• Home
  • popular
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • events
  • submit-new-event
  • subscribe
  • about
  • Charity Guide
  • series
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • Visit Frisco SA
  • First-time Homebuyers San Antonio 2021
  • Dogfish Head SA
  • Claire St Amant podcast SA
  • The Listing Firm SA
  • Visit Boerne SA
  • South Padre SA
  • Opera San Antonio
  • Pioneer SA
  • Texas Restaurant Association SA
  • Nasher SA
  • Kuper Neighborhood Guide SA
  • San Antonio Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • Luck Springs SA
  • Realty San Antonio
  • Milan Laser
  • Port Aransas SA
  • Bandera SA
  • Proximo Spirits SA
  • Highland Park Village SA
  • SA Cattle Barons Gala
  • Balcones SA
  • 2021 Gift Guide
  • Music Lane SA
  • Blue Circle Foods SA
  • 2022 Tastemaker Awards
  • Athletic Brewing SA
  • San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
  • Attic SA
  • El Paso SA
  • Visit Lubbock
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Travel Texas
  • Central Market SA
  • Neighborhood Guide
  • Where to Eat
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Minibar Lift Your Spirits
  • San Antonio Charity Challenge 2016
  • Texas Wine Talk San Antonio
  • Okay to Say
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 San Antonio
  • Texas Traveler San Antonio
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Okay to Say San Antonio
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House San Antonio
  • Top Texans Under 30 San Antonio
  • Kuper Sotheby's San Antonio
  • Soldier's Angels San Antonio
  • Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino San Antonio
  • Tastemakers San Antonio 2017
  • PSW Real Estate San Antonio
  • Galveston.com San Antonio
  • Reliant Bright Ideas San Antonio
  • Brown Forman Cocktail Chronicles San Antonio
  • Visit Houston Gift Guide 2017 SA
  • Grayce Ln Fashion
  • Ethan's View San Antonio
  • San Antonio Tastemakers 2018
  • Visit Houston 2018
  • San Antonio Charity Guide
  • Visit Houston spas San Antonio
  • GiftingMap San Antonio
  • Aztec Theatre
  • Woodchuck Cider San Antonio
  • San Antonio Auto & Truck Show
  • Fresh Arts San Antonio
  • Holiday Happenings San Antonio 2018
  • Opendoor San Antonio
  • Galveston 2019 San Antonio
  • San Antonio Tastemaker Awards 2019
  • Visit Plano
  • Lake Charles 2019 SA
  • Westin San Antonio Zocca
  • Omni Barton Creek SA
  • Woodford Reserve SA
  • Visit Fredericksburg
  • Valencia Group Hotels SA
  • Summer Getaways SA
  • BestHotelRates.com SA
  • Fairmont SA
  • Hyatt Regency Lost Pines SA
  • Oskar Blues Wild Basin SA
  • Deep Ellum Brewing Co SA
  • Cigar City Margarita Gose SA
  • Krewe San Antonio
  • Getaways SA
  • San Antonio Tastemaker Awards 2020
  • COTA MotoGP Houston
  • COTA MotoGP SA
  • CBD Take Out SA
  • Father's Day Gift Guide 2020 SA
  • Matthews and Associates SA
  • Travel Juneau SA
  • Grandes Vinos SA
  • RV Share SA
  • Cutwater Spirits SA
  • Babe Wine SA
  • Brixos SA
  • Gift Guide 2020 SA
  • Texas Original
  • LovBe SA
  • Bourbon Takeover
  • Jobs
  • Advertising Inquiry
  • Media Sponsorship Request
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Suggestions
  • Authors
  • Log in

Traveling Texas

10 best places to camp across Texas and near San Antonio

Lauramay LaChance
May 25, 2017 | 10:28 am

Whether you’re a mountain fanatic, beach bum, or canyon lover, Texas has some of the most unique and diverse types of land when it comes to outdoor adventures, camping in particular. Many are scattered throughout the state, but there are a handful just a short drive from San Antonio. So grab your sleeping bag, pack your tent, and let the moon guide you to some of the coolest camping spots in Texas and near San Antonio.

