10 Things to Do in Waco Texas
While Camping.
Camping at E Double H RV Park puts you minutes from Magnolia Market, Lake Waco, Cameron Park, world-class museums, and more. Here are the 10 best things to do in Waco Texas while camping — and why E Double H is the perfect base camp for all of them.
If you are planning a camping trip to Central Texas, knowing the best things to do in Waco Texas while camping will transform your getaway from a simple overnight stop into a week-long adventure you will never forget. Waco sits at the crossroads of I-35 between Dallas and Austin, surrounded by the Brazos River, Lake Waco, and over 400 acres of parkland — and the city itself has become one of the most exciting mid-size destinations in the South. E Double H RV Park at 2144 McLaughlin Rd., Waco, Texas 76712 gives you a full-hookup home base with spacious sites, pull-throughs for big rigs, and a location that puts every attraction on this list within a short, easy drive.
Waco’s transformation over the past decade has been remarkable. What was once known primarily as a college town along the Brazos River is now a nationally recognized destination that draws millions of visitors each year. The Magnolia Market sparked the renaissance, but the city has built far beyond that single attraction. World-class parks, a nationally recognized zoo, a unique national monument, a revitalized downtown dining scene, and thousands of acres of lakefront recreation have created a destination that rewards extended stays. For RV campers staying at E Double H RV Park, the question is not whether there is enough to do — it is how to fit it all in.
Below, you will find our curated list of the 10 best things to do in Waco Texas while camping — each one accessible from E Double H RV Park and each one worth a dedicated day (or more) of your trip.
Questions About Things to Do in Waco Texas While Camping
Straight answers to the most common questions campers ask before visiting Waco and staying at E Double H RV Park.
10 Best Things to Do in Waco Texas While Camping
Here is your definitive guide to the best things to do in Waco Texas while camping at E Double H RV Park. Each attraction is accessible within a short drive from the park, and each one is worth a dedicated portion of your trip.
Visit Magnolia Market at the Silos
No list of things to do in Waco Texas while camping would be complete without Magnolia Market. Created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Silos complex features curated shopping, food trucks, beautifully landscaped gardens, a bakery serving legendary pastries, and seasonal events that draw visitors year-round. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, and you can easily spend a full morning or afternoon exploring. From E Double H RV Park, the Silos are a quick drive into the heart of downtown Waco. Visit the Magnolia website for hours and events.
Fish, Boat, and Swim at Lake Waco
Lake Waco is a 7,270-acre reservoir that serves as the outdoor heartbeat of McLennan County. The lake supports outstanding fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie. Multiple public boat ramps at Airport Park, Speegleville Park, and Midway Park provide easy access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Designated swimming areas at Speegleville Park are a favorite with families during the warm months. Whether you spend your day casting from a bass boat, paddling a kayak through quiet coves, or floating on the swimming beach, Lake Waco delivers an authentic Central Texas outdoor experience that ranks among the top things to do in Waco Texas while camping.
Hike and Mountain Bike Cameron Park
Cameron Park is a 416-acre urban park that would be impressive anywhere but feels almost miraculous inside a city the size of Waco. Over 20 miles of trails wind through dramatic limestone bluffs, dense cedar and oak forests, and scenic overlooks above the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. Lovers Leap offers one of the most photographed viewpoints in Central Texas, and Emmons Cliff provides a dramatic panorama of the river valley. Trail difficulty ranges from easy paved paths perfect for families to technical single-track that challenges experienced mountain bikers.
Explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument
This is one of the most unique things to do in Waco Texas while camping — and one of the most unique attractions in the entire state. The Waco Mammoth National Monument preserves the remains of a Columbian mammoth herd discovered along the Bosque River in 1978. Ranger-led tours take you through the indoor dig shelter where fossils remain in their original positions, exactly as they were found. It is a genuinely awe-inspiring experience that resonates with visitors of all ages.
Spend a Day at Cameron Park Zoo
Cameron Park Zoo is home to over 1,700 animals in naturalistic habitats that blend seamlessly with Cameron Park’s native landscape. The zoo is consistently ranked among the best small zoos in the country, with exhibits including African lions, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, giraffes, and an impressive herpetarium. The Brazos River Country exhibit recreates a Central Texas river ecosystem. Plan at least half a day — the zoo is more extensive than its modest admission price suggests.
