San Angelo State Park
00 review362 FM 2288, SAN ANGELO, Texas, 76901, United States
San Angelo State Park
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
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 is $4 per person aged 13 and older. Rangers conduct interpretive tours for an additional fee; contact the park for details.
About this campground
Sprawling across nearly 8,000 acres of rugged Texas landscape, San Angelo State Park offers adventurers a choice between modern comfort and primitive wilderness. Whether you prefer full hookups or secluded tent spots under vast open skies, the park's generous campsites provide plenty of elbow room. As one satisfied camper noted, the sites are refreshingly spacious and positioned to capture the endless prairie views that make West Texas legendary.
San Angelo State Park caters to a diverse range of camping preferences, including primitive, tent, RV, and equestrian camping. Cabins are also available for rent.
Historical SignificanceStep into living Texas history where the state's official bison herd roams free alongside iconic longhorn cattle. These magnificent creatures represent centuries of Texas heritage, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the animals that once dominated these plains and shaped the cowboy culture that defines the region.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Texas weather across the seasons at San Angelo. Winter brings crisp, comfortable days perfect for exploration, while summer transforms the landscape into a shimmering desert where temperatures can soar to an impressive 110°F. Spring and fall reward visitors with ideal camping conditions - mornings cool enough for peaceful sunrise walks before the day warms to pleasant hiking temperatures. Plan your visit according to your adventure style and heat tolerance.
ElevationThe park's terrain rolls gently across the West Texas landscape, creating varied vistas and microclimates throughout the property.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere prairie meets desert, San Angelo State Park creates a captivating tapestry of semi-arid beauty. Twisted mesquite trees cast dancing shadows across golden grasslands, while resilient prickly pear cacti stand sentinel among the native brush. This unique ecosystem showcases nature's adaptability at its finest - a living classroom where visitors can witness the fascinating interplay between prairie and desert species thriving together in perfect harmony.
Geological RegionPositioned at the dramatic convergence of prairie and desert ecosystems, San Angelo State Park offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most intriguing transitions. This semi-arid wonderland features distinctive vegetation patterns where hardy mesquite groves give way to prickly pear gardens, creating a landscape that's quintessentially West Texas yet uniquely its own.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has some accessible features, but specific details are sparse.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious. Pull-through sites are available for RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe park offers sites with significant spacing but limited natural privacy due to the open landscape. "Sites are large and well-spaced apart," noted one user.
Total Campsites8000 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPrimitive sites offer solitude; sites with shade are limited and highly recommended during summer.
Best CampsitesReviews praise pull-through sites and Bald Eagle Campground for quietness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 8:30 AM.
Check-out
Before 10:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in primary sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limits are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLarge park divided into North and South sections. "Sites are dirt, clean, and have grills, picnic tables, and fire pits."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; entrance gates are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by calling 325-949-4757 or contacting the park directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityMost sites are spacious, allowing walk-up availability during non-peak times. "Plenty of camp sites available," according to user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCampers are requested to modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of activities is available, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. The park also features activities like stargazing and guided interpretive tours.
Hiking
Over 50 miles of trails are available for hiking, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "Trails are well-marked and offer stunning views," one user commented.Fishing
The lake is very low, limiting fishing opportunities. However, some visitors still fish from kayaks or along the shore.Biking
The park is a popular destination for mountain biking, featuring trails suitable for various skill levels. "Great trails for mountain biking," noted one user.Boating
Boating is restricted to small crafts like kayaks due to low water levels in the lake.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to abundant wildlife, including bison, deer, and various bird species. "The park has a small portion of the Texas Bison herd," noted an official description.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranger-led interpretive tours cover topics such as petroglyphs, Permian-era tracks, and stargazing. Fees apply for these tours.Winter Activities
Winter activities include hiking and birdwatching, with fewer crowds during the colder months.Water Sports
Limited to paddling activities like kayaking and canoeing due to low water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated areas; users noted BBQ pits and wood pits as available.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsUsers reported thorny terrain and sticker burrs. "Sand spur type stickers... are absolutely horrible," noted one review.
Active alertsLake levels are low, impacting water-based activities. Prescribed fires have burned some trees.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.3 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
Ranger station phone: 325-949-4757; nearest town (San Angelo) has emergency services including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but no specific details were provided about their locations or schedules.
Proximity to water featuresThe park features a lake, though water levels are low.
Common complaintsSticker burrs, outdated bathrooms, and challenges navigating between park sections are recurring issues.
HostVolunteers at the park were described as "super nice"; absence of staffed kiosks noted.
Campground Map
362 FM 2288, SAN ANGELO, Texas, 76901, United States
Driving directionsFrom East or West: Take Hwy 67 to Arden Rd, go West on Arden Rd to FM 2288 then North 1/2 mile to South Shore Entrance (Red Arroyo) or 10 miles to North Shore Entrance (Bald Eagle). From North or South: Take Hwy 87 to FM 2288 South, go 1 mile to North Shore Entrance (Bald Eagle) or 10 miles South to South Shore Entrance (Red Arroyo).
Road access quality varies; users noted challenges with unclear signage and locked gates requiring a code for entry. "Google maps drops you on the side of the road between a North entrance and a south entrance... Apple maps takes you to a suburban housing area." Seasonal closures or staffing limitations may impact gate access.Nearby places
San Angelo is the closest city, approximately 3 miles away from the park.
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping are approximately 3 miles away in San Angelo.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
San Angelo State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's spaciousness, diverse activities, and friendly staff. Complaints include outdated facilities, limited amenities, and the challenges posed by the park's large size and low lake levels.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the park's hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and spacious campsites. Many appreciated its peacefulness, even during peak seasons.
Common Concerns
Complaints included outdated restrooms, low water levels in the lake, and the abundance of stickers and burs, which were challenging for pets and campers.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring strong tent stakes for the rocky terrain and watch out for stickers and burs. Call ahead for gate codes if you plan to arrive late. Consider visiting during cooler months for a more comfortable...
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Seasonal Insights
Winter is less crowded, with cooler weather making it ideal for hiking. Summer can be extremely hot, and the lack of shade exacerbates the heat. Fall and spring are recommended for the best...
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Camper Quotes
"The park is huge; almost 8000 acres to play on," noted one reviewer. Another remarked, "The cabins are nice with a full bed and two bunks with great heat and cooling."
Site-Specific Reviews
Bald Eagle Campground is described as quiet but challenging to navigate at night. Red Arroyo is noted for its spacious sites and proximity to a well-maintained bird blind.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility information is sparse, but reviewers noted generally good access to facilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but the abundance of stickers and burs makes it challenging for dogs to walk comfortably. "Our dogs didn't even like coming out of the RV," mentioned one reviewer.
Last updated August 10, 2025