Best Campgrounds near Rockdale, TX

Rockdale, Texas and the surrounding area feature multiple camping options ranging from established RV parks to lakeside campgrounds with varied amenities. Downtown Texas RV Park provides full hookup sites on the San Gabriel River, while Shady Grove RV Park and Rockdale RV Park offer additional developed campground facilities within the immediate area. Several of these campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. The region includes a mix of privately operated campgrounds and public recreation areas managed by agencies like the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Temperatures in central Texas can reach extreme highs during summer months, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for many visitors. Most developed campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming areas may be seasonal. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region, with most developed sites maintaining adequate coverage for basic needs. Proximity to Georgetown and Austin (approximately 25-30 miles away) provides convenient access to supplies and services. As one camper noted about nearby Georgetown sites, "Lake Georgetown is a great destination with very good camping facilities. The campground is very peaceful and the prime spots on the Lake make for some excellent photo ops."

Water access represents a significant draw for campgrounds in the region, with several sites positioned along rivers and lakes. Many developed campgrounds feature full hookups with 30/50 amp service, water connections, and dump stations. Campground amenities typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. For recreation, visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, paddling, and hiking on nearby trails. A visitor to Downtown Texas RV Park mentioned, "This park is located between Thorndale and Rockdale. The park is pretty nice with full hookup sites down on the bank of the San Gabriel river. The river isn't much but it's a place to escape the Texas heat." Campers interested in history can explore the area's connections to Texas pioneer days, with some campgrounds located near historical markers and preserved sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Rockdale, Texas (153)

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Recent Reviews near Rockdale, TX

449 Reviews of 153 Rockdale Campgrounds


  • Al J.
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Hidden Creek RV Resort

    Hidden Gem

    Hidden Creek RV Resort in the Bryan/College Station area is truly a gem. I’ve stayed there for many years and it consistently delivers a fantastic experience. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, with top-notch service—especially from Danielle, who goes above and beyond. The RV sites are clean, well-maintained, and easy to navigate, making setup a breeze. The resort is reasonably priced and offers all the amenities you could ask for, including a great pool. It’s a wonderful place to relax, recharge, and feel right at home.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Rocky Creek (Somerville Lake)

    We love COE’s but….

    Normally all my CEOs get five stars, but the reason this one only gets four is the bathhouse was pretty dirty. Lots of bugs and spiders and just look like it hadn’t been cleaned for several days. Other than that big thumbs up to this park. Spaces are huge and the one we were in was very level. Probably at least 30 to 40 feet between your neighbors. We got a spot that was overlooking the lake so had a great view. That was spot 60. When we pulled in the thirty amp electric was not working, but the staff at the park was Johnny on the spot and got it fixed shortly. Another big bonus was the hiking trails around this park were fabulous. Saw lots of deer and also was able to walk along the shoreline of the lake for quite a ways. Could easily kayak for miles.

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Cheap rent and Great location!

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area  it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Affordable and Secured

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area, it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    BEST MONTHLY RATE FOR RV LOT IN ELGIN

    I don't think anyone can beat their deal.

    $500/mo includes electric, water, sewer, wifi AND FREE LAUNDRY! 

    Gated, security camera, safe. LARGE SPACED OUT SITES.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    CHEAP, ALL UTILS INCLUDED, SUPER BIG SITES

    Colinas RV Park is a pretty simple place, nothing fancy, but it’s clean and quiet and the sites are very large. 

    The owners keep it up well. What I like most is that the sites are big with a lot of shade trees, which makes it comfortable in the summer. They’ve got free Wi-Fi that works surprisingly well and a laundry room on-site, which is convenient. 

    Right now they’re running a special at$500 a month with all bills included, guaranteed for a year, which is hard to beat in this area. It’s not a resort, but it’s a good spot if you’re working around Elgin, Taylor, or even commuting into Austin. Close to HEB and Walmart, and the BBQ nearby is some of the best in Texas.

  • M
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Sherwood Forest Faire Campground

    good

    Campground reviews? Well, those can be a real mixed bag! Ever tried navigating a website that promises serenity but delivers screaming kids and a questionable outhouse? I remember trying to book a campsite once, promised a breathtaking lake view. Ended up staring at a concrete wall while balancing on uneven ground. It felt like I was playing a real-life Slope Game of campsite roulette.

  • lunan E.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Buescher State Park Campground

    Nightmare camping!!!

    Do NOT camp here if you want peace and quiet!! after 3 diffrent attempts to enjoy quiet peaceful camping trips here I can confirm quiet hours are NOT inforced and even worse all three times I've stayed here I've had someone intrude onto my campsite to either try and peak into my tent, or use my picnic table or grill when there are plenty of others unused???? 

    doesn't help that front staff are rude every time ive been too. never had these problems at other state parks. guess Beaushner is the party park!

