Camping near San Marcos

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95% (5947 reviews)
95% (5947 reviews)

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6 top campgrounds near San Marcos

100%
(340)

3 Dry Wells Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Blanco, TX
We welcome you to come enjoy the beautiful outdoors and dark sky on a scenic 110 acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Our family has lived and cared for this unique property since 1976 and we are still here today. We are conveniently located in Blanco, Texas less that 50 miles from either San Antonio or Austin and in the heart of the Texas wine country. Our campsites are next to a spring feed tributary creek which flows year around feeding into the Blanco River just a few miles away or hillside with amazing views of the river valley. You will enjoy the babbling creek, miles of hiking and biking trails, cooling off in the creek, scenic hilltop views, solitude, bold sunrises and sunsets, and a brilliant night sky. We have numerous old growth hardwood trees including Live Oaks, Spanish oaks, Elm, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, and Ashe Juniper (cedar) one of which has the largest circumference in Texas. We have a wide selection of native and migratory wildlife that calls this place home including white tail deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bobcats, jack rabbits, road runners, seasonal songbirds and butterflies. We are just minutes away from Blanco State Park and a short drive to Pedernales Falls or Guadalupe River State Park.
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$31.50
 / night
99%
(599)

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX
4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop car camping. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. No pets. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, picnic table, a semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No composting and/or personal toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. *Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is recommended for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. **No tent A/C’s or heaters** -small fans/electric blankets are recommended. *Canopy/umbrella is recommended for additional shade at site. *Fishing is allowed above and below the dam (valid fishing license required). *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. *No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign a Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *All children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Includes kayak and paddle board use. Please add them to your reservation. -Total headcount of adults and children on property has to match your reservation. Feel free to BYO watertoys (kayaks, SUPs, etc.). Water temperature is 72 degrees year round. Water level above the dam: approx. 10-20ft Water level below the dam: >10ft **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** To book property for events, please reach out for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!
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$50
 / night
95%
(87)

Ranch 3232

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Johnson City, TX
Ranch 3232 offers unique Texas Hill Country lodging with cabin rentals, air-conditioned glamping tents, RV sites, camping sites, and even a gypsy wagon—situated 1.5 miles from Pedernales Falls State Park and midway between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. We are Dog Friendly and Family Friendly with Amenities that include fire pits, a community kitchen, picnic tables, bath house, laundry facilities, and a perfect ridge for stunning sunsets. Journey down the Hill Country Wine Trail and experience the activities and attractions nearby: Pedernales Falls State Park Lyndon B. Johnson Nat’l Historical Park Hamilton Pool Preserve Blanco State Park Exotic Resort Zoo Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Johnson City Science Mill Twisted X Brewing Company Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery Texas Hills Vineyard Bell Springs Winery Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch Texas Hill Country Olive Co. 12 Fox Brewing Beerburg Brewing
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$25
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99%
(325)

Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX
These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.
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$40
 / night
96%
(459)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX
River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.
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$30
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97%
(260)

CampEZ in SxSouth AustinTX

60 sites · Tents2 acres · Austin, TX
Once owned by locally famous (at the time) D.G. Burrow who was a performing Country and Western musician here in Austin TX. Our 'campground/farmette' is about 2 acres (inside the city limits!), on a creek, kind of woodsy, and next to a pretty vast parkland greenbelt. Recent flooding made quite a mess but it's still pleasant here. Several friendly and permanent residents and farm animals. Creek-side private campground hideaway available. This is a CAMPGROUND: NO RV, ROOM, BED, INVOLVED - BRING A TENT AND GEAR FOR COMFORT (check my other listings for an RV stay). This a "want to camp" campground and not a living solution. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. 6 nights maximum stay. Not suitable for very young children. Please include your child in your count. Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. Community vibe 'round here; everyone is expected to be quiet and respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. Six night maximum stay. Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming flush restrooms included. Wood fired sauna available. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves especially in the kitchen, showers, restroom and, of course, your campsite. Trash and recycle containers are around or, better yet, pack it out! Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. We are a 2 acre community on a secret and secluded little street 5 miles due South of the capitol of TX and even closer (2.5) to the very hip SoCo area (Continental Club, Jo's Coffee, Guero's Taco Bar, El Mercado and lots more). I have 3 cats, 11 chickens, 2 little donkeys and sweet 4 mini goats here at my little and funky 'farmette' right on Williamson Creek (sometimes flowing and not really swimmable) and next to a huge wooded greenbelt with a quiet and unused nature trail. This is not a KOA or a state park. This is a home hostel/campground. It's kind of rustic and we like it that way. You may see a roach, ant or cricket and you may also see a deer, fox or coyote. We are busy and not always able to visit for long. Lots of remodeling and flood related cleanup chaos here but also lots of pretty and secluded nature. Short walk to bus stop and historic Sagebrush HonkyTonk and Austin Bergstrom Airport is 9 easy highway miles away. Rustic outdoor shower/kitchen/privy. BYOTent. No wild or excessive partying here please and please remember: no smoking. WE NOW HAVE A COVERED PING-PONG PLAYING AREA AND BADMINTON TOO!​ Other details to note: Street parking. Camping is a very short walk from parking lot. We have carts to tote your gear if needed. Sorry, this campground is not set up to be able to park next to your site. We do not supply towels, toiletries, tents or bedding. Camp fire in designated fire pits only with approval. BYO Firewood. NO GENERATORS OR RECORDED MUSIC. Quiet time: 9PM-9AM. Please be mindful and respectful of your neighbors. -Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)
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$25
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Under $50

Star Hosts in San Marcos

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near San Marcos guide

Overview

San Marcos sits on I-35 in the Texas Hill County, about 40 minutes southeast of state capital Austin. San Antonio is also pretty convenient to San Marcos. Head about an hour southeast on I-35 to reach it.

The clean, warm San Marcos River provides plenty of options for water recreation right in the city. Head to Rio Vista Park for particularly fun tubing or kayaking. Rio Vista Falls Dam is the area's centerpiece. Shoot the rapids and get extreme with a trip over the falls!

Keep in mind that Texas summers get very hot. You'll be dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s from June to September. Aim for spring if that doesn't sound like a good time to you! From March to May, highs average a more comfortable 80 degrees or so.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can head to Rio Vista Park for tubing or kayaking on the clean, warm San Marcos River. The area's centerpiece, Rio Vista Falls Dam, offers rapids and a trip over the falls for extreme water recreation.

If you want to avoid the hot Texas summers, aim for spring to visit San Marcos. From March to May, highs average a more comfortable 80°F or so in the city.

San Marcos is conveniently located near the Texas Hill County, about 40 minutes southeast of state capital Austin. It's also pretty convenient to San Antonio, which is about an hour southeast on I-35 from San Marcos.

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