Bit by the camping bug? You definitely don’t have to travel far from San Antonio to do some.
When you think of San Antonio, your first thought probably isn’t “camping” given that it is one of the state’s biggest cities. Look close enough though, and you may be surprised to see how many choice camping spots there are in and near the metropolitan area for when you’d much rather sleep under the stars. You’ll still be close to San Antonio’s many attractions, but sleeping in a tent or RV surrounded by fantastic scenery may give you a different perspective on what makes this little piece of Texas Hill Country so great.
Whether you’d like to stick downtown, stay in the suburbs, or go somewhere outside the city limits, here are the best places to camp in and around San Antonio. Whether you have just a weekend to spare or you’re planning a weeklong vacation, you can embrace the adventure and make some fun memories at one of these campgrounds. Pack the bug spray and those s’mores supplies, and happy camping, y’all!
1. San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday
Why you should camp here: It’s a mixture of outdoor activities and modern conveniences at this holiday park close to the AT&T Center.
- Location: San Antonio
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (20 AMP, 30 AMP, and 50 AMP)
Just past the AT&T Center, you’ll find the San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday campground tucked between the Willow Springs Golf Course and Salado Creek Greenway. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to ease into the whole camping thing since you’re not far from downtown (the city bus stops right outside the campground) and you’ll have amenities like WiFi, cable TV, and a pool, so you don’t really have to rough it.
There’s still plenty to make it feel like camping though, including an eight-mile bicycle trail you can hop on right from the property (they even offer bike rentals) and a stocked fishing pond where you can cast a reel. If you’ve decided to bring your dog along for the journey, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a 4,000-square-foot dog park here for them to run around in.
Related Read: 8 Awesome Cabin Rentals Near San Antonio for a Country Getaway
2. Yanawana Camp RV Park
Why you should camp here: You’re right next to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park at this small, no-frills campground for RVs only.
- Location: San Antonio
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (20 AMP, 30 AMP, and 50 AMP)
First the facts: Yanawana Camp RV Park is on the small side and pretty basic. There are no facilities like restrooms, showers, or laundry here so you’ll need an RV that is fully equipped. What it does have going for it is that it’s quiet and close to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The southernmost mission in the park, Mission Espada, is just next door, so you could literally walk out of your RV and spend the rest of the day making your way up the Mission Trail, which roughly follows the San Antonio River.
In general, pets are allowed at Yanawana Camp, but there are some strict rules: They have to be kept on a leash, and certain breeds like pit bulls, rottweilers, and Dobermans aren’t allowed on the property. Just something to keep in mind if you’re planning on camping with your pup!
Related Read: The Coolest Hot Springs in Texas for a Relaxing Soak
3. Government Canyon State Natural Area
Why you should camp here: This weekend escape is a hiker’s paradise.
- Location: San Antonio
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents
- RV hookups: Yes (20 AMP, 30 AMP, and 50 AMP)
One of the best places to feel like you’ve really left the city behind (without having to spend hours driving) is the Government Canyon State Natural Area. Across the area’s 12,000 acres, you’ll find over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, taking you through canyons, plains, and forests. There are even some real-life dinosaur footprints to check out.
Since this spot is considered a sensitive natural and cultural resource area, you’ll have to take extra care by sticking to the designated camping area, using a tent pad, and not tying any hammocks up to the vegetation. Also note that the campgrounds are only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and the occasional holiday.
Related Read: The 7 Best State Parks Near San Antonio, Texas
4. Guadalupe River State Park
Why you should camp here: The beautiful Guadalupe River winds through this park creating a majestic reprieve from city life.
- Location: Spring Branch
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (30 AMP and 50 AMP)
Just about 45 minutes from downtown San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park is an outdoor paradise not far from the city. The park hugs a four-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, so when you’re not hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the miles upon miles of trails, you could be swimming, paddling, fishing, or tubing with limestone bluffs as your backdrop. For more to do, check out the Discovery Center, which has fun hands-on exhibits perfect for little explorers.
If you’re interested in coming here but don’t have your own gear, don’t worry. Texas Park Outfitters can set you up with everything you need, and the park also has fishing gear rentals available on-site.
5. Alamo River RV Resort & Campground
Why you should camp here: While this one is a convenient spot for military guests, its proximity to the Medina River is an attraction for anyone.
- Location: Ormy
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (20 AMP, 30 AMP, and 50 AMP)
Southwest of San Antonio, the Alamo River RV Resort & Campground butts up against a bend in the Medina River. It’s particularly popular amongst those who are visiting friends or family at Lackland Air Force Base, which is a 15 to 20-minute drive away. If you’re military yourself, active or veteran, then you get a 5% discount here.
Being associated with the military is not at all a requirement for enjoying this campground though. There are three miles of trails nearby to check out, and then there’s of course all the fun to be had in the river like fishing and kayaking.
Related Read: 5 Must-Do Scenic Train Rides in Texas
6. Mountain Breeze Campground
Why you should camp here: You can easily go tubing, rafting, and fishing from this riverside campground where adults like to party.
- Location: New Braunfels
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (30 AMP and 50 AMP)
Between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels proper, there’s Mountain Breeze Campground situated next to the Guadalupe River. No matter where you’re staying on the 15-acre property, you’ll have access to the river and you can conveniently rent tubes and rafts right from the campground. Love fishing? You’re in luck because this campground is a major trout fishing spot.
During the summer, check the campground’s events calendar to see what shows they’re putting on – they have a DJ and live music every Saturday of the season. That leads to the next fact…while kids are certainly allowed here, the place has more of a party vibe, so it’s better for adults rather than families, especially on holiday weekends.
7. Lazy L&L Campground
Why you should camp here: It’s family-owned, operated, and oriented at this campground on the Guadalupe River.
- Location: New Braunfels
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: Tents, RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (30 AMP and 50 AMP)
Just down the river from Mountain Breeze Campground is Lazy L&L Campground, which is a more family-friendly option. Some of the sites are right on the river and others have river access, and each has its own picnic table, fire ring, and grill so you’ll be good to go for all your al-fresco barbecues and evening fireside chats.
There are plenty of ways to spend your time while visiting, from floating or paddling the river to fishing for rainbow trout, or playing a game of cornhole or volleyball. Going back to the floating, this is a particularly fun spot to do it because of the whitewater rapids in the area — known as Devil’s Playground Rapids and Bad Rock Rapids.
Related Read: 10 Best Weekend Road Trips from San Antonio, Texas
8. Green Lake RV Resort
Why you should camp here: You’ll feel like you’re on vacation with amenities like a hot tub, gym, and pool table.
- Location: San Antonio
- Reservations: Yes
- Campsite type: RVs
- RV hookups: Yes (20 AMP, 30 AMP, and 50 AMP)
Green Lake RV Resort is in the southeast part of San Antonio, not too far from Victor Braunig Lake and Calaveras Lake. Unfortunately, it’s not the destination for you if you’re dreaming about sleeping in a tent, but if you’ve got an RV, it’s the perfect place for some real pampering. There’s a swimming pool and jacuzzi, an on-site fitness center, free cable TV, and free WiFi. More pros? Complimentary coffee and fresh popcorn in the recreation room.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there’s also a stocked fishing lake, a marked dog path to walk your pooch, and a handful of nearby golf courses. This resort even regularly sprays for mosquitoes, ensuring more comfortable nights out by the fire.
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