Tent camping near San Felipe, Texas offers rustic options with varying levels of facilities and terrain. Mosquitoes are prevalent across campgrounds in this region, particularly from late spring through early fall when daily temperatures can reach 95-100°F. Camping in the Colorado River watershed provides opportunities for paddling excursions and fishing, while sites closer to Houston deliver more developed infrastructure.
What to do
Explore Johnson Space Center: Houston West RV Park serves as a convenient base for NASA enthusiasts. One camper noted it's an "easy drive to see the Johnson Space Center" with amenities including "large dog park, laundry, and cleaned showers and toilets."
Fish in stocked waters: Houston West RV Park maintains fishing opportunities on-site. A reviewer mentioned the "nice, clean and stocked pond" as a highlight of their camping experience, adding "I would definitely recommend this park."
River activities: Hollywood Bottom Park provides access to the Colorado River for paddling enthusiasts. With "very soft sand," this location primarily serves river travelers, though locals frequently use it as well. The park offers basic camping with 4 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Houston West RV Park's rates compared to other Houston-area options. According to one reviewer, "Every other campground in the Houston area seems to be $55+, but with AAA discount I only paid $45 here!"
Convenience for through travelers: Houston West RV Park's proximity to major routes makes it attractive for those passing through. A camper noted it's "only about a block off of Route 10 near Houston. Great place to stay if you are just passing through."
Family-friendly environment: Tomball RV Park receives praise for accommodating families with children. One visitor described their experience as "our first family camping trip and very beautiful spacious and clean!"
What you should know
Insect challenges: Red ant infestations affect some camping areas around San Felipe. At Houston West RV Park, a camper warned about "a pretty severe red ant infestation everywhere, so you can't spend too long standing outside on the gravel or the grass."
Limited toilet facilities: Many campgrounds in the area have restricted bathroom access. Tomball RV Park provides toilet facilities but lacks shower amenities, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
Local restrictions: Some primitive camping locations have usage limitations. At Hollywood Bottom Park, "local kids have made this into a party spot so the authorities can get suspicious of people just camping without river use."
Tips for camping with families
Verify pool rules: Family-oriented facilities may have strict scheduling. At some resorts in the Magnolia area, "pool hours for kids are till 7PM" with strict enforcement.
Plan for heat management: The Texas summer heat requires additional preparations for families. Leisure Lane RV Resort lacks shade, resulting in "high electrical bills" for those running air conditioning units.
Check noise levels: Environmental factors can disrupt sleep patterns, especially for children. Some campgrounds report issues with "tree frogs that take refuge under and on your RV and make noise all night long."
Tips from RVers
Use surge protection: Electrical reliability varies across campgrounds. One RVer at Leisure Lane RV Resort warned about "electrical issues" and specifically advised to "make sure you have surge protector."
Request accessible spots: Late arrivals should communicate with staff for convenient placement. At Houston West RV Park, staff "were very accommodating when I called and gave us an easy spot up front because we were arriving after 8pm."
Verify water quality: Water systems can experience interruptions. An RVer reported experiencing a "boil water notice" at one campground, suggesting campers should bring additional drinking water supplies as backup.
