River, stream, or creek camping near San Marcos
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
96% (3722 reviews)
- San Marcos
96% (3722 reviews)
Popular camping styles for San Marcos
Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in San Marcos
12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near San Marcos
99%
(459)
The Best Dam Spot
7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$50
/ night
100%
(7)
Secret Blanco River Camping
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · San Marcos, TX
My place is conveniently located in town, but still offers a private feel, as there are no developed homes nearby.
My lot has 140 feet of riverfront, great for kayaking, fishing, swimming, or bird watching. I especially love this property during the fall, spring, or winter because the water during this time is crystal clear.
Paddle or hike about a mile downstream and you will find where the San Marcos River and Blanco river converge. Or start upstream on the San Marcos River and you can paddle straight back to camp! There is no potable water, restrooms, or electricity on site, this is just raw land.
If you are a nature lover like me, you’ll really enjoy the company of the property’s majestic Cypress trees, Cottonwood trees, Pecan trees, Walnut trees, wild blackberry vines, grapevines, and some beautiful birds (hawks, blue heron, crane, cara cara, and more).
My favorite to time camp here is Sept-May. Summertime can get a bit dry and the river slows, but still holds water all year round and still offers a peaceful and private feel.
Note: if you’re driving all the way down to the river, there is one part of the car path that is somewhat steep and narrow. This has never been an issue, but if you are trying to drive back up the hill on a wet day, 4wd is recommended. When it’s dry, most cars/trucks will be fine. If you have any concerns you can park at the top of the hill (about a 400ft walk to the river.)
Contact me if you have any questions, I know the area very well and would be happy to help guide you to some of my favorite nearby spots (swimming holes, restaurants, shopping centers, etc.)
Pets
Campfires
from
$55
/ night
96%
(198)
CampEZ in SxSAustinTX
69 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. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. 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 respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. One week maximum stay.
Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming compost priveys 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 6 sweet 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 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 of your neighbors.
-Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$25
/ night
82%
(124)
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Spring Branch, TX
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds started out as a smaller Campground and Marina back in 1963! Over the years has grown and changed hands a few times to become an RV Park, Primitive Campgrounds, Cabins, Glamping.
The newest ownership in 2021 is revamping this charming Hill Country Spot into a destination Campground for all Campers, Weekenders and RVs to enjoy for years to come!!
With this drought, our part of the River has dried up and we can just pray for the rain Gods to bring it back soon!! Till then, Camping and hanging out with family is the best with the HIll country view out here under the big Texas starry sky!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$15
/ night
97%
(380)
River Forest Haven
46 sites · Lodging, 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
99%
(63)
Tipis on the Guadalupe
10 sites · Lodging1 acre · New Braunfels, TX
Over an acre of land off of beautiful River Road in New Braunfels, our Tipi resort is an oasis of relaxation, escape from the hustle, and Glamping! Everything is on site for you to have a great getaway...cozy Tipi cabins, well-appointed private bath house, Guadalupe river frontage, hammocks, BBQ grills, and picnic space, all under a canopy of trees! We even have tube rentals and cool merch for purchase on site! Come see us...
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$199
/ night
99%
(65)
Longhorn Getaway Campgrounds
11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dripping Springs, TX
Come enjoy camping on the farm! Enjoy beautiful hill country views, 20 acres of walking trails, redneck golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, birdwatching, and more! We have 2 longhorns and a mini-donkey who roam the property and are friendly, but please don’t feed them. 7 available campsites with picnic tables and a fire rings, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock!
Well water available from the hose next to the shower (solar), Bathroom facilities available, (composting toilet)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$40
/ night
100%
(873)
Camping near Hamilton Pool
9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dripping Springs, TX
This is a relaxing spot in the Hill Country to camp and enjoy the surrounding area with nearby swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycle riding, and hiking on and around the Pedernales River, as well as the many restaurants, wineries, and breweries in the area.
We have a variety of campsites styles ranging from cozy secluded oak groves to more open spaces for camping under the stars.
Rates: $25 PER PERSON, PER NIGHT (minimum of 2 campers).
Children age 3 and under are free. If bringing children, please tell us how many and their ages.
Nearby Parks for hiking and swimming:
HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE (1.9 mi) is open by reservation for hiking and swimming. Visits are for 3 1/2 hour blocks of time. No dogs allowed at Hamilton Pool
MILTON REIMERS RANCH COUNTY PARK (2.5 mi) is nearby and is open for hiking, swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and cycling. Dogs on a leash allowed at Reimers. CASH ONLY! $5/per person, no reservation required. We love it there!
WEST CAVE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER (2.6 mi) is open by reservation only for guided tours of the waterfall/cave-no swimming allowed. No dogs allowed at West Cave
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK (34 mi) is open by reservation only for day use hiking and swimming. Dogs on a leash allowed
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA (71 mi) is open by reservation only for day use hiking on weekends and holidays.
