Easter camping tradition alive and well in San Antonio

Campers stake out spots at city parks

SAN ANTONIO – Families in San Antonio are preparing for the annual tradition of camping in city parks over Easter weekend.

Each year, the city relaxes camping and curfew rules at 10 parks to allow for overnight stays.

"(I've) done it for the last 25 years," Roy Ramirez said.

Ramirez and his family members were setting up a tent Thursday and getting ready to welcome brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

"I expect a lot of nieces and nephews running around. They get a kick out of it," Ramirez said.

One of those nephews is Willie Ramirez.

"It is really fun. We get out here. We have the whole family. Everyone gets together," Willie Ramirez said.

Just a few steps from the Ramirez gathering, the Hernandez family had four tents set up. Their family has grown over the 30 years they have been coming to the park.

"Some people say 'Why do ya'll go out there every year? What are ya'll doing out there?' I said, it's family, that is what it is," Mary Hernandez said.

Park curfews will be lifted beginning 11 p.m. on Thursday and will resume at 11 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

The following San Antonio parks will allow overnight campers:

  • Brackenridge Park, 3700 N. St. Mary’s (excludes Brackenridge Parking Facility)
  • Eisenhower, 19399 N.W. Military Highway
  • J Street, 3500 J Street
  • McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger
  • Roosevelt, 331 Roosevelt Ave.
  • San Pedro, 1315 San Pedro Ave.
  • O.P. Schnabel, 9606 Bandera Rd.
  • South Side Lions, 3100 Hiawatha
  • South Side Lions East, 3900 Pecan Valley
  • Woodlawn Lake, 1103 Cincinnati (excludes the Island House and gym areas)

About the Author:

David Sears, a native San Antonian, has been at KSAT for more than 20 years.