McAllen to open Camp McAllen with kayak launches, archery range and 12 campsites; city sets hours and fees

McAllen staff told the City Commission that Camp McAllen will open with kayak and canoe launches, two fishing docks, an archery range and a 12-site campground with three ADA-accessible pads, and that the city plans a ribbon-cutting this week and a phased public opening on Tuesday, July 22. "We're looking to have that ribbon cutting this Wednesday at 9AM, and so we're pretty excited about that," said Penny, a Parks and Recreation staff member who presented the update.

The park will be open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays for maintenance; staff said the 8 p.m. closing will vary with seasonal sunset times. Office and rental windows for equipment will follow seasonal schedules: summer (June–August) Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 4–8 p.m.; fall/spring (Sept.–Nov./Mar.–May) Tuesday–Friday 3–8 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and winter (Dec.–Feb.) Tuesday–Friday 3–6 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Staff emphasized that the park will remain open for general daytime use even when the office is closed but that equipment rentals will be limited to posted office hours.

Camp McAllen will offer an ADA kayak/canoe launch and a separate non‑ADA launch, two fishing docks (one north, one south), and a shore/beach access area. The lake will be operated as a catch‑and‑release fishery and staff said the city will follow Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules, including license requirements for anglers 17 and older. Water depth at the dock area was described as shallow with a maximum of about 6 to 7 feet in the middle.

The archery range was described as east–west oriented with distances from 18 meters to 50 meters (about 60 to 164 feet), five bays and space for roughly 15 lanes; the facility will include ADA-accessible lanes and a back berm and will be fenced and managed to close nearby trail sections when shooting is occurring. Staff said typical protocols (short pauses while arrows are retrieved and staff retrieval for those who need assistance) will be used during range operation.

The campground has 12 pads (three ADA) clustered around a central fire pit and two barbecue pits near the entrance; there are no electrical or water hookups at campsites. Initial overnight camping will be offered primarily on weekend nights (Friday–Sunday), and city staff said overnight security will be provided and the facility gate will be locked when the park is closed.

Recommended rental and user fees presented to the commission include: double kayak $20, single kayak $15, fishing rod $5 (free to use if patrons bring their own equipment), compound bow with five arrows (1.5 hours) $15, recurve bow with five arrows (1.5 hours) $10, arrows (pack) $3 per person, four-person tent $15 per night, six-person tent $25 per night, camping pad $12 per night and lantern $5. Staff said the rates were compared to other cities and state parks to keep pricing affordable.

Staff also showed planned signage, trail maps, parking layouts (primary north lot and an overflow lot), and the converted on‑site rental office. They said shade structures and guardrails for docks are planned in later project phases.

Less critical details: concession sales (water, drinks, snacks, ice cream and bait) will be available; trail surfacing will use decomposed granite for main and perimeter paths; some secondary trails will be manmade DG. The presentation included a note that public packets contain the full slide set. The commission did not take formal action during the presentation; staff sought feedback ahead of the ribbon-cutting and opening.