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Kellie and I recently wrapped up a weeklong RV camping trip to Barefoot Camp and RV Park near the small, rural community of Bend, Texas. If I had to describe the experience in one word, it would be “epic”.
Okay, I need two words. “Secluded” would be the second word. We camped here for 8 days, most of which we were by ourselves.
On our third day, Monday, we watched as our fellow campers scurried about, trying to get their rigs packed up, and when the last RV pulled out, we were the only people left in the RV park.
There is just something about being out there, completely isolated from society, that seems to reset your inner being.
This remote campground is located along the shores of the Colorado River and hosts views that are nothing short of breathtaking. If you are looking for an RV campground that is well off the beaten path, where time seems to stand still, Barefoot Camp and RV Park should be at the top of your list.
And, if you happen to make your reservations for the week after Labor Day, you stand a very good chance of having the entire place to yourself.
In this post we are going to explore all that this wonderful Texas Hill Country RV park has to offer as well as some “must-visit” attractions in the neighboring towns of San Saba and Lampasas.
Let’s jump in…
What To Know About Barefoot Camp And RV Park
Barefoot Camp and RV Park is privately owned and sits at the back of a working cattle farm. The road accessing the campground is paved but be prepared for a few steep hills and live cattle that may be crossing the road.
Here you’ll find plenty of RV sites, tent camping sites, a nicely furnished lodge for family gatherings, and a pavilion for group camping.
Some activities you can enjoy while camping here are fishing, hiking, bird watching, swimming (if the river is up), and floating (again, if the river is up).
Cell Phone Service And Internet
Once you drive down into the canyon, you will lose all cell phone service, wi-fi, internet, etc. I hate to be the bearer of bad news (or good depending on how you take it), but your time here will not be spent glued to a device scrolling through the latest drama on Facebook.
There is, however, a courtesy phone located at the camp showers that is free to use if you absolutely need to make a phone call. Or you can drive back up to the ridge to get cell service.
While we were there, we were able to pick up one radio station out of Brownwood, Texas that played what Kellie called the “B-side” country music. If you remember the old 45 records from back in the day, then you know what she means.
In addition to the classic country music, the radio station would announce the local school lunches, funeral announcements, cattle reports, and of course, the high school football game on Friday nights.
The Views
Just across the Colorado River from the campground are some of the most amazing cliffs I have ever seen. The sunrise over these cliffs is simply breathtaking. The sunsets are equally just as stunning.
The night sky puts everything into perspective. With no nearby city lights to obstruct your view, the stars seem to be just an arm’s reach away.
During the day we were visited by a curious armadillo and at night we could hear the distant howls of wandering coyotes. I can’t count the number of deer and other wildlife we saw while just relaxing at the campsite or driving through the campground.
RV And Primitive Sites
Barefoot Camp and RV Park has 38 pull-thru RV sites located on one side of the campground. This is Texas RV camping at it’s best with some of the most beautiful scenery you will find.
If tent camping is more your style, the primitive campsites at Barefoot Camp and RV Park are tucked in nicely on the banks of the Colorado River, but on the opposite side of the park.
These primitive sites offer nothing more than the very basic essentials for a great weekend camping trip. You’ll get a picnic table, a fire ring, and a place to pitch a tent. You will also have unlimited access to the most majestic views you have ever witnessed. You can, however, reserve an RV site for your tent if you prefer to camp with electricity and water.
All RV sites are equipped with up to 50A electrical and water. The sites are somewhat level, although we had to put leveling blocks under one side of the camper to keep from rolling out the door.
There are no sewer hook-ups at the RV sites but there is a dump station on the premises.
Reservations And Fees
Reserving a campsite at Barefoot Camp and RV Park is one of the easiest things we’ve ever had to do. Reservations can be made by contacting Jackie & Charlene Brister (325)-628-3395 or by visiting their website.
Since all payments are cash only, there is no need to pay a deposit to reserve a site, just pay when you arrive at the campground.
RV campsites can be rented for the day, the week, or even the month.
FEES:
- RV sites are $25 per night for two people, $7 per day for each additional person
- $160 per week
- $600 per month
- Day use fee for primitive, fishing, floating, etc. $7 per day per person, children under six get in free
- Pavilion is $30 per day for two people, $7 per day for each additional person
- Shelters are $7 per day, except #14 which is located in the RV park, it is $25 for two people, $7 per day for each additional person
- Leaning Bluff Lodge – contact Barefoot Camp and RV Park for rates
Barefoot Camp and RV Park closes for deer season during the months of November and December.
Nearby Attractions
While you can pick up most bare essentials at the Bend General Store, if you want to explore the area or are needing access to a large grocery store or Wal-Mart, you will have to make a short drive.
The two nearest towns to Barefoot Camp and RV Park are Lampasas and San Saba. Both are approximately 20 miles from the campground.
Lampasas, Texas has several convenience stores, gas stations, a Wal-Mart, and an HEB grocery store.
However, when you drive through Lampasas, you have to stop at Storm’s Drive-In. This classic restaurant looks like it just came out of the 1950’s with drive up stalls for ordering and eating. Much like Sonic, but much better.
San Saba on the other hand, is a bit smaller and is known for being the “Pecan Capital Of The World”. San Saba, Texas has everything you would find in a typical small Texas town.
The people are very friendly, the courthouse is surrounded by shops like the Alamo Pecan & Coffee Company, a small hardware store, and various other locally owned shops.
There are a couple of gas stations and one grocery store that shares the building with an Ace Hardware.
Storm’s Drive-In
Located on the main drag through Lampasas, Texas, Storm’s Drive-In was originally named Dairy Cue in the 1950’s. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when the name officially became Storm’s.
However, when it was still Dairy Cue, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley would visit the restaurant while he was stationed at nearby Fort Hood.
IraDell Storm remembers her encounters with the King by saying, “It was quite a thrill, to see him come driving up in his Cadillac. I waited on him two or three times. He was fond of our burgers and strawberry shakes. I wouldn’t take anything for those memories.”
You can read the full history of Storm’s here.
I haven’t tried the shakes, but I can tell you that their burgers are the best in Texas.
Great San Saba River Pecan Company
While you’re in San Saba, you won’t want to miss the Great San Saba River Pecan Company. It is a 300-acre pecan orchard located just on the outskirts of town.
Inside the Orchard Store you will find a wide selection of pecan related gifts and treats. You can find just about any pecan flavored jelly that you could imagine. They even offer complimentary pecan flavored coffee.
If you are interested in the coffee, make sure to stop in at the Alamo Pecan & Coffee Company located across the street from the courthouse.
Alamo Pecan & Coffee Company
The Alamo Pecan & Coffee Company was one of my favorite places to visit while we were camping at Barefoot Camp and RV Park. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with the strong aroma of coffee grounds.
I couldn’t believe all the different flavors of coffee that were available. I had to try the butter pecan and the caramel pecan blends.
Other flavors that are offered are cinnamon stick, pecan maple nut, and French vanilla coffees, just to name a few.
In Conclusion
If you want to find an RV campground that seems to have been lost in time, Barefoot Camp and RV Park is just the place you’re looking for. The camp host and the owner of the campground are both very friendly and make reservations as well as checking-in a seamless experience.
Just before we were scheduled for our weeklong camping trip, the area had experienced unusually heavy rainfall. The owner was kind enough to call us the morning we were to arrive to let us know that the low water crossing along the road to the campground was flooded.
In addition, she informed us that the local park ranger had said the water would subside within a few hours.
If you are ready for an RV camping experience that is completely unplugged, give Jackie or Charlene a call and make your reservations. You’ll be glad you did.