Kayak and Paddleboard the Brazos River
The Brazos River flows through the heart of Waco, and paddling its calm stretches is one of the most peaceful things to do in Waco Texas while camping. Several outfitters offer kayak and paddleboard rentals with drop-off and pick-up service. The river winds past Cameron Park’s limestone bluffs, under historic bridges, and through the heart of downtown. Early morning paddles are especially rewarding, with glassy water, birdsong, and frequent sightings of herons, turtles, and kingfishers along the banks.
Tour the Dr Pepper Museum
Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper, and the museum dedicated to America’s oldest major soft drink brand is a surprisingly engaging experience. Housed in the original 1906 artesian well bottling plant, the Dr Pepper Museum tells the story of the beverage’s invention through interactive exhibits, vintage advertising, bottling equipment, and a fully operational old-fashioned soda fountain where you can sample Dr Pepper made with real cane sugar. It is quirky, educational, and genuinely fun.
Walk the Waco Riverwalk and Downtown District
The Waco Riverwalk is a paved pathway that follows the Brazos River through the heart of the city, connecting parks, bridges, public art installations, and scenic overlooks. The walk provides views of the iconic Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in Texas, and connects to the broader trail system that reaches Cameron Park and beyond. Along the way, downtown Waco offers boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Catch a Baylor Bears Game
Baylor University brings a vibrant collegiate energy to Waco, and attending a Bears sporting event is one of the most exciting things to do while camping during the school year. Football games at McLane Stadium, which sits dramatically on the banks of the Brazos River, are the headliner — the tailgating scene along the river is a uniquely Waco experience. But Baylor also fields competitive teams in basketball, baseball, softball, and track, giving visitors athletic events to attend throughout the year.
Eat Your Way Through Waco’s Restaurant Scene
Waco’s dining scene has exploded in recent years, and sampling the local food is absolutely one of the top things to do in Waco Texas while camping. Start with Texas barbecue — multiple acclaimed joints serve brisket, ribs, and sausage that rival the best in the state. Branch out to the Magnolia Table for elevated comfort food, explore the growing craft brewery scene, and discover Tex-Mex restaurants that have been family-owned for generations. After a long day of adventure, returning to your campsite at E Double H RV Park and grilling your own meal is its own kind of Waco dining experience.
Why E Double H RV Park Is the Best Base for Exploring Waco
Full Hookups
Water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric at every site — come home to full comfort after every adventure.
Big-Rig Friendly
Pull-through sites accommodate the largest Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels with room to spare.
Prime Location
Minutes from downtown Waco, Lake Waco, Cameron Park, and every attraction on this list.
Year-Round Access
Open every season — Waco delivers memorable experiences in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Monthly Rates
Extended stays welcome — competitive monthly pricing for snowbirds, workers, and long-term explorers.
Friendly Management
Responsive, knowledgeable staff who care about your experience and know the area inside and out.
Planning Your Waco Camping Adventure
With 10 world-class things to do in Waco Texas while camping, the key to a great trip is planning your days with a balance of outdoor adventure and urban exploration. Spend mornings on the water at Lake Waco or on the trails at Cameron Park. Dedicate afternoons to the museums, the Magnolia Market, or the zoo. Reserve evenings for Waco’s restaurant scene or quiet relaxation at your campsite at E Double H RV Park.
Book your site early, especially during peak seasons. Spring and fall weekends fill up fast, and major events like Baylor homecoming and Magnolia seasonal festivals drive high demand across all Waco-area RV parks. A quick call to 254-394-2453 secures your spot and gives you the peace of mind to focus on planning your itinerary rather than worrying about availability.
Pack for variable Central Texas weather. Layers, sunscreen, a good hat, and rain gear should all make your list. If you plan to fish Lake Waco, grab your Texas fishing license before you arrive — they are available online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. And do not forget your camera — Waco delivers scenery, architecture, and wildlife that produce photos worth framing.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or settling in for a month, Waco rewards curiosity, and E Double H RV Park at 2144 McLaughlin Rd., Waco, Texas 76712 puts you right in the middle of it all. Full hookups, spacious sites, and a location that makes every attraction on this list accessible — that is the E Double H advantage.
Ready to Experience Everything Waco Has to Offer?
Stop planning and start doing. Call E Double H RV Park today to reserve your full-hookup site and start checking off every item on this list. Your Waco camping adventure is waiting.