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The Kerrville Destination is located primarily in the state of Texas, encompassing the cities of Harper, Tarpley, Lakehills, Segovia, Mason, and the namesake of the destination, Kerrville, among others. Kerrville is located in Kerr County, 62 miles northwest of San Antonio.[1] The Guadalupe River runs through the region and is home to the Kerrville Wildlife Management Area. Various animals can be found in this part of the destination, namely white-tailed deer, armadillos, gray foxes, wild turkeys, and bobcats.[2] Kerrville experiences weather that, on average, ranges from 36°F to 93°F throughout the year. Reportedly, for warm weather activities, the "best time of the year" to visit the area is early June to early September.[3] Various attractions in the region include the James Avery headquarters, Schreiner Mansion, Kerrville Folk Festival, and the Museum of Western Art.[5][4] The city of Kerrville has a current annual growth rate of 0.89% and was reported to have a population of 24,917 people as of 2023. White residents comprise most of the population, with other races living in the area, including African Americans or Black, Asian, and Native Americans.[6]
Situated west of San Antonio and Austin, Texas, is the Kerrville Destination. The region is located only in the state of Texas but is relatively close to the United States and Mexico border; however, the boundaries of the destination do not extend to the border. Roosevelt, Segovia, Tarply, Lakehills, Hondo, Harper, and Kerrville, which is the region’s namesake, are all cities located within the destination. Kerrville, Texas, is a city situated in Kerr County that offers natural areas, cultural events, and notable establishments. The city is located in what is known as “Texas Hill Country” and features various parks that adorn the Guadalupe River, which flows through the center of the city.[4]
Draws to the city include the Kerrville Folk Festival, a celebration of music and art; the Kerrville Triathlon, established in 2011; and the Kerrville Renaissance Festival, launched in 2017. Kerrville is also home to the Mooney Aviation Company. Additionally, the Museum of Western Art is open to visitors; established in 1983, the museum showcases the works of artists specializing in the themes of the American West.[4] Other attractions in the region include the James Avery headquarters, which is reported to be “one of the most recognizable jewelry brands in Texas.” The Schreiner Mansion offers tours to those wishing to explore the home commissioned by Captain Charles Schreiner and designed by Alfred Giles.[5]
The population of Kerrville, Texas, has a relatively diverse demographic. As of 2023, the city has a population of 24,917 people, ranking it as the 126th largest city in Texas and the 1570th largest city in the United States. Kerrville is experiencing gradual growth, with an annual growth rate of 0.89%. Since the last census in 2020, the population has increased by 2.71%. The demographic composition of the city reveals a predominant percentage of white residents, accounting for 82.87% of the population. Other racial groups consist of individuals from various backgrounds, including other races (8.2%), two or more races (5.81%), black or African American (2.39%), Asian (0.48%), and Native American (0.25%).[6]
Kerrville, Texas, the namesake of the Kerrville Destination, is located in Kerr County and is situated in a region characterized by its geographical features. Positioned at the junction of Texas Highways 16 and 27, the town is 62 miles northwest of San Antonio via Interstate Highway 10. The official elevation of Kerrville is 1,645 feet above sea level, although many residential areas in the relatively hilly township are even higher. The geography of the area has played a significant role throughout history, with evidence of human habitation dating back approximately 10,000 years. The original settlement, named after James Kerr, was established on a bluff north of the Guadalupe River in the eastern portion of Kerr County.[1]
The Guadalupe River, specifically the North Fork area, is home to the Kerrville Wildlife Management Area, which the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department operates. In this area, various forms of wildlife can be found. Specifically, species include white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, bobcat, wild turkey, gray fox, skunk, armadillo, javelina, and bobwhite quail. There are also multiple species of migratory birds and reptiles.[2]
Kerrville, Texas, experiences a climate characterized by relatively hot and muggy summers as well as short, cold, and windy winters. The city often has partly cloudy skies throughout the year. The temperature in Kerrville typically ranges from 36°F to 93°F, with rare instances of falling below 25°F or exceeding 98°F. For those seeking hot-weather activities, the “best time of year to visit Kerrville” is reported to be from early June to early September. During the hot season, which spans approximately 3.6 months from May 29 to September 17, Kerrville sees average daily high temperatures above 86°F. August, on average, stands out as the hottest month, with an average high of 92°F and a low of 70°F. On the other hand, the cool season lasts for around 2.9 months, extending from November 23 to February 21. During this period, Kerrville experiences average daily high temperatures below 66°F. January, specifically, is generally the coldest month, with an average low of 37°F and a high of 61°F.[3]
The namesake of the Kerrville Destination, Kerrville, Texas, has a history that dates back to its creation in 1856. Originally part of Bexar County, Kerrville became the county seat of Kerr County, named after James Kerr, a Texas Declaration of Independence signer and early settler. Although the seat briefly moved to Comfort, Texas, from 1860 to 1862, Kerrville has primarily served as the county seat. Joshua D. Brown, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, played a role in naming the county after his friend James Kerr. In May 1856, Brown donated four acres of land for a public square, and the county seat was initially called Kerrsville before the "S" was later dropped. Kerrville attracted a fairly diverse group of settlers, including Anglo-American pioneers and German immigrants. In the 1870s, it emerged as a center for cattle raising and shipping. The town's growth continued, and in September 1889, the citizens voted to incorporate Kerrville as a city. Joseph A. Tivy became the first mayor, leading the city's early development. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kerrville witnessed relatively significant advancements. A city marshal was appointed, and a volunteer fire department was established in 1891. City water works, and electric services were introduced in the 1890s, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents. By the mid-20th century, agriculture, medical services, and tourism became the primary economic drivers for Kerrville.[7]
Harper, Texas, another city in the destination, has a history that dates back to December 15, 1847, when a petition was submitted to create Gillespie County. The Texas legislature responded by forming Gillespie County in 1848, carving it out of Bexar and Travis Counties. The first white settlers arrived in Harper in 1863, namely the families of Eli McDonald and Matthew Taylor. An early event in the area's history was the McDonald massacre of August 1864, commemorated by a historical marker located south of U.S. Highway 290. During this incident, two family members were killed, and Kiowa Indians kidnapped five others. In 1883, George Franklin Harper established a post office in the area, and the town was named after him. By 1985, Harper served as a hub for a large ranching region and boasted several churches, a fire department, ambulance services, a public school, and expanding residential subdivisions. The population of the area surpassed 1,000 by the year 2000.[8]
Al's Hideaway was only established recently as a campground in Pipe Creek, Texas, located in the hills east of Bandera Falls and on the south side of Pipe Creek. The property is surrounded by hills, greenery, and various wildlife. In the town of Pipe Creek, one can find a number of restaurants and activities, and the city is only a short drive away from San Antonio. Close to the property, there are a wide variety of tours that can be found as well as a few shuttles that can take guests to other parts of the city like the airport or the neighboring town, Bandera, which is known as "The Cowboy Capital of Texas."
