BUCKHORN LAKE RESORT, KERRVILLE, TEXAS

Our Opinion: Recommend - if you are looking for a high-end “Resort” that deserves the name.

Date of Stay: February 13 - 15, 2010

Weather During Stay:  Quite cold at night; a mix of sunny and cloudy days – both quite cool.

Site Description: We were in site 6105.  In this site (and many others), we pulled in head first, facing a small pond.  It gave a nice feeling of privacy.  All sites are level concrete, FHU with 50 amps and cable TV, a mix of pull-throughs, back-ins, and pull-ins.  All sites have concrete patios surrounded by grass, and at least a picnic table; “Executive” sites have teak tables and chairs!  All sites are larger than those in a typical commercial RV park. 

This is truly a “Resort”, with well manicured sites and all the extras designed for rallies and high-end, long-term stays: a fitness room, day spa, store, pristine common areas, swimming pools, spas, laundry rooms.  One loop of the park is an “adults only” area.  Very impressive.

Rate: We paid $94 for three nights on an “internet special”: pay for 2 nights, get the third one free.  The way they calculate this is extremely nitpicky and marred our first impression.  Normal rates vary depending on type of site, with non-discounted daily rates ranging from $39 to $49, weekly from $210 up to $260, plus electricity.

Phone/radio/TV: No obstacles for our roof-mounted satellite (and cable was provided).  NPR was available on one or two stations.  The big surprise: VERY WEAK Verizon service in our site.  Our phones cut out frequently, and our aircard didn’t connect!  Since we were ¼ miles off of Interstate 10, this had never occurred to us when making our reservation.  The park has free WiFi, which would tear along at blazing speeds, then slow to a pitiful, frustrating crawl - I would expect better from a park of this caliber.

Elevation/landscape/Terrain: This is a gently undulating campground in a rolling, hilly landscape at 1,800 ft. elevation.  The park has some lovely, mature trees and several ponds.  Views are of neighbors, well designed and maintained buildings, trees, grass, and ponds.  Very appealing.

Lighting/noise: Night lighting is unobtrusive, and noise is minimal.

Favorite Sites: Wow - the Executive sites(most costly) are great: huge, grassy, with wonderful views.  Many nice sites in this park.

Hiking/Walking: Laps around the park.  No good distance walking without a drive.  A well-equipped fitness room kept Odel happy.

Comments:  This park is way out of our normal price range, but we wanted to visit a friend who was there (and we were ready for full hookups).  After a poor first impression caused by the way they handled the “pay for two, stay three” internet special, we enjoyed the park.  Excellent hill country location for sightseeing, but the lack of Verizon coverage means we wouldn’t return - even if we were willing to pay the high rates!