Best Campgrounds near Shavano Park, TX

Shavano Park, Texas sits at the gateway to diverse camping experiences, with options ranging from full-service RV resorts to natural areas with primitive sites. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Government Canyon State Natural Area, offering tent camping amid rocky trails and natural features including dinosaur tracks. The San Antonio Alamo KOA provides a convenient basecamp just 5 miles from downtown San Antonio's attractions, while several riverfront campgrounds along the Guadalupe River corridor offer water-based recreation opportunities. The Texas Hill Country terrain creates distinct camping environments, from shaded pecan groves to open riverside sites.

Reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly at popular destinations like Guadalupe River State Park where sites can fill months in advance. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making shade a critical consideration when selecting campsites. As one camper noted, "Several RV parks in the area did not offer any shade. I cannot imagine the heat, especially the day I left when it was 100 degrees." River levels fluctuate significantly based on rainfall and upstream dam releases, affecting water recreation possibilities. Trail closures frequently occur after rain, particularly at Government Canyon where a visitor advised, "Show up early on weekends when it's nice out, otherwise all of San Antonio will be lined up to get in."

Most campgrounds in the region serve as convenient basecamps for exploring San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country attractions. Travelers World RV Resort receives high marks for its proximity to the San Antonio River, with one reviewer noting it's "just a few miles from the famed San Antonio Riverwalk and many of the historic Missions in the area." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers at Guadalupe River State Park reporting armadillo sightings in campgrounds and deer herds near water sources. Road noise can be an issue at sites near highways, with several reviewers mentioning this drawback at otherwise well-rated locations. The region's camping options generally balance natural settings with access to urban amenities, making the area suitable for both weekend getaways and longer explorations.

Best Camping Sites Near Shavano Park, Texas (218)

    1. San Antonio Alamo KOA

    33 Reviews
    Windcrest, TX
    13 miles

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    "Clean KOA, good place to walk around. Outdoor pool, playground, access to trail.

    The only real downside we had was the amount of noise from the surrounding area."

    2. Travelers World RV Resort

    23 Reviews
    San Antonio, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 532-8310

    "located right next to the San Antonio river, you are just a few miles from the famed San Antonio Riverwalk and many of the historic Missions in the area."

    "Close to the river walk, which is very well maintained. Sites are small, but there is a little green area next to each."

    3. Mission City RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Windcrest, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 337-6501

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    "It hits all of the marks: mass transit at your doorstep; pool, laundry, showers and a gift shop at the entrance; easy pull-through, level sites; picnic tables at each site; quaint southwestern style!"

    4. Government Canyon State Natural Area

    15 Reviews
    Helotes, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 688-9055

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Supposedly there are some hidden caves off trail but I haven't found them. Trails are extensive and rocky. Good views. Beware of trail closures when it rains."

    "The campsites are all walk in, but not a great distance. Camp sites vary in size, but all have fire rings, a place to hang trash, and a storage cupboard."

    5. Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds

    43 Reviews
    Spring Branch, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 438-2656

    $28 / night

    "All of them are walking distance from the river where there are good places to get in as well as trails all around to see the beautiful Texas Hills Country."

    "There is no better late spring to early summer activity than getting good float down one of the rivers of Texas.  "

    6. Blazing Star Luxury RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Helotes, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 680-7827

    "The resort itself is beautifully maintained, with Buckshot Roulette spacious, well-maintained RV sites and stunning Texas Hill Country views."

    "Pool area in front close to playground"

    7. Fort Sam Houston Army RV

    9 Reviews
    Windcrest, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 221-5502

    "Campground sits way off the beaten path of a very busy Ft. Sam Houston. Great spacIous, level lots with concrete pad for outside activities at each site."

    "Office is below swimming pool on lake. Park has RR near so trains are noisy but I didn’t hear them at night. Dog, child friendly. Post is a little confusing to navigate but it’s $30/n and safe!"

    8. Alamo Fiesta RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Boerne, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 249-4700

    "Walked the dog, found entire place to be ok, No unsitely areas. Dog friendly. Tennis court was down (no net). Close to Six Flags, Boerne (pronounced Bernie) and lots more to do."

    "Ok, it's a nice campground in a great location to explore the hill country, plus convenient to San Antonio, we decided to stay a week to explore, using campground as base camp."

    9. Cranes Mill Park

    26 Reviews
    Canyon Lake, TX
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 964-3341

    $26 - $35 / night

    "A great small park on beautiful Canyon Lake in legendary Texas Hill Country.

