Camping near O.C. Fisher Lake provides access to West Texas outdoor recreation with terrain characterized by mesquite-studded prairies and limestone outcroppings. Located at approximately 1,900 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the optimal camping seasons. Most campsites face limited natural shade coverage, requiring campers to bring portable shelters during warmer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Spring Creek Marina & RV Park, anglers access lake fishing with boat rentals available seasonally. "Great time and fun time but people can be loud all night," notes visitor Daniel, suggesting early morning or evening fishing for quieter experiences.
Wildlife viewing: San Angelo State Park offers dedicated viewing blinds near Red Arroyo loop. "We saw tons of deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison of course. There are Javelina and Longhorns, but we didn't see them this weekend," reports Shawn R. who visited during a Labor Day weekend.
Mountain biking: The park maintains over 50 miles of multi-use trails across its north and south units. "San Angelo good place for mountain biking, decent trails," writes Mic R., who recommends visiting "at a cooler time of the year" rather than summer months when temperatures peak.
Hiking trail system: Trail networks connect throughout the park with varying difficulty levels. "If you cross the dry creek bed into the horse campground you can access the extensive network of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. The trails are well marked," explains Laura F. from Bald Eagle Creek.
What campers like
Spacious RV sites: The concrete pads at most RV parks O.C. Fisher Lake accommodate larger vehicles with room for slide-outs and towed vehicles. "Sites are huge and spaced out well. Not much privacy, but that's because it's basically prairie land," notes Bob M. about Red Arroyo.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites feature sheltered tables providing much-needed shade. "The site has a wonderful covered pic nic table surrounded by three small oak trees. The site has 2 fire pits with cooking grates as well as a traditional bbq," describes R F. who appreciated these amenities during hot weather.
Night sky viewing: The open prairie landscape offers excellent stargazing opportunities despite some light pollution from San Angelo. "Given the expansive horizon, though, you're in for some really cool sunrises and sunsets right from your campsite," mentions Ari A., who camped at Red Arroyo.
Proximity to conveniences: While feeling remote, most camping areas maintain reasonable access to San Angelo services. "Not very far from the park is the city, in case you forgot something or need ice, or a cheat meal," explains Bob M., highlighting this practical benefit.
What you should know
Gate access procedures: Several campgrounds require manual gate entry after hours. "The only downside is that to drive into the campground you have to get out and remove a pad lock and manually open the gate," notes Laura F. about the Bald Eagle loop area.
Variable weather conditions: Wind can be particularly challenging at certain times. "One thing we noticed is that when the wind gets going here it really blows hard, so be prepared to take care of anything that might need to be held down," warns Ari A.
Limited bathroom facilities: Older bathhouses serve multiple campground loops with potential capacity issues during busy periods. "The bathrooms are really old. They are kept clean and the showers were hot with good, modern showerheads. But in Red Arroyo, there is only one shower for women and one for men for the whole campground," cautions a visitor.
Low lake levels: Wildcat RV Park visitor Jerry R. notes, "This campground is divided one side with a store and the RV park is $50 a night. The other side is free dispersed parking this side has boat ramps fishing picnic tables and vault toilet very quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with younger children should consider sites near play areas. "The sites in the Bald Eagle loop are spacious, many have covered picnic tables, a few trees, and there is a playground," mentions Laura F., who visited during Thanksgiving when the campground was less than half full.
Wildlife encounters: Plan morning visits to the ranger-led bison and longhorn feedings. "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," explains one camper.
Swimming options: San Angelo KOA provides pool access during hot months. "Super friendly folks in the office, guided to spot following golf cart. It was super hot when we arrived and were pleased to find the crystal clear pool to cool off in," writes Troy L., who appreciated this amenity during summer travel.
Deer watching: Several campgrounds attract wildlife right to the camping areas. "Very clean, quiet campground. My daughter loved feeding the deer. We look forward to returning soon!" shares Ron V. about his family's experience at Spring Creek Marina & RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should request sites away from high-traffic areas for quieter stays. "I am pretty isolated at this end of the campground. It is very windy today. I bet this place is baking hot in the summertime," notes Shawn from Chaparral campground.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "We stayed on the North side of the park in a fairly rough and unlevel site and no sewer connection. It was however very peaceful and had some big trees for shade," warns gary H. about his Chaparral experience.
Utility connections: Water pressure varies throughout the year with municipal restrictions sometimes affecting service. "My family was very lucky to have a camper with heat water and electricity during a time where many were without," reports Erin A. during a winter weather event at Spring Creek Marina.
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping requires additional cooling solutions. "I stopped here for the night on my way to Arizona. It was a good place to stay overnight. Nice and flat and level. No trees, no shade. Certainly would not want to be here in the summer," advises Charyle C.
