crane's mill park

There are a lot of tent sites and about 30 RV sites. The lake views are very nice. Kayaking is possible as there are shallow areas to put in. Fishing is nice from the high rocky area on the west side, but don't forget your fishing license as the state wardens have been ticketing for no-license a lot in the last few years. Check with the local bait houses for the best bait for this lake.You can walk out into shallow water on the east side (near the middle and end of the park) to do some wading or swimming, but the bottom is a little rocky.Some of the RV sites are not very long and only about 6 are available as walk-up, the others must be reserved via Recreation.gov. The restrooms are new, clean and large with showers.It can be very hot in the summer months and although there are shady spots for tenting, not many RV sites have ample shade for outdoor activities. The RV sites do have covered, large tables. In the winter time, the cold fronts come blowing in unobstructed, so the cold winds can be challenging, although the winter Texans seem to like it here in the last 2-3 years.Startzville is only a few miles away, so there is plenty of food and auto fuel available.

This was my second trip to the park. Still water leakage from hookups, grass overgrown, lots of tents in the sight and sexual activities in the bathrooms from young campers in campsite. Also park hosts were nice, however, they were so nice they held up the line with talking (at one time 6 cars in line). They also wanted us to move from our campsite after they noticed the leakage from water, however, they had been told about this leak 2 months prior when we camped in the same spot. Bathroom is handicapped accessible, however, it is dark and very slippery. Was not pleased this time around and will not camp again. I can say the fishing was good this time, but I can always find a better place to enjoy my long weekend.

I had a family members' funeral to attend at Fort Sam Houston on a Friday, but the family luncheon and dinner was held in Bandera County. We took our RV to stay in as there isn't much in the way of hotels, and the family home has only one bedroom. We have stayed across the lake a few years ago, but it was full and so we ended up staying at Crane's Mill Park.We arrived on a Wednesday and had no trouble setting up on the fully paved site pad. After the 7 hour drive, we were ready to explore the park and get a good walk in before settling down for the evening. We ended up walking toward the tent camping sites, as the RV sites area isn't that large. As we passed by the hosts site on the second loop, the couple came over to visit with us. The couple was very hospitable and mentioned the type of wildlife we might see in the park. I was hoping to see the silver fox they mentioned, but not the ribbon snakes, harmless as they may be. On the second night, the hosts knocked on every camper door to let us all know about the tornado watch we were under, and to take cover in the bathrooms if the weather deemed it necessary. That's what I call a responsible camp host!The park is clean and well managed, but lacks a swimming beach or other opportunities for entertainment. We would use this park again if we only needed a place to set up base camp while we visited the surrounding areas, but wouldn't stay here with our grandchildren as there isn't much for them.

Me and my wife love to camp and been to a lot of great places but Cranes Mill Park has the worst/rude staff! We will never go back and will tell all of our friends to stay away as well. Such a shame! Change your staff!

Reading the other reviews I was concerned about the rude staff but everyone was nice and friendly to us. We had a large party, 6 sites total, and everyone had a wonderful time. Bathrooms were clean but the ladies room did run out of toilet paper. Park is super nice but could use a swim beach especially for the kids. All in all a good experience and we will return again.

We live minutes away from this park and decided to pack up all our gear when it turned out to be a beautiful day. We promised our children a fun day outdoors. We checked the website to make sure it was open, and it listed the price and seasons. We loaded up and arrived at the gate only to be told that they do not open the park to anyone other than RV's until April 1st. We have this beautiful park right here and could not even rent a tent site for the day just to get the kids out. The man at the gate was not very nice about just telling us too bad. Needless to say it was a huge disappointment, and a shame that they do not have that kind of info available online. Sad that this park is not accessible half the year.

We came here with the intent to camo for most of the winter. They do allow extended stay if the park is not full. After almost 7 weeks we decided to head further south due to the chilly weather here. However, we did enjoy the campground~~ lovely views of the lake! paved sites with a nice picnic table, grill and sun shelter. Bathrooms were clean. We loved seeing the deer everyday and they were plentiful, often walking through the campground. I would have given a 5-star but the gate attendants were a problem. I think the "rude lady" mentioned in previous comments is gone but one gentleman working the gate now just doesn't get it. He couldn't ever complete a transaction without messing it up or doing something wrong. He DID NOT know what he was doing! Other campers complained also. It became extremely frustrating every time we extended our stay to have to deal with him. We would return here again to camp as we do like the park.

My family and I went to the entrance gate to get information about the park. The old lady who worked there was so rude and sarcastic to us. We were stunned at her behavior. She needs a different job where she doesn't come in contact with people.

I have done a lot of camping but the design of this campsite was exceedingly difficult for many members of the family. The design of using contineous steel poles completely around the campsite was pure torcher for the elderly and the very young members of our party. The 2 foot high barrier was difficult for the elderly to climb over numerous times a day and the poor little ones would be burned by it in the heat of the day. The closest restroom was .4 of a mile away. The fishing pier and boat ramp were a joke. The boat ramp was closed because of low lake water and the pier wasn't with in twenty feet of water. We couldn't get the park maintenance crew to remove the dead deer that was stinking up our campsite and the restrooms were inadequate for the number of campers and poorly maintained.

As for the park itself...it was realy nice. Although it could use like a beach area for the kids and family to hang out at.as for the gate attendent (the old lady) who we booked it from, was rude and bitter!!! Dont know why she was so bitter,but if you're not happy with your job...stay home

Park Opened 16 March 2012! Camping Park with Day Use Boat Ramp.Hours: 7am -10pm DailySeason: Open All YearCranes Mill Park is located on the Southwest shore of Canyon Lake. The park is now open for guests. It contains 30 RV sites, 34 tent sites, 3 restrooms, a boat ramp, boat dock, 2 fishing piers and water & electricity at most sites.

The lady at the front gate was rude!!! Only 2 cars per sight. I would rather drive the extra 20 minutes to Potters Creek.