Camping near Uvalde offers diverse riverside accommodations across the Hill Country terrain, with most sites situated between 1,000-1,400 feet elevation. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop to 40°F. During peak summer weekends, campgrounds often fill by 10am, particularly at river access points.
What to do
Hiking Old Baldy: The trail leads to panoramic views of the Frio River valley. Pecan Grove — Garner State Park features multiple elevation trails. "We did a mid morning hike up Old Baldy that was fairly rigorous at times. (Check the weather before making the climb; rocks are slippery when wet!) Spectacular views!" notes Jennifer K.
Kayaking: Put-in points along the Frio River create perfect paddling routes. "We love kayaking here. It is very relaxing with stunning views of the oversized hills," reports David S. from Parkview Riverside RV Park. Water levels vary seasonally, with spring offering the strongest flows.
Winter camping: Off-season visits provide quieter experiences with milder temperatures. "We enjoyed the empty but quiet park last winter. It was cold but the long walks warm us up. There was a little leaf colors," shares Kingrex49 M.
What campers like
River swimming spots: The Nueces River provides clear, deep swimming areas. At The Camping Spot, campers find private river access. "I thought the Frio River had the bluest water and whitest limestone until Donna showed us the small private river access point where it's deep enough to swim," notes Charles M.
Spacious campsites: Many riverfront sites offer room for tents and gathering areas. Neal's Lodge provides primitive camping with riverside access. "We had tent site 3 and it was right on the water. We had a huge camping area. There was a big slide for adults and kids as well as beautiful big jumping rocks," shares Tiffany M.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer the best animal sightings. "We could hear the deer breathing next to our tent as the sun was coming up!" says Charles M. from The Camping Spot. Most campgrounds recommend storing food properly due to wildlife activity.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. Rio Frio — Garner State Park campers note, "There is absolutely no Wi-Fi signal. No TV signal, no telephone signal," warns Red S. AT&T users typically have better coverage than other carriers.
Long check-in lines: Allow extra time during peak season for entry and registration. "Arrived on a Friday evening and had to wait in line to get my permit even though I already paid. Next time, I will pre-register and print my own permit," advises Cassandra C.
Water quality issues: Campground water often contains minerals and isn't suitable for all uses. "The water in the park is terrible. Do not expect to use water for cooking or drinking. We went thinking we'd use the water in the cabin but could hardly take a shower in it much less drink it," cautions Heather G.
Tips for camping with families
Pet monitoring requirements: Dog friendly campgrounds near Uvalde have specific leash rules and waste policies. Quail Springs RV Park enforces pet cleanup standards. "Great well managed camp ground. Caters to 55 plus with activities almost everyday...Some permanent but everything is well kept and not trashy," notes Sandra.
Store access: Stock up before arrival as nearest supplies are limited. "There are no stores of any kind within 10 miles, they have a pretty well equipped store onsite with RV necessities, groceries, and now beer and wine," explains David S. about Parkview Riverside.
Activity planning: Summer months feature organized events for children. "Garner hosts multiple events and a nightly dance at the dance hall," says Peter T. Most dances run from Memorial Day through Labor Day starting at 8pm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on shade and river access. At Chalk Bluff River Resort, "Cabins looked cute. Perfect place to put a kayak in. Lots of shallow water in parts though," observes Julia W.
Ground conditions: Fine dirt and gravel can create maintenance challenges. "One negative with this park is the ground. It is made up of fine dirt and gravel that gets everywhere in your rig when it rains and with the morning dew," notes David S.
Weekday vs. weekend timing: For quieter experiences, plan mid-week visits. "Quiet on the weekdays. Can get a little noisy on the weekends but it's fun to hear the children having a great time away from this electronic world," suggests David N.
