Vanderpool camping is positioned in the scenic Texas Hill Country at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, where the Sabinal River valley creates natural swimming spots during warmer months. Seasonal weather varies dramatically with hot summers reaching 90°F and cooler winters where temperatures can drop below freezing at night, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Swimming spots: Access the river at HTR TX Hill Country where campers report "crystal clear water" for "canoeing, kayaking, you name it." The park features "small rapids" that create natural swimming areas where "we watched all the turtles on the branches in the water just below us."
Wildlife viewing: Feed deer at Thousand Trails Medina Lake where "deer will literally eat feed out of your hands" according to visitors. The campground is known for "wildlife abound and the overall peace and serenity" despite being an older facility that "could stand a few upgrades."
Hiking trails: Explore elevation changes at Lost Maples RV and Camping where campers describe "a seven mile hike that ascended up different kinds of terrain" with "spectacular" views. A camper noted this was "a great campground for me as a first time camper" with water and electricity available.
What campers like
Private river access: Zubers River Camp offers "site 6 was spacious and really close to the river" with versatile water depths as one camper notes they "enjoyed how shallow and deep this part of river can be, definitely a great spot if Garner is full."
Cleanliness standards: Old River Road RV Resort maintains "very clean facilities" throughout their 202-site property. A camper reported, "They have 2 swimming pools, a splash pad, 2 play grounds, and one of them is covered and located next to a jump pad. The bathrooms were always clean and even have private showers."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the site layout at HTR TX Hill Country, noting "our site was a premium waterfront (worth every penny)" and "lots of lovely giant cypress trees and lots of places to walk our dogs and enjoy the scenery and the river." One camper specifically mentioned having "a HUGE yard area to play in which was awesome."
What you should know
Water levels fluctuate: River depths change seasonally affecting swimming areas. At Parkview Riverside RV Park, a camper noted they "love kayaking here" but mentioned water levels vary, making "the river access points fairly close to each other. One is a dirt ramp and the other is a steep set of metal stairs."
Cell service quality: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. A camper at Lost Maples RV and Camping noted "we have Verizon and had NO cellphone reception which was fine" but mentioned "GREAT wifi!!! No problems" for those needing internet access for remote work or schooling.
Amenities differ widely: Not all campgrounds offer the same facilities. Becs Store & RV Park is described as "The BEST hidden secret for camping in Texas" with "wonderful camping privacy" but doesn't offer showers or toilet facilities, requiring self-containment.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Old River Road RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities including "an indoor pool and hot tub that is heated. They also have a great playground for kids as well as a covered basketball court. The basketball court also has a net that can be used for tennis or pickle ball."
Educational experiences: Schedule visits to nearby attractions like the bat colony mentioned by a Nana's RV Park camper: "Close by there is the 2nd largest colony of bats" which can provide a unique wildlife viewing opportunity for children.
Quiet times: Thousand Trails Medina Lake offers family-friendly spaces where it's "really nice to take a walk around in the evening and let the kids ride bikes" though some campers noted issues with rule enforcement as "there are a LOT of people here that play loud music after hours and do not follow the rules."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Several RV campgrounds near Vanderpool, Texas require leveling equipment. At HTR TX Hill Country, a camper noted they "arrived 4 hours later than planned... right at dark but were still able to get hooked up with minimal struggle."
Site selection strategy: At Parkview Riverside RV Park, one RVer advises "they do have one site, #17, that has a paved pavilion for a small upcharge per day more than other river-front sites" which might be worth the extra cost during muddy conditions.
Arrival timing: First-come, first-served policies apply at some rv campgrounds in the Vanderpool area. A Thousand Trails Medina Lake visitor recommended: "Get there early. First-come-first-served policy. Sites are good size. Most have plenty of shade," noting the importance of timing for securing preferred spots.
