Swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and floating down the Nueces River are just a few of the favorite activities for families and friends in the Camp Wood area. Add in camping and hiking, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a Hill Country getaway!

The Nueces River, known for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters, flows through the stunning limestone bluffs of the Edwards Plateau on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Often called the "Mother River of the Hill Country," it feeds into the Frio and Sabinal Rivers, making it a vital and beloved waterway.

Nestled in Real County, Camp Wood sits along the Nueces River at the intersection of Farm Road 337 and Texas Highway 55. The drive along FM 337—stretching from Camp Wood through Leakey, Vanderpool, and Medina—is legendary. In fact, Texas Highways named it "One of the fifteen most scenic spots in Texas" (November 1998).

The town takes its name from the historic U.S. military outpost, Camp Wood, which operated from 1857 to 1861. The modern town was officially established in 1920 by workers from the Uvalde Cedar Company, who transported cedar logs via the Uvalde and Northern Railroad.

Just 4 miles north, the small community of Barksdale serves as the gateway to Nueces Canyon. Nearby, a local ranch is home to a fascinating collection of exotic animals, adding another unique attraction to the area.

Camp Wood Area Tourist Attractions

Garner State Park
This park has 1,419.8 acres of recreational facilities in northern Uvalde County. There are 10 water acres along the Frio River.

Lost Maples State Natural Area
This area has 2,174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, located north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River.  Lost Maples has about 200,000 visitors on an annual basis.

Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area - 6 miles NE of Rocksprings
See this unique collapsed cavern. Tours are available to the public.

The Real County Historical Museum - Leakey

Wildlife Art Museum - Leakey

Lone Star Motorcyle Museum - near Vanderpool
A collection of motorcycles dating from 1910's to the 80's.

Sunset Bat Flights - Concan
For a once in a lifetime experience you will want to come to the Frio Bat Flight Tour and witness this awesome site as 10 to 12 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats ascend into the evening sky before sunset at Frio Cave near Concan, Texas

John Nance Garner Museum - Uvalde
President Franklin Roosevelt's first Vice President.

Sabinal Canyon Museum - Utopia
Pioneer farm implements and household items, geological and Indian artifact exhibits.

Scenic Drive - Hill Country Trail
Explore the Sabinal River Canyon along RR 187.

Things to do in the Camp Wood area

• Miles of river offer swimming, and sunbathing.
• Take guided river and lake fly-fishing trips.
• Take a guided hunting expedition.
• Motorcycling through the Texas Hill Country is a big deal! Texas Highway 337 is one of the most popular and challenging roadways with winding roads and spectacular views.
• Nature watching and photography is at its finest at the nearby State Natural Areas.
• Fishing in the Nueces River.
• Visit Lake Nueces Park.
• Shopping at the antique and tourist stores in the area is some of the best in Texas.
• Attend Rodeos in the summer.
• Dining at the river front and downtown restaurants.
• Visit Art Galleries and Museums.
• Enjoy the spectacular views and enjoy stargazing at night.
• Hiking and biking are popular in the area.
• Visit other local towns such as Brackettville, Concan, Leakey, Rock Springs, Vanderpool, Utopia, and Uvalde which are only a short driving distance from Camp Wood.
• San Antonio is about 2 hours driving time to the East and Mexico is about one and 1/2 hours to the south.
• To the north, Kerrville is 87 miles and Boerne is 95 miles away.

 

Planning on bringing your boat to the Highland Lakes?




Clean, Drain and Dry your boat to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species.







For information on this Website


 

 

 

Copyright © Highland Lakes Web Pages, LLC