Campgrounds near Uvalde, Texas provide access to multiple river systems including the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal rivers. The region sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,800 feet with summer temperatures typically reaching 90-100°F. Winter nights can drop to 30-40°F with occasional freezing conditions. Tent sites and cabin rentals throughout the area maintain minimum distances of 25-100 feet from these waterways depending on seasonal water levels.
What to do
Hiking at different skill levels: Trails at Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground range from easy walks to challenging climbs. "There are basically two loops- an East Trail and a West Trail and each covers about 4-5 miles. It is completely possible to hike all the trails (about 12 miles) in a single day," notes one camper. The park's trail system features significant elevation changes requiring proper footwear.
Bat viewing: Kickapoo Cavern State Park Campground offers structured bat viewing experiences from a designated platform. "Stuart Bat Cave. About 1 million Mexican Free-tail Bats exit the cave at sunset to search for food. The viewing area is very nice and handicap accessible," writes a visitor. The bat emergence is seasonal, typically peaking April through October.
Water activities: River access at Nueces River RV and Cabin Resort provides swimming and paddling opportunities. According to a camper, "There are multiple gate ways leading into the beautiful Nueces river bed where you can explore, fish and swim in the crystal clear cool water." Water depth varies by location and season, with some swimming holes reaching 8-10 feet deep.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Minimal light pollution at many Uvalde-area glamping spots creates exceptional night viewing. A visitor to Kickapoo Cavern State Park notes: "This park is a great escape to disconnect, view the DARK SKY and witness Mexican free-tailed bat emergence!" Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10pm to enhance stargazing conditions.
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife viewable from campsites. At The Camping Spot, a camper described the experience: "Ms. Donna has a truly unique piece of property for primitive camping chocked so full of wildlife we could hear the deer breathing next to our tent as the sun was coming up!" Wildlife viewing is best near dawn and dusk.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites that provide privacy. At Neal's Lodge, a visitor reported, "We had tent site 3 and it was right on the water. We had a huge camping area." Site dimensions vary by campground, with riverfront locations typically providing 30-50 feet between neighboring campsites.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is restricted or absent at most campgrounds. At Lost Maples, a camper warns: "The only drawback, is that it's in a complete deadzone for cellular. I had absolutely zero service on my cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g." Some parks offer limited WiFi near office buildings.
Weather considerations: The region experiences rapid weather changes. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures in the 70-85°F range. Summer heat regularly exceeds 95°F, making water activities essential. Winter camping requires layered clothing as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping locations in Uvalde fill quickly during peak seasons. As one camper at Lost Maples RV and Camping advises: "The sites are a little close-in, but otherwise perfect. There are so few of them (30 total), so book early- in order to get a fall reservation, I booked nearly a year in advance!" Weekends from March through October typically require 2-3 months advance booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Neal's Lodge provides diverse activities: "They had a big slide for adults and kids as well as beautiful big jumping rocks. They also had golf cart rentals for 24 hr periods which definitely came in handy."
Food options: On-site dining reduces the need to leave camp. A visitor to Neal's Lodge shared: "The restaurant across the street is amazing you have to try the chicken fried steak and the salsa is a must." Most campground restaurants operate limited hours, typically 7am-9pm during peak season.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing blinds and ranger programs enhance learning. Lost Maples features seasonal interpretive programs focused on birds and native plants. Kickapoo Cavern offers structured cavern tours: "The park staff conducts a hard hat and flashlight tour once a week, so reservations are a must."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly between properties. At Seven Bluff Cabins & RV Park, a visitor notes: "Quiet, small, 16 site RV Park set in a pecan grove along the scenic Frio River in the southern end of the Texas Hill County." Most RV sites accommodate units up to 40 feet, with select locations handling larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Water quality and electrical service differ between campgrounds. "The RV sites were well kept, the bathrooms/showers were clean, and the park was pretty quite in the evenings," reports a camper at Kickapoo Cavern. Many parks offer 30/50 amp service, but water pressure can fluctuate (25-45 psi) during peak usage times.
Dump station access: Not all glamping locations near Uvalde provide on-site dumping facilities. Seven Bluff Cabins requires using off-site dump stations. Most campgrounds with dump stations restrict usage to between 8am-7pm and may charge non-guests a $10-15 fee for dump station access.
