Camping

San Antonio [1] isn’t a big destination for campers, but there are several notable state parks within a half-hour drive of downtown. The best of the bunch is Guadalupe River State Park (29 miles north of downtown in Spring Branch, 3350 Park Rd. 31, 830/438-2656, www.tpwd.state.tx.us [2], $6 daily 13 and older).

The main attraction is the beautiful namesake Guadalupe River, and a nine-mile stretch of it crosses over four natural rapids and two steep limestone bluffs in the park. The Guadalupe is known for its crystal clear water, and the park takes full advantage of this natural resource by offering easy access to canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, picnicking, hiking, and camping. The park also recently opened a 5-mile equestrian trail that’s also open to mountain biking.

For those who want to stay closer to town in an RV-type park, there’s the KOA Campground (602 Gembler Rd., 210/224-9296, www.koakampgrounds.com [3]), located just a few miles east of town. The KOA is adjacent to a lake and golf course, so there’s plenty of recreational activity even if you aren’t in a recreational vehicle.

Another option fairly close to town is Travelers World RV Park (2617 Roosevelt Ave., 210/532-8310, www.carefreervresorts.com [4]). Located three miles south of the city, Travelers World offers a city bus line at the main gate, a nearby hike and bike trail, a heated swimming pool, and wireless Internet access.