goodfellow AFB Recreation Area that "pull through sites are first come, first served with no reservations. You can reserve some back ins."
Seasonal preparation: Winter visitors should prepare for potential pipe freezing. "We were lucky to have a camper with heat water and electricity during a time where many were without," noted one winter visitor, emphasizing the importance of cold weather preparation.