    The park is perfectly situated to explore the Hill Country."

    "Suasana di Canyon Lake, Texas pasti akan membuat Anda merasa seperti di rumah sendiri. Fasilitasnya lengkap dan bersih. Aurealisa"

    10. Lackland AFB FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    San Antonio, TX
    13 miles
    +1 (210) 671-5179
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Recent Reviews near Shavano Park, TX

652 Reviews of 218 Shavano Park Campgrounds


  • R
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds

    Excellent State Park

    I have camped in this park three times already and it never disappoints me. Good hiking trails, very friendly staff, interesting views and points of interest, fishing spots etc…

    I really enjoy camping specifically in the Wagon Ford area. Beware of the animal activity, specially at night. Armadillos and raccoons are everywhere and they get a little bit noisy at night.

    This time I camped in the site number 88. And it didn’t have enough natural shade, however if you were to spend a couple days camping I would recommend site 89 or 86 for a good natural shade.

    I really like this park. Hopefully I’ll be there soon.

  • Afton W.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Camp Landa Resort

    Camp Landa RV Resort

    Very clean with Deluxe sites that are long and level. Lots of activities for kids. Located close to Schliterbaughn and shopping.

  • David V.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    San Antonio Alamo KOA

    A great place

    Staff is amazing and friendly. The camp and restrooms/showers were clean and and well lit. Plenty of tent sites as well very close to the bathrooms.

  • Jackson S.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Fort Sam Houston Army RV

    Good trip!

    All the sites are pull-through with full hookups(30 and 50 amp), and spacious enough for even the largest rigs. The grass was freshly mowed, and the park was clean. Staff were super friendly. There's a decent dog run at the back, propane available for purchase on-site, and two wash houses with washers and dryers. A large playground keeps the little ones entertained. Despite many full-timers, there were still plenty of open spots. It was very quiet—aside from the occasional train, which isn’t noticeable with the A/C running. Would be a 5-star stay if there were just a bit more shade [geometry dash 3d](https://geometrydash3d.com).

  • Anita B.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Bergheim Campground

    A Must See & Dog friendly

    Bring ur dog to swim!!I've been coming here for many years and I have to say this is one of the best camp places in the area. It's real camping. They offer restrooms with showers, but it's primarily outdoors. I love it here... You can swim, fish, hike, go kayaking, and your camp spot will have a spot for ur tent and an area to build a fire. You have elbow room, not too close to the next family. Plus, u can bring ur dog here. Most of the other parks do not allow ur dog. They offer a pick-up service once you kayak down the river. If you ever need a place for ur party or group to meet, they will close off an area for you. Everyone is nice and accommodating.

  • Kirk J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Travelers World RV Resort

    Nice park

    Located about 5 miles from The Alamo and Riverwalk. Both are a must see. We spent 3 days here and this park did not disappoint.

  • REALLY ?.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Cranes Mill Park

    It is beautiful

    Cranes Mill Park Camping terlihat sangat indah! Suasana di Canyon Lake, Texas pasti akan membuat Anda merasa seperti di rumah sendiri. Fasilitasnya lengkap dan bersih. Aurealisa

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2025

    Pierced Oak RV Park

    Pierced Oak RV Park

    Brand new RV park 2025. Nice, has some coveted sites to keep you cool and protect your rig from the weather.

  • Kylie P.
    May. 17, 2025

    Sienna Ridge RV Park

    Immaculate, Friendly and Helpful Staff, Quiet Atmosphere

    I recently stayed at Sienna Ridge RV Park in Canyon Lake, Texas, and I can honestly say it was one of the most relaxing RV trips I’ve had in a while. The park is tucked away in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just a short drive from Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River, which made it perfect for swimming, tubing, and enjoying nature. The RV sites are spacious, clean, and come with full hookups—everything worked flawlessly. I really appreciated the peaceful atmosphere; it was quiet at night and felt incredibly safe. The restrooms and laundry facilities were spotless, and the Wi-Fi was strong enough for me to stream and check in on work when needed. What really stood out, though, was how friendly and welcoming the staff were. They went out of their way to make sure I felt at home. As someone traveling with a dog, I also loved how pet-friendly the park was—there was plenty of space for walks and play. If you're looking for a comfortable, quiet place to park your RV near Canyon Lake, I highly recommend Sienna Ridge RV Park. It’s a hidden gem with all the essentials and that personal touch that makes all the difference.


