Camping near San Angelo, Texas centers around Lake Nasworthy and O.C. Fisher Lake. The region sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation where the prairie meets desert terrain, creating an open landscape with minimal natural shade. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through February, while daytime summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during June through August.
What to do
Wildlife viewing tours: San Angelo State Park offers opportunities to see deer, porcupines, foxes, and bison. "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 camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.
Mountain biking: Middle Concho Park has extensive trail systems suitable for various skill levels. A camper mentioned, "No showers or power. Does have public restrooms. Bring hammock, has plenty o trees." The park connects to several miles of shoreline trails.
Kayaking: Spring Creek Marina & RV Park provides lake access for paddling. "Enyoy the beauty of the lake, sunsets amazing. Staff is kind and friendly. Full hookup sites, spot are very bigs, have grill and picnic table," reports one visitor who appreciated the water recreation options.
Hiking: Bald Eagle Creek connects to an extensive trail network. "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," reports a Thanksgiving visitor who found the campground less than half full.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer substantial distance between neighbors. At Bald Eagle, campers appreciate the open setting: "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!"
Covered picnic areas: Most developed sites include shade structures over tables. River Bend Camping Area receives positive feedback for these amenities: "Great paved picnic area and fire ring were nice accommodations. Located near a driveway down to the river."
Winter camping conditions: The mild winter days attract off-season visitors. One camper at Bald Eagle Creek reported: "I camped here the last weekend of January. Other than being quite windy during the day, the weather was gorgeous. Chilly at night with temperatures in the thirties but the days were sixties and seventies and sunny."
Swimming options: During summer months, pools provide relief from high temperatures. A visitor to San Angelo KOA appreciated this amenity: "It was super hot when we arrived and were pleased to find the crystal clear pool to cool off in. Doggies enjoyed the dog park."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong gusts frequently sweep through the open terrain. A camper at Chaparral noted: "The lake seems low. 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. It is basically desert with out much shade."
Gate access procedures: Some campground areas require manually opening gates. At Bald Eagle Creek, "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."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary significantly throughout the year. Middle Concho Park visitors noted changing fishing conditions: "Love the fishing here and it's quiet."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies between campgrounds. At Red Arroyo Campground, a visitor commented: "This place suffers from long term neglect. Peeling paint, broken trim. It's a beautiful place. Great views. Bison, long horn and tons of deer."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Bald Eagle Creek offers this amenity: "The sites in the Bald Eagle loop are spacious, many have covered picnic tables, a few trees, and there is a playground."
Wildlife feeding schedules: Plan visits around animal viewing opportunities. Spring Creek Marina & RV Park receives praise from families: "Very clean, quiet campground. My daughter loved feeding the deer. We look forward to returning soon!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more after-hours activity than others. A Spring Creek visitor cautioned: "Great time and fun time but people can be loud all night."
Seasonal activity planning: Summer heat limits outdoor options during daytime hours. As one Goodfellow AFB Recreation Area visitor noted: "During the summer months they rent boats and have a little store on site. I'll definitely go back when I'm passing through."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Level spots with shade are premium during summer months. An RV camper at Red Arroyo shared: "Super friendly staff that put me in a great spot. It has a wonderful covered pic nic table surrounded by three smallnoak trees. The site has 2 fire pits with cooking grates as well as a traditional bbq."
Utility reliability: Power fluctuations can occur during extreme weather. An RVer staying at Spring Creek Marina during a winter storm reported: "We were using this as a stop over/mid point in Texas and it happen to be during the crazy article blast that crippled the state. The family who owns and operates the campground were absolutely amazing during rolling black outs."
Navigation challenges: Some areas have poor directional signage. A Red Arroyo Campground visitor noted: "Very clear instructions on the voicemail for after hours check in. Signs directing you to the campsites were minimal (ex: instead of 'red arroyo campsites 1-11' it said 'trailer 1-11.'"
RV access roads: Most campgrounds accommodate large rigs, but some areas require careful navigation. A visitor to San Angelo KOA mentioned: "Trail nearby and running up the hill gives you a great view of the surroundings. Would definitely stay there again if we happen to be passing through!"
