Heads up, urban campers and those looking for a unique weekend getaway: overnight camping is now available at one of the newest parks in South Texas.
Camp McAllen, a 20-acre outdoor recreational space located in the city of McAllen, in the Rio Grande Valley, is now accepting reservations for overnight camping that offers a relaxing outdoor escape while still being close enough to civilization to make a quick marshmallow run for making s’mores. Officials have previously described the new campground as more than just a destination spot.
“Ready to sleep under the stars? Starting October 1st, you can reserve your weekend escape with us!” McAllen Parks and Recreation officials said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 30.
Overnight camping is only allowed on weekends — from Friday through Sunday. Campers can bring their own tents and supplies or rent four- or six-person tents and LED lanterns from the Parks and Rec Department for nominal fees. All campers, including the BYOT — bring your own tent — campers, will have to pay a fee for the camp pad they use.
“Cozy campfires, fresh air, and unforgettable nights await!” the Facebook post further reads.
Interested campers can reserve a spot by contacting the park’s main office at 2001 Trophy Drive in McAllen. Camp McAllen itself is located about three miles north, at 8701 N. 23rd St.
Camp McAllen offers affordable options for overnight camping at a nature oasis set in the heart of McAllen’s bustling north side. Camp pad rental fees are just $12 per night. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to supply your own tent, the park charges $15 per night for a four-person tent and $25 per night for a six-person tent. LED lanterns go for $5 per night.
City officials celebrated the grand opening of Camp McAllen earlier this summer. Spanning 20 acres, the camp and park includes a small, manmade lake and offers a host of amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. That includes biking and hiking trails, a large gazebo that’s perfect for family-friendly gatherings, restrooms, screened shelters, fire pits and solar-powered lighting.
The campground also includes an archery range large enough to accept groups, such as civic organizations, families, schools and church youth groups, city leaders said earlier this year, though the archery range and equipment rental fees have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, access to the lake is already open as well. Visitors can try their hand at fishing from the lakeshore at one of three fishing piers or by getting out on the water in kayaks, which are also available for rent. They’re also welcome to bring their own kayak or canoe.
It’ll cost visitors $15 to rent a single-person kayak for 30 minutes and $20 for a two-person kayak. Anglers who don’t have their own fishing equipment can rent it directly from the park — including bait. A “fishing combo” goes for $10, while a fishing rod rents for $5. Camp McAllen’s concession stand offers bait for just $2. The concession stand also sells a limited assortment of snacks, including chips for $1, water for $2, sports drinks for $3 and ice cream for $3.
Snacks and equipment rentals are only available while the park’s onsite office is open from 4 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. The park itself is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed on Mondays for maintenance.