Big Bend National Park
Known for its rugged mountains reaching higher than 7,500 feet, steep canyons dipping as low as 1,800 feet, unparalleled night skies, and solitude in a high desert setting, Big Bend National Park is the top dog when it comes to parks in Texas. As the largest state park in Texas (311,000 acres), Big Bend has over 230 miles of trails ascending jagged peaks and winding between cliffs and canyons.

You have a few options when it comes to camping at Big Bend but Chisos Basin Campground, smack dab in the middle of the park at an elevation of 5,400, is the most sought after camping area — and for good reason. Tucked in the Chisos Mountains you’ll have gorgeous views from every direction, amazing sunrises, and a night sky filled with more stars than you have ever seen because light pollution is basically nonexistent out here. Each site has a grill, and there are toilets nearby, but you should know that the only animals allowed are the wild ones (sorry, Fido).

You’ll find plenty of hiking trails nearby like Lost Pine Trail, The Window Trail, and the hike to Emory Peak, but arrive early and reserve a site because the 60 campsites fill up fast.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Grand Canyon is certainly the largest canyon in the U.S., but the second largest can be found right in the Texas Panhandle. Palo Duro Canyon, often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” measures at roughly 70 miles with an average width of six miles and depth up to 1,000 feet. There are over 100 campsites throughout the park not counting the backpacking sites along the canyon floor.

Sagebrush Campground is the first campground you’ll pass when you enter the park and one of the most popular places to camp. Hackberry Campground is centrally located right near the amphitheater, and just across from one of the longest hikes, “Givens, Spicer & Lowry” running trail, an 11-mile round-trip for those on foot or bike only. Mesquite Campground is at the southern end of the park with basic accommodations with 10-plus miles of trails nearby. Basic accommodations (restrooms/showers/water/electricity hookups) are offered at all three.

If you’re looking to “rough it,” head to the tent-only Cactus Campground, where you’ll find just seven campsites. Shaded shelters are provided but you’ll have to earn your shower by hiking a mile or two. And water is available at the campground but not at every site. So pack in what you need if you don’t plan on leaving.

There are loads of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails for various skill levels so just because you might be at a lower skill level doesn’t mean you won’t have access to some of the most spectacular canyon vistas, caves, and rock formations. Be aware that there is little shade on the trails so come prepared, especially if you’re exploring in the summer.

Padre Island National Seashore
If primitive beach camping is your thing, steal away to the southern shores of Texas where you’ll find the “longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.” Padre Island National Seashore boasts more than 60 miles of primitive beach camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some of the camping areas are so primitive (Yarborough Pass) that you’ll need a 4X4 and good sense of direction just to get there, but once you do, you don’t have to pay a camping fee like you do at the other four camping areas. Campfires are permitted in fully contained barbecue grills at designated sites, but on North and South Beach you can also have a pit-dug campfire in the ground.

If you want to see something extra cool (and avoid spring breakers), plan your camping trip from late April through mid-July. The park is home to the Kemp Ridley Sea Turtle, one of the most endangered sea turtle species in the world. And during those months you might get lucky enough to see newly hatched baby sea turtles being released into the wild.

Colorado Bend State Park
Located just north of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is a 5,300-acre mecca for adventure. While at the park you can tour an elaborate maze of caves (filled with bats), hike to the 60-foot breathtaking Gorman Falls, whitewater raft the Class I-II rapids of the Colorado River, and dash through 26 miles of untamed mountain biking terrain. And with all of the swimming holes, it makes for a great spot to camp, even in the middle of a Texas summer. Your fur babies are allowed here as long as they stay on leash.

Choose from one of seven campgrounds that range from drive-up or walk-in with basic accommodations to primitive sites that offer reprieve from the crowds and prime sites right along the river.

The park offers a few free group hikes to the falls and night hikes up to Spicewood Canyon Trail for a great view of the canyon below. Check the events page for more details.

Lost Maples State Natural Area
Looking for some spectacular fall foliage but can’t make it to New England? Head to Lost Maples in the late fall to early winter to see the bigtooth maples change to all shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Lost Maples also packs some of the coolest features in the Texas Hill Country with its limestone grottos, trails lined with lush trees crisscrossed with streams, a monkey-shaped rock formation, wildflowers, and access to the Sabinal River. There are over 10 miles of trails, one with a looped trail that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff overlooking the beautiful Hill Country.