Guide to Shavano Park

Camping sites near Shavano Park, Texas offer diverse experiences within a 20-mile radius at elevations ranging from 750 to 1,300 feet. The region sits at the boundary where the Texas Hill Country meets the coastal plains, creating varied terrain from limestone outcroppings to gentle riverbanks. Water levels at nearby riverside campgrounds fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with differences of up to 10 feet between summer lows and spring highs.

What to do

Explore dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon: The 12,000-acre Government Canyon State Natural Area has unique paleontological features including preserved dinosaur footprints. "There are some dino tracks in the creekbed to check out in the backcountry along with an old stone house. Supposedly there are some hidden caves off trail but I haven't found them," notes one visitor. Tracks are located about 2.5 miles from the visitor center.

Take advantage of public transportation: Campers at Mission City RV Park can avoid downtown parking hassles. "Bus stop across the street will take you downtown," says one reviewer. The VIA Metropolitan Transit system connects several campgrounds to San Antonio attractions with buses running every 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

Access bike trails from camp: The San Antonio River trail system connects directly to multiple campgrounds. "Located right next to the San Antonio river, you are just a few miles from the famed San Antonio Riverwalk and many of the historic Missions in the area. The easy access to the river affords you miles and miles of bike and walking paths," explains a camper. Trail access points are typically open from sunrise to sunset.

What campers like

Gated security features: Safety is a priority at several area campgrounds. At Travelers World RV Resort, "The front office will give you the best way to enter park." Another visitor noted, "The park is gated and beautifully maintained. There is a heated pool, spacious pet area with benches and toys for your furry friends."

Spacious sites at lakeside campgrounds: Canyon Lake facilities offer more room than city locations. "My site was perfectly level and the hookups worked flawlessly. Loved the extra parking spot for our truck," reports a camper at Cranes Mill Park. The sites typically include 30-40 feet between campsites compared to 15-20 feet at urban locations.

Clean facilities despite high usage: Regular maintenance stands out to visitors. "Bathrooms were clean & neat. Pool was also clean. Walked the dog, found entire place to be ok, No unsitely areas," notes a camper. Another mentioned, "The showers were large and spacious. DVD, book, and CD library. Gated RV park."

What you should know

Traffic noise varies by location: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. One camper at San Antonio Alamo KOA shared, "It was very quiet—aside from the occasional train, which isn't noticeable with the A/C running." Sites nearest to highways can experience noise levels of 60-70 decibels during peak traffic hours.

Security concerns in some areas: Campground location impacts safety considerations. "This park is in a bad part of town. When we pulled into our site the lady next door told us to make sure we lock up our bikes. They have had theirs stolen in the past," warns a camper. Multiple reviews recommend securing valuables regardless of campground location.

Early arrival recommended: Popular parks fill quickly during peak seasons. "Show up early on the weekend when it's nice out otherwise all of San Antonio will be lined up to get in," advises a visitor. Gates at natural areas may close once parking capacity is reached, typically by 10-11am on spring and fall weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Some locations offer regular programming. "We worked with the park Ranger program and my son was awarded a Ranger Badge," shares a parent who stayed at Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds. Junior Ranger activities typically take 1-2 hours to complete and are available on weekends.

Consider amenities beyond swimming: Multiple recreation options keep children engaged. "Perks include: pool tables, pickle ball, hot tub, pool and tennis courts!" notes a visitor. Another camper mentioned, "They have a pool, TV room, breakfast bar, laundry... etc. Bike trail runs right by campground."

Check wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance family camping experiences. "We had so much fun swimming in the river and hiking. The bluffs above the river are gorgeous," reports a camper. Morning and evening hours (6-8am and 7-9pm) typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Water pressure varies significantly: Bring regulators to protect equipment. "High water pressure; you'll need a pressure regulator. They sell them at the office!" advises an RV camper. Water pressure at some parks can exceed 70 PSI, well above the 40-50 PSI recommended for most RV systems.

Consider site locations carefully: Request specific areas based on needs. "Do not accept a pad in the 100 row as they are not as wheelchair accessible as the 200 row of pads," recommends a visitor at Blazing Star Luxury RV Resort. Maps are typically available during reservation process to select preferred locations.

Expect varied internet performance: Connectivity fluctuates throughout the region. "While the signal appeared strong, the service itself lagged and we stopped trying to use it," reports one camper. Cell service is generally stronger at campgrounds on higher elevations east of Shavano Park compared to facilities in river valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Shavano Park, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shavano Park, TX is San Antonio Alamo KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.