The city of San Angelo, Texas, was founded in 1867 when the United States built Fort Concho there. The fort was one of several new forts that were constructed to protect the frontier. Later on, a settler named Bartholomew J. DeWitt founded the village of Santa Angela outside of Fort Concho. The name changed to San Angelo in 1883.
Currently, roughly 101,000 people call San Angelo their home. The city is revered for its outdoor beauty, with a fantastic selection of lush parks and serene bodies of water surrounding it. If you're looking for some recreation in the fresh air, one of the nicest spots to visit is San Angelo State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and fishing in a beautiful setting. Or take a relaxing walk along the San Angelo River Walk, which lies beside the Concho River and features lovely parks, gardens, and public art displays.
San Angelo is also known for its vibrant arts scene. There's a superb collection of murals throughout the city, with Paintbrush Alley in the downtown area being one of the most popular spots. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts features a diverse assortment of artworks and artifacts. Another popular destination is the Chicken Farm Art Center, where you'll find art studios, a restaurant, and a bed and breakfast.
Consider spending an afternoon exploring the historic Main Street area. The street has the rustic feel of the early-1900s West and is lined with a variety of quaint shops and eateries.
Beer, Bands & BBQ Bazaar - The annual Beer, Bands & BBQ Bazaar takes place at the Spring Creek Marina & RV Park in mid-June. Those who attend the event will enjoy live music, ice-cold beer, a barbecue cook-off, various booths, and fun kids' activities.
Annual Run in the Sun - San Angelo's Annual Run in the Sun has been happening for more than 45 years. The early-June event features an 8k run, a free 1-mile fun run, and a 5k run. Come out to participate in the fun run or simply watch and enjoy.
Archaeology Fair and Museum Day - This annual educational event happens at the Fort Concho Historic Site in mid-September. The event features dozens of booths and activities to celebrate the region's history.
One of the closest national parks to San Angelo is Big Bend National Park, which is located in southwestern Texas. Named for a bend in the Rio Grande, the park is known for its weather extremes. The area can feature dry summer days of over 100 degrees and chilly winter evenings with temperatures below freezing. The gorgeous park is home to the majestic Emory Peak, which stands 7,832 feet above sea level. Visitors can go kayaking or fishing in the river or hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the desert and canyon trails.
Another unique national park in the region is Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which boasts over 119 fascinating limestone caves that visitors can explore. The incredible fossilized caverns were originally discovered in 1898 by a curious teenager, and they're undoubtedly the park's highlight. The area outside of the caves features hiking trails, picnic areas, and exceptionally dark nighttime skies that are perfect for stargazing.
Only a short distance southwest of Carlsbad Caverns, you'll find the breathtaking Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park's most prominent feature is Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in all of Texas, at 8,749 feet. There's also a historic stagecoach station to check out and the Frijole Ranch, which contains a museum all about the history of ranching. Popular recreational activities around the park include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Near the town of Abilene, Abilene State Park is a peaceful haven for outdoor fun. The park features a 1930s swimming pool, a lake and pond that are both great for fishing, and a scenic 1.5-mile nature trail to explore.
Lake Colorado City State Park is a quiet natural retreat near the town of Colorado City, Texas. The park contains rolling hills, unique desert vegetation, and a tranquil reservoir. Visitors can utilize the lake for fishing, swimming, and boating, and there are several beautiful hiking trails in the area.
Another outdoor gem in central Texas is South Llano River State Park. The park's main attraction is its namesake river, which is a perfect destination for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for bass and catfish. If you prefer to stay on land, you can go for a serene hike in the lush trails surrounding the stream.
Visiting a few of Texas's fantastic monuments and landmarks is an excellent way to improve your travels. One wonderful place to start is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which lies between the cities of Lubbock and Amarillo. The park contains the second-largest canyon in the United States, which you can get a great look at on a scenic drive. The area is also a top destination for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing.
Another noteworthy landmark near Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch. The public art installation, which was created in 1974, features 10 Cadillac cars with their front ends buried in the ground. The cars are decorated with layers of paint and graffiti. This surreal installation makes for a very memorable sight.
If you're in the San Antonio area, it's worth exploring the world-famous Alamo Mission. The 18th-century mission is known primarily for being the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. You can explore the site via guided tours.
One of the most popular camping areas around San Angelo is the San Angelo KOA Holiday, which offers full-hookup RV sites of both the back-in and pull-through varieties. Guests at the park can also enjoy the in-ground pool, camp store, and various recreational activities.
Another peaceful place to camp is the Concho Pearl RV Estates. You can rent an RV campsite with full hookups, and you'll also have access to the on-site recreation room, which features a big-screen TV, a kitchen, and game tables. The park also provides free Wi-Fi for guests.
If you're in search of affordable primitive camping, one great option is Middle Concho Park, near the Concho River. Its campsites are only $6-$12 per night. The campground boasts a boat launch, boat rentals, and an in-park disc-golf course.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in San Angelo, TX, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in San Angelo?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in San Angelo from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in San Angelo?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.