Many choose to camp at one of the 30 drive-in sites, some of which are situated right along the Sabinal River and have restrooms and water nearby and a fire ring. If you’re tent camping and want a more private experience where other campers and RVs aren’t surrounding you, choose one of the 50 primitive sites throughout the grounds. You’ll have to pack in all of your gear but it’s well worth it.

Garner State Park
Rope swings that send you soaring into the Frio River, a night sky littered with stars, epic trails that lead you to breathtaking vistas of the Texas Hill Country — these are what childhood memories are made of.

Hiking up to Old Baldy is one of the more popular hikes, but be aware that you’re climbing on loose rocks and it can get tough in areas. When you reach the top you will be rewarded with views of the Frio River and the rolling hills. Nearby trails will lead you to creepy caves worth exploring and trails down to the river for a refreshing dip.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the 2.9 miles of river that meander through the park, you can always rent a tube or kayak at the general store in the park, also good to know in case you forget a few camping essentials.

Make reservations in advance because Garner State Park is a popular spot, especially in the summer, and oftentimes they will close the park by 10 am if it reaches capacity.

Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is unlike any other park in Texas Hill Country. If this is your first time visiting, you will be completely taken aback once you hike down the unassuming short path to the falls. Out of nowhere, the landscape literally opens up to a dramatic display of rolling waterfalls carving through bare rock. It almost resembles that of a moonscape but with small pools of water. In the summer, the water at the falls is quite peaceful and calm, but during rainy season the water rages something fierce.

The park has a diverse range of trails, lagoons, and rivers to swim in and is quite popular for bird lovers. There are bird blinds located throughout the park, so bring your binoculars if that’s your thing. For one of the most breathtaking views of the park, head over to Trammel’s Crossing Trail and the 5.5-mile loop.

Besides the group and equestrian camping areas, there’s one main area, equipped with water and eclectic accommodations. Fires are permitted in the fire pits in this area as long as there’s not a burn ban. Do note that dogs are permitted on the trails and all camping areas, except the few primitive campsites.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
If stargazing is what you’re after and you can’t make it out to West Texas, Enchanted Rock is one of the few official Dark Sky Parks in Texas. On clear nights, the sky is filled with stars and exceptional views of planets and the Milky Way. And don’t let the giant pink granite dome of a rock fool you, as the climb to the top will certainly get your heart pumping but will reward you with spectacular views. Rock climbers love E-Rock for its diverse range of climbing opportunities.

All of the 46 campsites (all tent camping here) are walk-in, so come prepared to carry your stuff. And while dogs are permitted at the camping areas and on the Loop Trail, they are unfortunately no longer permitted on the actual rock.

Davis Mountains State Park
If you’re heading out to West Texas, this historic park should definitely be on your list. Just 30 minutes north of quirky Marfa, Davis Mountains State Park is filled with hiking, biking, and backpacking trails. And when you’re out this far in the middle of nowhere, the stargazing is absolutely spectacular. So much so that there’s a Star Party at the nearby McDonald Observatory where you can enjoy night sky constellation tours and views of celestial objects through a number of telescopes provided by the observatory (make reservations, because it almost always sells out).

As far as the actually camping goes, it’s far less rugged than you might imagine for such a remote place. All sites have picnic tables and grills and are located near restrooms, and then the water, electricity, and sewer hookups can be found at various sites, as well as cable TV hookups.

Inks Lake State Park
If you’re craving adventures on both land and water, this 1200-acre escape might be perfect for you. Lake activities of swimming, boating, waterskiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving are all the rage. And you can rent gear from the park store if you don’t have your own. On land you can trek through the nine miles of hiking trails that take you through shady forests and across rocky hills.

Many of the campsites at Inks Lake are on the water. There are nearly 200 camping spots, but they go fast in the busy season, so make reservations in advance. If you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the boat traffic, reserve a site on the eastern end close to Devil’s Waterhole, which is also a great spot to swim. Check the events page for more details about ranger-led nature walks, geology hikes, canoe tours, and other programs.

