School’s out for summer and 2020’s summer is shaping up to be one for the books. The RV books that is. Texans cooped up by COVID-19 closures are hitting the road in record numbers, opting for road trips and wide-open spaces to kick their cabin fever. In fact, RV sales and rentals are up more than 30 percent! In a way it is kind of poetic – after all, what is more American than packing up the kids for a long adventure filled with hikes, swimming, campfires and dinner under the stars?
San Saba River RV Park
Here at the top of the Texas Hill Country, we have a lot to see and do outside of those four wheels! We even have a top-notch RV park right on the gentle banks of the San Saba River. If you’re mobilizing your summer vacations this year, here’s some adventure we have in store for you!
Home away from home
Just a short putt away from the golf course, you’ll find your home away from home – the lovely San Saba River RV Park. From full hookups (including water, sewer and electricity), new restroom, shower and laundry facilities, to a fantastic rock clubhouse – we’ve got all you need for a comfortable home base. String up a hammock under the shady canopy of pecan trees and beat the early afternoon heat with a cold one and a book.
The view from the Kammok
Strum a guitar around the community fire ring or grill up some burgers in the grill area. While summer grillin’ can’t be beat, you also have access to a full-service kitchen should you need it. If you’re in the mood for Netflix and chill, transform your travel home into a movie theatre with a projector and a white sheet! Don’t forget to pop some old-fashioned popcorn over the open flame. Extra butter, please!
RV reservations are available for daily (Monday thru Thursday $30/day; Friday – Sunday plus holidays, $35/day), weekly ($165/week) and monthly stays ($450/month). Head here for more information or to make a reservation. City officials are asking that travelers practice responsible CDC guidelines which include:
- clean and sanitize common areas after use
- wash hands thoroughly and frequently
- maintain six foot distance from others
- wear a face covering to the best of your ability.
Adventuring around town
San Saba, with its slow pace, Texas charm and southern hospitality, and prime parks is great getaway for retirees and families looking to relax outdoors. Laze away your days enjoying nature, birding and fishing, golf, and good food and wine. Or unleash your energy with a hike, a stoll and a swim. And keep in mind that all of our suggestions for socially distant fun are still great options!
Waiting for sunset at Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond Park is a must-do in the dog days of the Texas heat. The swimming hole circulates millions of gallons of fresh, cool, artisanal through beautiful waterfalls. Surrounded by sandy beaches, rock formations and walking trails, you can feed ducks, walk laps, or soak up the sun. The kids will love the giant water trampoline and learning to kayak on the calm water. If you have a SUP, it’s a great place to paddle around on a hot afternoon as you take leisurely dips.
San Saba River Nature Park
Shaded by hundreds of pecan trees, strolling through Risien Park is doable in the mornings and around sunset. It’ll still be warm, but the canopy’s shade takes the edge off the blistering sun in a big way. Just make sure that you plan for a walk mid-morning or earlier or around sunset, leave the thick of the afternoon for indoor exploration. Don’t forget to take a packed lunch or pick up take out and a cooler for cold drinks!
Get your [golf] game on
The 18-hole San Saba River Golf Courseis widely revered for its challenging play and spectacular beauty. It’s even been voted one of the best places to play six years running by Golf Digest.
San Saba River Golf Course
Additionally, it has earned a 3.5-star rating. The course plays through a forest of 2,600 pecan trees and several ponds (without bunkers) that make tight, challenging fairways.
Day adventures afar
San Saba sits about an hour from Longhorn Cavern State Park, Krause Springs, and Enchanted Rock State Park, and only 25 minutes from Colorado Bend State Park – home to the renowned Gorman Falls. We highly recommend stopping by for an early morning hike on your way in or out of San Saba, or on a morning excursion on one of your days with us!
Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park
Another option is the 3 Springs Ranch which is offering day passes to their incredible pool! It’s about a 50-minute drive and also offers a wildlife safari! Give them a call for more information! You can also base in San Saba and explore wine country. We are a short drive to several nearby wineries (though call in advance to learn hours and safety protocols – and please drink responsibly.)
The practicals
One of the best things about RV travel is having a kitchen to cook your own meals. But if you’re hungry to get out of the kitchen, grab take out from one of San Saba’s delicious eateries. If you need to restock on essentials, head to Lowe’s Grocery store, which was rebuilt by volunteers in one week (!!) after a fire in March. Stock up on quality adult sippin’ stuff like award-winning wine from Wedding Oak winery, craft brew from Bar D Brewhouse, and spirits at Rick’s Bottle Barn.
While you’re in town, don’t forget to go nuts trying all things pecan from our renowned pecan companies. At Millican Pecan, Bagley Pecan Co., San Saba River Pecan Co., Oliver & Co., and Alamo Pecan Coffee you can go nuts with pecan candies, cookies, pies, jams, butters, oils, sweet and savory pecans, and coffee drinks.
Hit the open road
New to RV traveling and curious about where to start? Outdoorsy – an RV rental platform – has a great write up on COVID safety on the road. They also cover prepping for an RV trip if you need some beginner’s tips! They also offer experiences through their platform if you are looking for fun activities from town to town!
We hope to see you up here at the top of the Hill Country this summer! And, stay safe out there on the road, y’all!