Del Rio campgrounds offer varied terrains from desert scrubland to limestone shores along Amistad Reservoir where elevations range from 1,000 to 1,300 feet above sea level. The area receives minimal rainfall, averaging just 18 inches annually, creating dry conditions through most campsites. Temperatures regularly reach triple digits during summer months while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Water recreation on Amistad Reservoir: Launch kayaks at the Spur 454 boat ramp near San Pedro Campground. "With water recreation opportunities just a stone's throw away, the boat launch is just below the campground, you can escape the heat of the day," notes one visitor to Governors Landing. Crystal blue waters provide swimming opportunities even during off-peak seasons.
Stargazing after sunset: The dark skies at Kickapoo Cavern State Park Campground offer premier night sky viewing. "Excellent DARK SKY campground," confirms a camper who visited in mid-March. The sites at Governors Landing also provide clear viewing conditions when clouds permit—"Sunsets and sunrises are gorgeous, stars are fantastic," according to a recent visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Observe Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from Stuart Bat Cave at Kickapoo Cavern State Park. "About 1 million Mexican Free-tail Bats exit the cave at sunset to search for food. The viewing area is very nice and handicap accessible," notes one visitor. The park also features bird blinds where staff set up "a little recirculating creek to attract lots of birds."
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Most rv campgrounds near Del Rio, Texas maintain reasonable rates. At Governors Landing, "It's just $10 per night to park overnight and the automated machine takes card!" One visitor to San Pedro Campground appreciated that "payment is easy at the kiosk. It's right there at the end of the camp sites. Takes credit cards." Many campgrounds offer additional discounts for seniors or pass holders.
Spacious sites: Hidden Valley RV Park provides generous spacing between campsites. "Very welcoming hosts, great tree coverage, in town but still a very quiet area where you can go for walks," explains one camper. At San Pedro, visitors appreciate that "each is set up with a grill, picnic table and shade shelter."
Historical elements: Fort Clark Springs Camping World offers camping within a converted military installation. "The RV park is in an old Military installation that has been converted into housing, camping, golf course, swimming at the spring and has a museum. The grounds are very pretty," reports one visitor. The staff receives praise for being "nice and very knowledgeable about the Fort's history and local area."
What you should know
Desert heat conditions: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F at most sites. At Kickapoo Cavern, "Shade is sparse and it is VERY hot in the summer months." Similarly, San Pedro Campground visitors note that "the lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you can not see it from the tent sites."
Wind challenges: Governors Landing Campground experiences significant wind. "The wind, on the other hand, was a challenge. I learned it's more efficient to cook in a charcoal grill than a gas stove with high winds," explains one camper. Another added: "We've weathered a storm before in the tent, but the added high winds had us holding on all night."
Variable cell service: Connectivity fluctuates significantly across Del Rio RV parks and campgrounds. At Kickapoo Cavern, "No AT&T signal; no park WIFI, so completely without phone service and no public phone available for emergencies. Had to drive outside of Park about 3 miles for AT&T signal." Buzzard Roost RV Campground reports that "cell service with AT&T is not good at all (like 2 bars)."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water supplies: Limited drinking water availability affects many sites around Del Rio. San Pedro Campground has "no water available at this campground," requiring visitors to fill at "the Diablo East Campground dump station, about 4 miles away for no charge."
Consider noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds significantly. At Governors Landing, "the numerous trucks along the highway [are] a little disruptive of our sleep starting around 4 am, when they begin to hit the road." One visitor suggested choosing "sites that sit lower and also further away" from the main road for less noise disturbance.
Visit bird viewing areas: Broke Mill RV Park offers nature observation opportunities suitable for children. "It is well kept with the usual amenities but also has a hiking trail and bird watching blinds. It's above my level of expectation for the price," notes one visitor. Kickapoo Cavern also features "a really nice bird blind where staff set up a little recirculating creek to attract lots of birds."
Tips from RVers
Check site layout before setup: Hidden Valley RV Park requires careful positioning due to utility placement. "The sites are very long and not necessarily level. Water/sewer is on one side and electric is on the other side," explains a camper. At Buzzard Roost RV Campground, "it's target clientele isn't transient folks. Mostly long-term stays with people working in the area."
Consider size limitations: Not all Del Rio campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Fort Clark Springs offers sites that are "level with pea-stone and hard packed gravel. Easiest setup so far," according to one RVer, who paid "$19 (with Veterans Discount) per night for a pull through with full hookups."
Research dump station locations: Limited sanitary dump facilities exist near Del Rio rv campgrounds. One San Pedro visitor noted: "No dump station (but free dump station 4 miles away at devils river day use)." For reference, Fort Clark Springs includes a "clean laundry room for only $1 a load, community room with books for sharing and a nice community use fire pit area."
