Key takeaways
- Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about 15 minutes from our park.
- Downtown, you will find Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Union Hall food hall, the Waco Suspension Bridge and the Saturday farmers market.
- For time outdoors, try Cameron Park’s trails, Lake Waco or Waco Surf.
- Fall brings cooler weather, Baylor football and some of Waco’s biggest yearly events.
- A sample two- or three-day plan is below.
There is a lot to do near our RV park in Waco. Within about a 15-minute drive of Magnolia RV Resort you can reach Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument, with downtown shopping, food and the Brazos River close by.
Here is our rundown of the main attractions, a few spots off the beaten path, why fall is a favorite time to visit, and a simple plan for a long weekend. Opening hours and prices change, so check each attraction’s website before you go.
Four favorites about 15 minutes away
Cameron Park Zoo
The zoo sits inside Cameron Park and covers about 52 acres. It opened in 1993 and is set up with natural habitats, which makes it an easy half-day with kids.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Open since 1968 and located near I-35, this is the state-designated official historical center of the Texas Rangers. Its collection includes more than 14,000 artifacts, among them about 2,500 historic firearms.
Dr Pepper Museum
Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885 at the Old Corner Drug Store. The museum is housed in the 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, and its soda fountain serves hand-made Dr Pepper and floats.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Two teenagers searching for arrowheads and fossils near the Bosque River discovered the site in 1978. The site became a national monument in 2015 and is run by the National Park Service with the City of Waco and Baylor University. Inside the dig shelter, Columbian mammoth fossils remain where they were found, viewed from an elevated walkway.
If museums are your thing, our guide to Waco history and day trips goes further.
Downtown Waco
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Built by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Silos has shops, Silos Baking Co. and a large lawn with games and food trucks. It is a downtown Waco attraction in its own right, separate from our park.
Union Hall
This downtown food hall on Franklin Avenue gathers local vendors under one roof with shared tables, which works well when everyone in your group wants something different.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market
The market runs on Saturday mornings at Bridge Street Plaza, with local growers, baked goods, plants and handmade goods. Its listing shows 9 AM to 1 PM most of the year, closing at noon in July and August.
Waco Suspension Bridge
Opened in 1870 with a 475-foot main span, this bridge once carried cattle drives across the Brazos River. It is now open to foot traffic only and reopened in April 2023 after a major rehabilitation.
Outdoor time and local gems
- Cameron Park: about 416 acres along the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, with more than 20 miles of trails and the cliffs at Lover’s Leap.
- Lake Waco: on the west side of town, with Corps of Engineers parks for fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking.
- Waco Surf: an inland surf park with a wave pool. Check its website for current attractions, lessons and hours.
- Homestead Heritage: a traditional crafts village known for its Homestead Fair, which has been held the weekend after Thanksgiving, with woodworking, weaving, spinning and other crafts.
- Mayborn Museum Complex: Baylor University’s natural history and cultural museum, with hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Baylor and McLane Stadium
Baylor plays football at McLane Stadium, which opened in 2014 on the Brazos River. Game days are a big deal here, and some fans arrive by boat. Our park is popular for tailgating weekends, so call early if your trip lines up with a home game.
Why fall is a great time for an RV getaway
Central Texas summers are hot, so many RVers wait for fall. The weather is easier for walking downtown and hiking Cameron Park, and the calendar fills up:
- Baylor football at McLane Stadium.
- The Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, which ran October 2 to 12 in 2025 at the Extraco Events Center.
- The Homestead Fair around Thanksgiving.
- Seasonal events at our park, like our Halloween party with a costume contest for kids, adults and pets, a trick-or-treat parade, snacks and karaoke.
Check each event’s website for this year’s dates.
A sample two- or three-day plan
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Complimentary waffles at the park (8:00 to 11:00 AM), then the farmers market | Magnolia Market at the Silos and a walk across the Suspension Bridge | Dinner at Union Hall |
| Sunday | Weekend waffles, then Cameron Park Zoo | Trails and the view at Lover’s Leap in Cameron Park | A quiet night back at your site |
| Monday (optional) | Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum | Dr Pepper Museum, then the Waco Mammoth National Monument | Pack up or extend your stay |
Traveling with kids? Our guide to family RV getaways in Waco has more ideas. Want to see more of the state? Read about using Waco as a Texas road trip base camp.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Magnolia RV Resort from the main Waco attractions?
Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr Pepper Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Monument are each about a 15-minute drive from our park.
Is Magnolia RV Resort part of Magnolia Market at the Silos?
No. Magnolia RV Resort is a separate, locally owned RV park on New Dallas Hwy. The Silos is a downtown Waco attraction you can visit during your stay.
What is the best time of year to visit Waco in an RV?
Many RVers prefer fall for the cooler weather, Baylor football and local events. Spring is also pleasant. Summer is hot, so plan outdoor activities for the mornings.
How many days do I need to see Waco?
Two or three days covers the main attractions comfortably. If you want to add day trips, a weekly stay gives you more room.
Plan your Waco stay with us
Rates start at $55 per night; call for current pricing and availability. Call 254-799-3105 or send us a message and we will reply within one day. You can also see our services.
