Camping around Robert Lee centers on E.V. Spence Reservoir, which sits at approximately 1,900 feet above sea level in Coke County, Texas. This semi-arid region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing. The landscape features sparse mesquite trees and prairie vegetation with minimal natural shade at most campsites.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local animals at San Angelo State Park where campers regularly spot diverse wildlife. "We saw tons of deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison of course. There are Javelina and Longhorns, but we didn't see them this weekend," notes one visitor at Red Arroyo.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Spence Reservoir from Wildcat Park. "Beautiful views and amazing star gazing opportunities. Not much shade/trees near the sites. There sites are well spaced out along the reservoir: covered tables, trash can, grills, and fire pits all for a $5 day use fee," writes a camper at Wildcat Park - Spence Reservoir.
Hiking trails: Explore local paths through prairie landscapes. "We enjoyed staying at San Angelo State Park because of the natural things it offers... The hiking, biking, and equestrian trails here offer a lot of variety and with 50 miles of them, it's tough to get bored," shares a visitor to San Angelo State Park.
What campers like
Affordable camping: Budget-friendly options available for those seeking pet friendly campgrounds near Robert Lee. "Stayed here for a week in mid-November. Weather: 70 for the high and mid 40s at night. There were signs for nature trail, but I didn't check it out... There sites are well spaced out along the reservoir... all for a $5 day use fee," notes a camper at Wildcat Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Peaceful camping experiences can be found at several sites. "Probably the most private site at these grounds. Not as great of a river view as campsite 2 though. Paved picnic area and fire ring were nice accommodations. Located right at a driveway down to the river," writes a visitor to River Bend Camping Area.
Stargazing: Dark skies perfect for astronomy enthusiasts visiting the area. "Beautiful views and amazing star gazing opportunities," mentions a Wildcat Park camper. Another notes the "decent" night sky at San Angelo State Park, though "unfortunately, it's not as dark as we had hoped because of the lights from nearby San Angelo."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Prepare for extreme conditions throughout the year. "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. Several times it was bad enough that we had to close our roof vent," warns a visitor to Bald Eagle Creek.
Limited shade: Few trees at most sites means exposure to direct sun. "No trees, no shade. Certainly would not want to be here in the summer. I did have a nice view of the lake," reports a camper at Red Arroyo.
Cell service details: Coverage varies by location and carrier. "Cell service was pretty good for Verizon and T-Mobile. (2-3 bars consistently)," notes a San Angelo State Park visitor. Another camper at Wildcat Park mentions "Excellent t-mobile service, was able to work remotely."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Child-friendly recreation areas available at select campgrounds. "There is a recreation area nearby with a playground and a swimming pool. Due to the time of year, the pool was not yet open," mentions a visitor to Abilene State Park Campground, located about an hour from Robert Lee.
Wildlife education: Ranger-led programs offer learning opportunities. At San Angelo State Park, "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. It's a nice treat!"
Heat management: Plan activities for cooler periods during summer visits. "We used to go here a ton when I went to school in Abilene at Hardin-Simmons... Trees aren't too tall for providing shade, and there are tons of mesquite trees, so watch out for thorns while you're walking," advises a camper about Abilene State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level locations for easier setup. "The CG roads are paved, as are the sites. The site pads themselves are concrete and most looked to be fairly level, but a few had a little bit of slope," notes an RV camper at Lake Colorado City State Park Campground.
Dog-friendly considerations: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets near Robert Lee, but require proper management. Most sites require dogs to be leashed when outside vehicles. One family camping at Abilene State Park mentions, "We stayed in a tent only spot for 8 days in Dec. Really quiet even with a trail behind us."
Utility hookups: Full-service sites available at several locations with varying amenities. "We boondocked in a primitive site with our 36' RV. Clean, covered picnic table, plenty hiking and biking trails. If you can enjoy the desert, you will love this place!" shares an RV camper at Bald Eagle in San Angelo State Park.
