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The Best Dam Spot

99%
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· Staples, Guadalupe, Texas
3 acres hosted by Laura M.
4 tent sites
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Texas: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Laura is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only. **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are permitted) *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping is allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, picnic table, semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water, rinse off shower 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. *50ft-100ft extension cord is recommended for electrical access at sites. (extension cords not provided). **No tent A/C’s** *Small fans are recommended *Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) and outdoor patio are private. For reserved parties only. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *Children 5 and under are free! When booking, add children in this age group under “Extras” *For children 6 and up, please add them as “adults” to your reservation. *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!
Activities
Fishing
Paddling
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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99%
463 ratings · 384 reviews
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Kathy M.recommends
April 19, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Fabulous site.
The location really is exceptional on the San Marcos river and besides the dam. Beautiful clean water to swim in with use of the canoes and paddle boards upriver and fabulous birds and swimming down river where the camping is. Laura has a gem in the spot aptly named "Best Dam spot"!! However on the Saturday night Laura had , in my and other campers opinions over booked the site which was overcrowded. We were told we would have a picnic table and did not have one as all taken up. Sunday night was empty and blissful !
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Megan M.recommends
April 16, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Amazing Campsite
We had a great weekend camping. We were 3 families with 3 young children total and had a relaxing and fun time. The water access is amazing and the amenities offered were such an added bonus. The kayaks and paddle boards with life jackets made it so easy to explore the river with our little ones. The sound of the water over the dam was the perfect sound machine for falling asleep. The sites were all full but we never felt too crowded. Such a great escape from the city for a few nights. Thank you for everything!
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Heather J.recommends
April 13, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Best camping experience I have ever had. We enjoyed everything from kayaking ( kayaks were provided) to great fishing. Couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming host. Will definitely be returning.
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Olivia L.recommends
April 11, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Staying at this camp spot what such a treat! Laura is a welcoming and friendly host and easy to get in touch with. The San Marcos River which runs through the camp is beautiful—you can paddle or kayak up the river for a calm & relaxing afternoon. We enjoyed a morning swim each day, followed by a warm water outdoor shower. The spread of campers was nice, we had our own picnic table for cooking meals and keeping our things. It’s great to have the lantern lighting that comes on at night and ability to charge phones off the extension cords. I would highly recommend this place for anyone considering a stay in the area!
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Claire B.recommends
April 10, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Everything was amazing. Laura, the property, the river. Highly recommend!!!
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Christopher C.recommends
April 8, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
A yearly tradition.
Just like the title says. Going to the best dam spot is becoming a yearly tradition for our family. Laura is a friendly and accommodating host with a beautiful camping spot with plenty to offer. There are kayaks and paddle boards provided that you can take down the San Marcos river. When we took out the kayaks, we saw cows along the shoreline and even in the water. It was such a cool experience and another one for the books. We are so incredibly happy to have this spot and will definitely be back for more adventures. This truly is the best dam spot.
Location
Staples, Guadalupe, Texas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Jumanos, Coahuiltecan, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Tonkawa, and Sana First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Laura M.Joined in July 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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