Camping options near Warda, Texas range from riverfront properties to lake-adjacent parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters. Mosquitoes can be prevalent during warm months, particularly near water features, so campers should pack repellent regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Oak Thicket Park offers excellent fishing with warm water year-round. "This was our first time here at lake Somerville birch creek. It was a great one. We stayed in old hickory loop. Lots of trees and plenty of shade," notes one visitor to Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit.
Mountain biking trails: Bluff Creek Ranch features maintained trails for cycling enthusiasts. According to a camper, "This is a mountain biker's dream! Well groomed tent camping around a large pond with showers and toilets just a short walk away. Firewood and ice are complimentary!" at Bluff Creek Ranch.
Golfing: Lockhart State Park offers a 9-hole golf course with affordable rates. A visitor mentioned, "We golfed 18 one of the days, fun layout, not in the best shape right now but the price was right. With the Texas pass you also get a discount on golf and anything else you buy."
Water activities: At Lake Bastrop, paddling opportunities abound. "Nice lake with good access. Clean park," says a camper about Lake Bastrop.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several parks near Warda. A visitor to Thousand Trails Colorado River notes, "We love it here. Right on the Colorado river plus two ponds to fish in. Lots of places to walk or ride your bikes. Their are also deer everywhere."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Bastrop State Park Campground, a camper shared, "The facilities are amazing. Bathrooms have had a lot of money spent on them, with hot showers and full plumbing. The camp sites are well maintained and the hiking trails are nice."
Spacious campsites: Several parks offer good separation between sites. A visitor to Welch Park mentioned, "Gorgeous setting, but very crowded. People pull up for the day with no qualms about being in your campsite. It's noisy. The staff is very kind."
Seasonal attractions: During spring, wildflowers create additional appeal. "There's a wild rose area. The creek could use a better crossing at one spot from one trail to another, but it's passable in low water times," notes a visitor to Lockhart State Park.
What you should know
Booking requirements: Most parks require reservations, especially during peak seasons. At Oak Thicket Park, campers can reserve specific waterfront spots: "We have been here several times, the water stays warm due to the power plant, good fishing and kayaking but wind picks up often. RV spots are nice, there are 2 water front spots that are worth the extra cost."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, requiring proper preparation. A visitor to McKinney Falls State Park Campground advised, "Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!"
Park recovery status: Several parks in the region have experienced fires or floods. "It is heartbreaking to see all the damage to the Pines, due to the wildfires, but it is recovering well," reports a camper at Bastrop State Park.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies by location. At Colorado River campground, a visitor noted, "AT&T reception is LTE and varies by location and time. I had 1 bar to 4 bars at the same spot throughout the day."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks offer designated swimming areas. At Lockhart State Park, "They have a nice little swimming pool on site that is great for kiddos to enjoy, and they have quite a few places you can fish throughout the park."
Short hiking trails: For families with young children, Lockhart offers manageable routes. A visitor explained, "If you are a hiker or a biker, this may not be the best for you, seeing as the most of the trails are less than half a mile long. But if you are just looking to get away, this is a great place."
Playground availability: Some parks maintain play equipment for children. About Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park, a visitor noted, "There are a number or recreational facilities at the park such as a playground, baseball field and frisbee golf course. The Colorado River runs along one side of the park and offers opportunities for paddling and fishing."
Evening wildlife viewing: Fireflies make summer evenings special at some parks. A camper at Lockhart State Park shared, "A fun little part of the trip was the HUGE amount of fireflies we saw- very cool! Simple park with a couple unique features- seems like it would be a great place for a family gathering."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites away from highways when possible. At Bastrop State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There are a few different camping areas, one is pretty close to the highway so it might not be the most quiet choice. Sites were wooded and shady, expect bugs."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at some parks. For Lake Bastrop, a recent visitor reported, "The park only has six campsites left. The rest have been converted to rentals of Airstreams or large tents for $150+ a night. There are three pretty good sites for large rigs in the interior and three camp sites facing the lake right next to each other."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at some parks. One RVer at Lockhart State Park noted, "The sites are also not super level and our site #2 sloped back. Decent hiking trails and a creek with fish runs through the park."
Park entry considerations: Some parks have limited access hours. At Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park, a visitor shared, "We arrived around 11:30 pm to the park and was stopped by a very helpful officer that explained to us the park was closed, but helped us get a spot anyways and directions."