Big Bend is the top dog of Texas parks.

News_Big Bend_548
Photo by Stephan Lorenz
Big Bend is the top dog of Texas parks.
vacationhill-countrynature
news/travel

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

most read posts

Taylor Swift dawns a new era with world tour coming to 2 Texas cities

Real-world events make the message of Call Jane all the more relevant

Disney debuts immersive, family-friendly experience in San Antonio in 2023

Education upgrade

San Antonio nonprofit boosts STEAM education with $100,000 in grants to local schools

Francisco Ortiz
Nov 3, 2022 | 1:03 pm
Texas Yes San Antonio
Courtesy of TEXAS YES
18 Texas schools will receive various upgrades to help further their students’ academic pursuits.

Thanks to $167,000 in new grants from a San Antonio-based educational nonprofit, classrooms in 18 Texas schools will receive various upgrades to help further their students’ academic pursuits.

An October 27 news release announced the grants from TEXAS YES (Texas Youth Education Support project) will go towards upgrading classroom equipment including a new computer lab, robotics program elements, chicken coops, a 3D printer, iPads and smart boards, and the purchase of new library books.

For the first-time since its inception, the YES Grant shifted focus to include classroom improvements, which is a crucial need to a child’s education, TEXAS YES officials said.

“It’s incredible to help schools not only update library books, which has seen a huge lack of funding, but also help provide classroom equipment such as computers and even P.E. equipment,” TEXAS YES executive director Danielle Gunter stated in the release.

According to TEXAS YES, the following San Antonio-area schools and organizations are receiving grants: Koennecke Elementary School, CAST Med High School, Palo Alto Elementary School, Harmony School of Excellence, Burleson School of Innovation, Miguel Carrillo Jr. Elementary School, Boys & Girls Club of San Antonio, Patlan Elementary School, Spring Branch Middle School, West Campus High School, and Harlandale Independent School District.

The local grants total more than $100,000 in educational grants. The remaining funds have been distributed to schools in the Dallas and Austin areas.

Organization officials said TEXAS YES understands a high-quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education is critical to a student's efforts at forming a successful future.

TEXAS YES partnered up with local injury attorney and philanthropist Thomas J. Henry to create the TEXAS STEAM Grant, which provides students and teachers with funds to provide an effective STEAM education.

“Now more than ever it’s important to bridge the gap of educational inequality and give students the tools and resources they need to thrive in their academics,” said Henry in the release.

Grants are open to public, private, and charter elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as 501(c)3 nonprofits with a youth focus.

schoolsgrantseducation
news/travel

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

most read posts

Taylor Swift dawns a new era with world tour coming to 2 Texas cities

Real-world events make the message of Call Jane all the more relevant

Disney debuts immersive, family-friendly experience in San Antonio in 2023

A Night in Argentina

River Walk hotel swoons with romantic tango series this November

Brianna Caleri
Nov 3, 2022 | 10:58 am
Tango dancers at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio
Photo courtesy of Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

The dance series includes a two-hour dance performance, food, wine, and an elegant souvenier.

The last tango in San Antonio has not yet been danced, as the ballroom series returns to Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. The ornate riverside hotel offers an annual “Tango in the Courtyard” series, now in its third year, aiming for romance above all.

Weekends in November bring professional tango dancers to the courtyard, an intimate, old world space surrounded by arches, plants, and a decorative waterfall. This ticketed event offers an excuse to visit the hotel as a non-guest, enjoying the atmosphere even without an overnight stay. (Those who do decide to stay overnight may watch from their courtyard balcony if they book the special package.)

Atmosphere is everything for this series, which comes with a bottle of Malbec (a varietal tightly associated with Argentina), an unnamed “traditional Argentinian cheese dessert,” and a red rose. (No one seems to know, definitively, how the red rose between a dancer’s teeth became a tango cliché, but handing it off to your date to remember the night is a classy flourish nonetheless. Perhaps the series, which offers some history with the dancing, has a theory.)

