Kickapoo Cavern State Park
00 review20939 RR 674, BRACKETTVILLE, Texas, 78832, United States
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
$3.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day use fee: $3 per person aged 13 and older. Special tours available for $10 per person. Camping fees range depending on site type.
About this campground
Hidden deep in the Texas wilderness, Kickapoo Cavern State Park beckons adventurers seeking solitude beneath some of the darkest skies in the state. This remote sanctuary invites you to explore mysterious underground caverns by day and witness celestial wonders by night, where the absence of light pollution transforms the heavens into a brilliant tapestry of stars. Journey through limestone passages on guided tours, spot rare bird species along winding trails, and experience the awe-inspiring emergence of millions of bats at twilight.
The park features a limited number of campsites suitable for RVs and tent camping. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceAt the heart of this natural wonderland lies Stuart Bat Cave, a living cathedral that shelters one of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in North America. This geological marvel tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient seas carved intricate cavern systems and left behind dramatic sinkholes that punctuate the landscape like windows into the Earth's mysterious depths.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with refreshingly cool temperatures and crisp, dry air, the park offers comfortable conditions for year-round exploration. Spring awakens the landscape with a symphony of migrating songbirds, while the spectacular bat flights captivate visitors from April through October, when warm evenings bring these nocturnal creatures spiraling from their cave roosts in mesmerizing clouds.
ElevationThe park's rolling terrain creates a varied landscape of gentle rises and hidden valleys, offering diverse perspectives of this rugged Hill Country environment.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of cedar and live oak forests blankets the undulating hills, their gnarled branches creating natural sculptures against limestone cliffs. Ancient riverbeds snake through the terrain, telling stories of waters that once carved this landscape. Wildlife thrives in this protected haven—armadillos shuffle through the underbrush at dusk, colorful butterflies dance among wildflowers, and a rich variety of birds fill the canopy with song, creating an ecosystem that pulses with life.
Geological RegionNestled in the rugged South Texas Hill Country, this landscape showcases nature's artistry through weathered limestone formations, dense forests of cedar and live oak, and terrain sculpted by millennia of wind and water. The ancient sedimentary rocks reveal layers of prehistory, creating a natural museum where every cliff face and cave entrance tells the story of Texas's geological past.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome trails and the Stuart Bat Cave are wheelchair accessible. However, the cave tours are not suited for individuals with disabilities due to rugged terrain.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious enough for campers to set up tents, cook, and have additional room for activities like throwing a frisbee.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as clean and spacious, with some offering significant privacy while others may be closer together.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRV camping is better suited than tent camping due to sparse shade and rocky terrain. Large tents may be impractical.
Best CampsitesSite #7 level and RV friendly; site #14 secluded and close to facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Park open only Friday through Monday
- overnight camping unavailable Mondays.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout15 campsites with some wooded and shaded deep sites; RV hookups available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Friday through Monday; closed Tuesday through Thursday. Birding season runs mid-March through mid-June.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for cave tours and camping.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations are not explicitly mentioned; planning ahead is encouraged.
Cancellation PolicyGuests are encouraged to modify or cancel reservations as soon as plans change to allow others to enjoy the park.
Amenities available
Showers
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Kickapoo Cavern State Park offers a diverse range of activities including hiking, biking, guided cavern tours, bird watching, and wildlife observation. The park is also known for its bat flight viewing and stargazing opportunities.
Hiking
The park offers well-marked trails ranging from easy to challenging. Trails feature a mix of Texas cedar, live oak forests, river beds, and gentle hills. Key trails include Barbado Ridge Trail, which offers fossilized bones and trees.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available and described as fun but not overly technical.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including bats, armadillos, and migratory birds. The Stuart Bat Cave is a key attraction for bat viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
Guided cavern tours and educational activities for children are available, including a dissecting microscope at the headquarters for exploring fossils and specimens.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available at this park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed; critter-proof food storage and trash management recommended.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as raccoons require critter-proof food storage containers. Rocky terrain and steep trails may pose challenges for some visitors.
Active alertsCOVID restrictions previously affected availability of cave tours. Drought conditions (August 2023) reduced bat sightings.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Brackettville, approximately 23 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesBirding and bat viewing occur during mid-March through mid-June and April through October, respectively.
Trash and recyclingThe park operates on a pack-in, pack-out system with no on-site dumpsters. Visitors must take their trash with them.
Proximity to water featuresNo water bodies for swimming or boating are present.
Common complaintsLimited trash disposal facilities, cramped tent sites, and sparse shade. Limited cell service and spotty Wi-Fi at visitor center noted in reviews.
HostCamp hosts and rangers are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive based on user reviews.
Campground Map
20939 RR 674, BRACKETTVILLE, Texas, 78832, United States
Driving directionsFrom San Antonio: Take US 90W through Uvalde. In Brackettville at the stoplight, turn right onto RR 674 North for about 23 miles. The gate is 1/4 mile past the Edwards County Line on the west side of the highway. Look for directional signs on the highway. Please note that prior arrangements must be made with the park for access on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Limited accessibility during Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as prior arrangements are required. Roads to the park include paved highways and rural roads, requiring careful navigation.Nearby places
Brackettville: Approximately 23 miles (~30 minutes)
Uvalde: Approximately 60 miles (~1 hour)
San Antonio: Approximately 150 miles (~2.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, fuel, and essentials can be obtained in Brackettville, 23 miles away. Firewood and ice packs are available at the park via an honor system and donation.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Kickapoo Cavern State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Kickapoo Cavern State Park is consistently praised for its cleanliness, serene environment, and excellent facilities. The park is ideal for stargazing, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty. However, some users note the lack of trash facilities and the remote location as minor inconveniences.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many visitors highlight the clean facilities, friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and the unique bat flight viewing experience. Stargazing opportunities are also frequently praised.
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of cell service, limited trash facilities, and the need to make reservations far in advance for the cave tours. Some users also mentioned that the camping sites are...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing flashlights, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water, as the terrain can be rugged. They also suggest making cave tour reservations well in advance and preparing for a...
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Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are noted as ideal seasons for visiting due to milder temperatures and the presence of migratory birds. Summer can be hot, and bat activity peaks from April to October.
Camper Quotes
"We had the darkest and clearest night sky among we've ever camped in Texas." "The shower facilities are much better than some larger state parks." "A hidden gem that isn't overrun and overdeveloped."
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7 is noted as very level and suitable for campers. Site #14 is described as clean, secluded, and close to restroom facilities.
Accessibility Features
Stuart Bat Cave is wheelchair accessible, but the cave tours are not suitable for individuals with disabilities due to rugged terrain. Some trails are also accessible.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and visitors recommend bringing sturdy leashes due to the presence of wildlife.
Last updated August 10, 2025