 |
| Typical FHU Site |
We visited the Randolph AFB Outdoor Recreation Area at Canyon Lake, TX in March, 2007. There were no problems finding the outdoor recreation area following the directions posted here. Although there hadn't been many user reviews, this recreation area did have a average rating of 5. We had our expectations up to visit this reportedly outstanding military campground. To say the least, we were pretty disappointed. The greeting we received at the entrance gate set the tone for our brief visit. The lady at the entrance booth wasn't rude, just very unfriendly. We explained that we just wanted to drive through and tour the location. While I didn't care for the $5 entrance fee, this wasn't a big deal. However, she refused to answer any of our questions. We also asked for a map and brochure of the recreation area and was told to go to the marina. This just seemed unusual, as normally a map should be issued when entering to even find the marina. I guess it was just the cold reception we received that automatically made us feel unwelcomed.
We first found the full hook-up RV Sites area. These 9 sites are not located near the lake and would be a little walk down the hill to the lake. The FHU RV Sites are a good size, spaced apart well, and are all back-in. There were 2 sites available during our visit. The roads are gravel with concrete RV pads. Each site had a fire pit, concrete picnic pad with a table, and trash cans. These sites are dispersed among trees and scrub brush. There is a bathhouse and laundry located here. In the same area were a row of recently parked FEMA trailers, but they weren't in use or have any utilities connected yet. Since that was a year ago, their probably being used as rentals now. While the RV sites were average, their location wasn't the best. From this area, there's no easy access to the lake, or even a view of the lake.
 |
 |
| Partial Hook-up Sites |
The Playground |
 |
 |
| The Tent Area |
The Beach |
Down the hill along the lake are the partial hook-up RV sites and the tent sites. This location was MUCH better than the FHU location. However, the partial hook-up sites is mainly a parking lot. The RV's back-in, lined up next to each other. Behind each RV parking space is a grassy area with trees. This is where your fire ring and table is located. The RV parking spots are slightly slopped and short. Any RV over 20' (or so) would stick out into the street. During our visit, only one of these sites were being used which made it harder to judge RV size. Across the street and spread out over a large area are the tent sites. These sites had the premium location of being close to the lake. The tent area is all grassy with trees spread out. There's plenty of space between tent sites. There's also a children's playground near the beach. Tenting would be the ideal method of camping at this location.
There's also numerous cabins and shelters spread out along the lake, or with a lake view. Renting a cabin here would result in a very fun family outing. The prime location on the lake is for picnicking. The swimming beach area had a few sun bathers and pickicking families. The boat ramp and marina was also fairly busy. Since the primary use of this recreation facility is day use, we can understand why there's a $5 a day entrance fee (per car). However, this same daily fee applies to the camping and RV sites. The $5 daily fee is in addition to the camping fee. However, an annual pass is available for $50.
 |
 |
| Shelters Near the Lake | View of the Beach and Tent Area |