Thread: Review: Ft Sam Houston Rec Area at Canyon Lake

Wifey had 4 days off this past weekend, so I decided it was time to take our first official family camping trip. I decided on Canyon Lake because it was only about 45 minutes away from our house in San Antonio.

Very nice rec area. We tent camped in the woods about 100 yards away from the swimming area on the lake. The kids had a blast swimming with all the other kids every day. I loved the fact that they have a little store and showers right up the hill in the RV area. It came in handy on more than one occasion. They have a nice little nature trail and a fishing pier. The fish were biting on, well... everything. Worms, stinkbait, shad, minnows. You name it, they were biting on it. I cought 2 catfish and a bass in about an hour, with several large strikes in between. I had a bigun hooked, but he got tangled in the weeds and broke loose. That's the only complaint I have about the whole experience. Roughly half your casts (if you're fishing on bottom) end up getting snagged and you lose your rig.

There are pleny of tent sites available. You can camp in the woods or on the beach. Our spot had a fire ring, bbq grill, 2 picnic tables, plenty of room for our cabin tent, and shade all day under the trees. Get there early if you want a spot with plenty of shade. Those spots fill up quickly once the rush hits.

On the last day, I took the kids to a bait store about 6 miles up the 306. They had 2 fishing ponds they keep stocked with catfish. I let them both catch 2 (you have to pay for what you catch), then we took em back to camp and fried em in a skillet over the fire.

A great experience. Looking forward to going back soon. Fire away if you have any questions.

Originally Posted by happybooker1

Looks like from the web info that it is only for military and sponsored guests?? Do I have the wrong Ft. Sam Houston Rec Area?? Would LOVE to find a good RV park on Canyon Lake where I could set up my pop up trailer ......

Yes, unfortunatley for civilians, it's only available to DoD personell. Active, reserve, retired, etc.

I know a lot of people rave about Potter's Creek camground at Canyon Lake. I went to check it out while taking my kids to the fishing ponds at the bait store. The guy at the gate was kind enough to let me in and check it out. I honestly don't understand what all the hoopla is about. There's plenty of sites to park your RV or pitch a tent, but there's hardly any shade. Spaces with shade are few and far between. The spaces were too close together for my taste as well. I don't mind camping around other people, but I also like a little seclusion. I'd defintely consider one of the other campgrounds in the area if I were you.