Best Campgrounds near San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio area features a diverse mix of camping options, from urban RV parks to natural areas in the surrounding Hill Country. Government Canyon State Natural Area, located about 20 miles northwest of downtown, offers walk-in tent sites with defined pads and fire rings amid hiking trails and historic features including dinosaur tracks. Closer to the city center, established RV resorts like Travelers World RV Resort and San Antonio Alamo KOA provide convenient access to downtown attractions while offering full hookups. Military personnel have dedicated options at Fort Sam Houston Army RV and Lackland AFB FamCamp, which maintain spacious sites with shade trees to mitigate the Texas heat.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds, particularly during spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer camping requires preparation for intense heat, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September. As one camper noted, "Trees between spots help to quell some of the very hot San Antonio heat." Many RV parks implement security measures including gated access with entry codes. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, especially at Government Canyon where "burn bans are often in effect, so come prepared with a gas stove." Most campgrounds within city limits have reliable cell service, while those in surrounding areas may have variable coverage.
Campers consistently highlight the convenience of using area campgrounds as basebases for exploring San Antonio attractions. Several RV parks offer direct public transportation access to downtown, with one visitor noting, "Bus stop right in front to get to main attractions." River access is another valued feature, with Travelers World providing "easy access to the river [which] affords miles and miles of bike and walking paths." For those seeking natural settings, sites within 30-45 minutes of the city provide a balance of seclusion and accessibility. Government Canyon visitors recommend arriving early on weekends as "all of San Antonio will be lined up to get in" during pleasant weather. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the surrounding Hill Country, where campers report seeing diverse species in natural habitats.
