Camping near Willow City, Texas offers rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet across the Edwards Plateau region. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, creating extended camping seasons. Weather patterns can shift quickly, with flash flooding risks requiring campers to monitor conditions closely during spring and fall visits.
What to do
Swimming and kayaking access: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, water activities center around the river. "The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," notes Emily M., who recommends exploring beyond just the main swimming area.
Hiking opportunities: Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty throughout the region. Kaitlyn M. shares that at Pedernales Falls State Park, there are "longer trails (roughly 4 miles) with scenic overlooks of the Pedernales River" that provide excellent views beyond the more visited waterfall area.
Stargazing sessions: The Hill Country's minimal light pollution creates ideal night sky viewing. At Ranch 3232, campers enjoy "lots of dark skies with stars" according to Ken, who appreciates the unobstructed sunset views from this smaller property located just minutes from larger parks.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing between accommodations. At Kerrville-Schreiner Park, David L. notes that "the campsites were pretty well spaced apart" in the Fox Run Loop, providing a good balance of community and solitude.
Natural spring swimming: The cold, clear waters of natural springs attract summer visitors. "The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip," mentions Michael J. about Krause Springs, though he cautions about "uneven paths" that may challenge some vehicles.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds maintain natural habitats supporting diverse wildlife. Jackie R. at Kerrville-Schreiner Park reports, "We saw a deer, squirrels, and even a herd of blackbuck antelope" during their stay, highlighting the park's commitment to preserving natural surroundings.
What you should know
Flash flood awareness: The Hill Country topography creates rapid water level changes during storms. At Pedernales Falls State Park, Faith S. warns to "respect weather warnings" after camping experiences made her "aware of how serious flash flooding is here."
Seasonal crowds: Swimming areas become crowded during summer months. Faith S. notes that Krause Springs can get "over crowded" with "lots of drinking" particularly on weekends, suggesting weekday visits for families seeking quieter experiences.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From well-maintained restrooms to more rustic options. At Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort, Rosemary A. found "clean bathrooms/showers" but mentioned "they are renovating so office is closed and no market but there's one across the street."
Tips for camping with families
Water shoe requirement: Rocky river bottoms and slippery surfaces need appropriate footwear. Shelly S. advises Pedernales Falls visitors to "bring your water shoes" along with "hiking boots and swimming suit" to fully enjoy the diverse terrain.
Short hikes with rewards: Look for trails with quick payoffs for young hikers. At Blanco State Park Campground, Gary F. notes it's "great for camping or just a day trip" where you can "swim, fish, or just relax under the shade trees" without lengthy hikes.
Yurt camping options: Several locations offer alternative accommodations perfect for families new to camping. Johnny Yurts provides what Ashley F. calls a "unique and cozy atmosphere" that "can help people relax and disconnect from the stresses of daily life" while maintaining comfort levels important for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: RVers recommend considering shade, levelness and hookup quality. At The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park, kathy H. advises caution with certain sites, noting that "our site was at the top of the park with a downward slope which made it very difficult to level."
Tree clearance concerns: Low-hanging branches can damage taller vehicles. Brandi W. cautions about Krause Springs: "low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage."
Contactless check-in procedures: Many parks now offer streamlined arrival processes. Rebecca observed at Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort: "Contactless checkin well executed. Reviews point out they are a stickler for the rules. But in this Covid world, we are ok with that."