...Read MoreLightning Ranch RV Park can be found in Pipe Creek, Texas, and is nestled in between San Antonio, Bandera, and Boerne. They offer a total of 47 RV sites on their 70-acre property for guests to rent for short and long-term stays. The property also has a pasture and stable where guests can stable their horses if they would like. Because of its central location, Lightning Ranch is less than an hour away from some of Texas's more well-known attractions, including places like Bandera Natural History Museum, which is found in the town of Bandera, Hill Country State Natural Area, and Government Canyon State Natural Area.
...Read MoreLocated northwest on the northwest side of Bandera, Texas, and less than an hour drive away from San Antonia, visitors can find the Bandera Crossing RV Resort. There are currently 42 RV sites available to the public, with another 56 to be completed in the future. The property has served as a base camp for many motorcycle enthusiasts and bikers that are looking for winding roads and a variety of views. Right next to the property, guests can spend time in or beside the Medina River. There are a number of state parks in the area like Old Tunnel State Park, Utopia City Park, and Lost Maples State Natural Area, to name a few.
...Read MoreThe Utopia Oaks RV Park is located in Utopia, Texas, and offers 33 spaces for guest reservations. The spaces vary between back-in and pull-through options; however, all of the spaces feature 20, 30, and 50 amp services as well as either gravel or road base parking pads. Some of the units have shade provided by trees around the park. The town of Utopia is a mile down the road from the property and has a number of shops, restaurants, and parks that guests can visit during their stay. A little further away from the RV park are Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area, which both provide a number of trails for hiking or biking. Garner State Park also has access to the Frio River, where visitors can participate in water-based activities such as fishing or swimming. Wanda, one of the RV park’s owners, says she hopes guests will feel relaxed and safe during their stay in the region.
...Read MoreThe Bandera Star Riverfront Camping & RV park is located in Bandera, Texas. Established in 2019 right on the Medina River, it is a new campground close to nature and the surrounding town. At the park, guests can enjoy the peace and quiet it tries to provide them while also experiencing the "old charm" of the western style of the city itself.
...Read MoreWest Bound RV Park, currently under the ownership of Brighter Door, is located in southern Texas near the city of San Antonio. Visitors can reserve a long-term or short-term stay in one of the park's 38 RV sites, which are available for guests to occupy year-round. The property's proximity to San Antonio and the Frio River tends to pique the interest of those who are seeking nearby attractions, shops, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The manager encourages visitors to tour these places by giving them suggestions of specific attractions and restaurants that they might enjoy. With the goal of helping everyone feel welcome at West Bound RV Park, the manager tries to be available for those staying at the property to contact her should they have any questions or concerns during their stay.
...Read MoreLocated in D'Hanis, Texas, is the Quiet Texas RV Park. There are a total of 31 units, including 30 RV spots and one tiny home. All units have full hookups, concrete patios, and picnic tables, as well as access to WiFi. At the campground, the owners try to prioritize building personal connections with guests, aiming to make them feel appreciated and heard. Some of the policies are the maximum speed limit, designated quiet hours, and a commitment to cleanliness. The park attracts a diverse range of guests, namely retirees, families, and couples, who often use the property as a base to explore the nearby city, as reported by the manager. A couple of nearby attractions that are found in the vicinity are the Frio River and the South Texas Corn Maze. The park's current owners acquired it in 2023 and have made improvements, with plans to introduce recreational activities in the future.
...Read MoreRed Oak RV Park in Hondo, Texas, offers multiple accommodations for RV travelers. With 25 RV sites featuring gravel pads and full hookups, guests have access to water, sewer, and electrical services. The park prioritizes long-term rentals, while also accommodating short-term stays. Red Oak RV Park tries to focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The park operates year-round and attracts a diverse range of guests, namely working professionals, retirees, and families. Some of the amenities provided at the campground are access to WiFi, mailboxes, and a pet-friendly environment. Nearby attractions such as the South Texas Maze and the Frio River provide opportunities for outdoor activities. The park's history dates back several years but was recently purchased by Brighter Doors, who made several improvements and additions to the premises by adding new spaces and enhancing the road.
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