Tango hasn’t always been such a posh pastime. Almost everyone, regardless of dance history knowledge, can recognize the dance that became a sensation thanks to immigrants and lower classes in Argentina during the mid-to-late 19th century. The modified salon dance, European in origin and African and Cuban in alteration, gained a florid reputation as most lower class movements do, as art forms practiced for passion rather than for the eye of high society.

The tango in particular emphasizes close bodies and stiff elegance juxtaposed with moments of high drama. In one of dance history’s most overt gentrifications, the tango made it back to Europe, was reportedly banned by several notable members of 20th century European high society (which always seems to add fuel to the fire of public interest), and a century later, is the height of poise and romance.

The “Tango in the Courtyard” series runs from 7:30-9:30 pm on November 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, and 26. Tickets ($129 for two) are available at hotelvalencia-riverwalk.com. Valet parking is included.

dinnerwineluxurydance
news/travel

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

most read posts

Taylor Swift dawns a new era with world tour coming to 2 Texas cities

Real-world events make the message of Call Jane all the more relevant

Disney debuts immersive, family-friendly experience in San Antonio in 2023

Planting new roots

San Antonio community garden grows with new farmers market and tree giveaway

Francisco Ortiz
Nov 2, 2022 | 10:59 am
Gardopia Gardens
Courtesy Gardopia Gardens

Gardopia Gardens will celebrate Texas Arbor Day on November 4 with a mass tree planting and more.

A community garden organization in San Antonio’s East Side will celebrate Texas Arbor Day the first weekend of November with a mass tree planting and giveaway and by launching a new farmers market.

While many communities nationwide observe Arbor Day in the spring, Texas offers its version of Arbor Day on November 4, when the weather is more optimal for planting and sustaining, organizers say.

In honor of Texas Arbor Day, San Antonio nonprofit Gardopia Gardens will expand its tree planting initiative this year with a goal of planting 1,000 fruit and other trees on 100 sites citywide. Planting will officially begin on November 4 and continue over a four-month period.

According to a news release, the initiative involves Gardopia Gardens partnering with various educational and community organizations as well as sustainably-minded businesses, such as The CO-OP SA, which will be planting 10 trees along Wurzbach Parkway and O'Connor Road.

From 4 to 7 pm on November 5, Gardopia Gardens will also host a community tree giveaway for the public. The news release said the trees — a mix of pomegranate, pear, fig, peach, plum, orange, lemon, lime, olive, live oak, Mexican sycamore and more — will be provided by San Antonio's Parks and Recreation Department, along with other partners, as needed.

Gardopia Gardens representatives said the tree giveaway and its resulting influx of newly planted fruit trees will positively benefit neighborhoods, especially those experiencing food scarcity.

Community garden representatives also said, one day, the newly planted trees will provide a much needed canopy to help counteract the heat island effect that growing population endures each spring and summer.

"The trees will help sequester carbon to address climate change. This is important because a lot of areas in San Antonio have a low tree canopy and so they have higher electric bills and a lot of these same areas are also food insecure. We may not see the shade, but we know the future generations will,” Gardopia Gardens founder Stephen Lucke said in a statement.

According to the release, when Gardopia Gardens first began its tree planting initiative in 2020, they planted 500 trees and the same again in 2021. This year, they intend to double that number.

At the same time as the November 5 onsite tree giveaway, Gardopia Gardens will host a new farmers market, which will offer fresh vegetables grown in the garden. The market will be open 9 am to 4 pm every Saturday, with plans to expand days and hours of operation, the release said.

Lucke stated the new store will help his group’s micro farm become sustainable and create a few jobs for the community.

Over the last few years, Gardopia Gardens has made a name for itself by offering programs and services to educational, commercial, and residential communities, providing tools, materials and best practices to ensure their sustainability and to help fight the local epidemic of obesity-related diseases and environmental issues.

“Gardopia Gardens is in a good place and continues to grow. At some point, we have aspirations beyond the garden to make sure the work we're doing is truly going to last for the long termm” Lucke said.

events
news/travel

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

most read posts

Taylor Swift dawns a new era with world tour coming to 2 Texas cities

Real-world events make the message of Call Jane all the more relevant

Disney debuts immersive, family-friendly experience in San Antonio in 2023

Loading Next Story...