  • P
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Shady River RV Resort

    Excellent Location

    We stayed here for 1 weekend in early August. Great location. Very peaceful.


Guide to Rockdale

Rockdale, Texas offers camping spots in central Texas grasslands with terrain primarily ranging from 300 to 500 feet elevation. Many campsites feature shade trees that provide relief during hot Texas summers when temperatures can exceed 100°F. The region features several water-based recreation opportunities along rivers and lakes located within 30-45 minutes of Rockdale's center.

What to do

Fishing for crappie: Wilson H Fox Park at Granger Lake provides excellent crappie fishing opportunities. "You you wonder what this lake is best for fishing it's crappie," notes Douglas D., who frequents the area. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, so spring tends to offer the best fishing conditions.

Bird watching: Taylor Park offers prime bird watching with multiple habitat types. "Nice park. We went to picnic and bird watch. Lots of birds! Swim area, fishing, hiking," shares Cathy C. The park's mix of shoreline, open water, and wooded areas attracts diverse bird species throughout the year.

Paddling: Explore hidden waterways by canoe or kayak at Taylor Park. "You can paddle the lake to the river and paddle up it to the highway. Watch out for wallowing feral hogs," advises Emily M. The paddle route extends approximately 3 miles from the main lake area to highway crossings, making it suitable for half-day excursions.

What campers like

Sheltered picnic areas: Wilson H Fox campsites feature individual pavilions that provide critical shade. "Each site seems to have its own pavilion, which i have not seen before. especially at $26 per night," notes Roscoe's R. These covered areas include hooks for hanging gear and provide protection during both sun and rain.

Lake views: Wilson H Fox offers waterfront sites with direct lake access. "We had a quaint campsite with a Lakeview. Each campsite appeared to be level and clean. The sites were spaced out so that you're not camping on top of one another," reports GoWhereYouAreDraw N. Lake view sites typically fill first, especially during summer weekends.

Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds offer designated swimming spots for cooling off. "Great swimming area. 30/50 amps, and water hook ups. No sewer. Playground area," says Mary S. about Taylor Park. Swimming areas typically remain open from April through October, depending on water conditions.

What you should know

Bathroom maintenance: Facility upkeep varies across campgrounds. At Wilson H Fox, Bobby A. noted: "They were not doing a good job of keeping the bathrooms clean. This was really our only complaint. I do recommend this park." Several reviewers mentioned intermittent bathroom issues across multiple parks.

Historical sites: Some campgrounds contain significant Texas historical features. "The campground sits on the site of one of the old Spanish missions from the days when Spain was colonizing Texas. There's a neat story about the garrison commander killing one of the Priests in a feud over an affair," explains Mark S. about Downtown Texas RV Park.

Limited activities: Certain campgrounds offer minimal recreational opportunities. Shady Grove RV Park provides basic services but few activities, with Bob H. stating: "Nice place but nothing here to do." Consider pairing stays at these parks with day trips to nearby attractions.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds: Friendship Park offers child-friendly amenities beyond standard campgrounds. "This is a great place to bring the children for a picnic and a swim at the swimming beach. There are abundance of deer and rabbits, bird watching is fantastic," shares Arvis C. The park includes play equipment suitable for children ages 3-12.

Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to observe local animals. "We come here every year. Quite, calm. Fishing, swimming, animal watching it has it all," writes Elizabeth M. about Wilson H Fox Park. Morning and evening hours provide best wildlife viewing times.

Level campsites: Taylor Park features family-friendly, level sites with good spacing. "The Taylor Park campgrounds bear Granger Lake are clean and convenient. Each campground has a shade structure, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. There are also has a playground," notes Christine W. Sites nearest playgrounds tend to fill quickly during summer months.

Tips from RVers

Full hookup options: Brazos Valley RV Park provides complete RV services with ample space. "Exceptionally clean and neat. Site was more than wide enough and more than long enough for my total 62 foot rig. Some long termers but all were clean and neat," comments James G. Sites accommodate rigs up to 65 feet with 30/50 amp service.

Cell service: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "Good CATV, not so good wifi, AT&T was good," notes James G. about Brazos Valley RV Park. Most developed campgrounds maintain adequate cell coverage for basic needs, though data speeds may be limited.

Site spacing: Space between camping spots varies significantly between parks. Kimberly D. observed at Brazos Valley RV Park: "Very well maintained, clean, nice big spaces and good distance between you and your neighbor." This contrasts with more compact arrangements at some other area campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rockdale, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rockdale, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Rockdale, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rockdale, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rockdale, TX is Shady Grove RV Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rockdale, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Rockdale, TX.

What parks are near Rockdale, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Rockdale, TX that allow camping, notably Granger Lake and Somerville Lake.