If we are not under a burn ban, BRING FIREWOOD and/or charcoal because we have fire rings and BBQ cookers at most of the sites. If we are under a burn ban, campfires (even in fire rings) are not allowed, but bring some charcoal because you may still use BBQ Cookers, which we have at each of our sites. You may also use a campstove if you wish to bring one.
We have a hot/cold outdoor shower our guests are free to use.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$50
/ night
97%
(74)
Owl Hollow at San Marcos
8 sites · Tents5 acres · San Marcos, TX
Whether you want to get reacquainted at Owl Hollow with your better half, reconnect with nature, stargaze, or simply enjoy the tranquility, these 5 acres are covered with cedar and oak.
**Park your vehicle in the front designated area in reverse, explore and pitch your tent ⛺️ in your favorite spot.
**One vehicle per campsite, there is an extra fee per extra vehicle(s) whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends or your partner, make yourself at home in one of the designated Hipcamp areas.
**We provide a communal fire pit/grill area, and you can also bring your own grill. Remember to bring your own grilling utensils. (If Hays County does not have a burn ban in place, feel free to use the fire pit).
**We offer a communal restroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. There is a sink outside the bathroom to wash your dishes (please use eco-friendly dishwashing liquid), or to fetch water for coffee. This is well water and believe us, it is cool, refreshing and great tasting!
**You can also walk, jog or ride your bike down the street thru the winding hill all the way to the cul-de-sac.
Owl Hollow is in the middle of Texas Hill Country, you make the choice how relaxing or busy you want to be during your stay with us.
**One of your many choices is to go swimming or float the Lazy San Marcos River at Rio Vista Park which is 7.6 miles.
Owl Hollow is conveniently located:
40 miles from Austin TX, while San Antonio is 55 miles away. Texas State University is 7 miles near. Hiking nearby at Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Spring Lake Preserve.
**On Saturdays between 8:30-12:30 there's the farmers market downtown at the Plaza.
***Owl Hollow Hipcamp is just a few minutes drive from open-air shopping, the outlets, entertainment, local eateries and activities.
***Owl Hollow’s policy is:
LEAVE OWL HOLLOW AS YOU FOUND IT OR BETTER!
(TAKE WHAT YOU'VE BROUGHT:
trash, cigarette butts, bottle tops, bottles, cans with you!)
We’ve pruned the landscape a bit and cleared some areas, but we think we’ve left plenty of wildness for you to reconnect with nature and nurture your soul.
Create your dream trip for a weekend, holiday trip or during the week and visit us at Owl Hollow Hipcamp.
***We would love to host you. PLEASE LEAVE OWL HOLLOW THE WAY YOU FOUND IT or BETTER!
We are a pet eco friendly camp, you need to PICK UP YOUR PETS POOP.
No trash bins/pack it and take it with you.
Thank you, hope to see y'owl soon,
Oscar and Mary Lou
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
99%
(245)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
$50
/ night
67%
(3)
Morrison Farm and Stables
6 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Del Valle, TX
A paradise for nature enthusiasts! With its vast acreage, picturesque ponds, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding, it offers a perfect escape into the great outdoors. The option to enjoy campfires and provision of food and beverages adds to the allure of the experience. It seems like an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure in a natural setting.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$15
/ night
94%
(253)
Off Grid Immersion Camp
9 sites · Lodging, Tents85 acres · Dale, TX
****Recent Update****
Due to new adjacent properties developments, and new neighbors moving in nearby, there are occasional neighboring barking, music and gunshots that can be heard from the distance, which is pretty common out in the countryside here.
***************************************************************************************
There is currently a group of 10 people who spend the majority of our time living and striving to create community on these 85 beautiful acres of land.
Our goals are to establish a thriving community, grow most of our own food,
build tiny houses to rent or sell, create sustainability and be as self sufficient as possible, salvage
material for builds, host events and retreats, teach classes, and more. Please feel free to ask questions and share any interest you may have in what we are doing here.
Our property is a densely forested 85 acres with a walk-able 2 miles around the perimeter of the property and many trails and hidden nooks to explore throughout the heart of this beautiful escape back to our natural roots. We are in the process of mapping out the trails- which we plan to make available soon! For now those of you with a sense of adventure and desire to explore will certainly be satisfied.
We have a full acre size pond and a kayak that you can feel free to use. There is a communal area around the pond that we will be adding to in the near future- you may run into some of our community members or other campers there from time to time, we invite you to socialize, bring a chair, perhaps a beverage or snack and get to know each other and us as well if we cross paths!
You will observe and encounter wildlife in abundance including a variety of birds, wild hogs, opossums, armadillo, moles, spiders, scorpions, butterflies, praying mantis, walking sticks, snakes- keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and copperheads, deer, many insects, and more. Please be cautious and treat these creatures' home with respect for them as well as yourselves. Our property is also home to some lovely cows, chickens, a few dogs, and several cats- they (other than the cows who do what they please) generally remain in areas away from our camp sites though they may still decide to stop by to say hello!
We have many spaces available for camping throughout the property. These are primitive campsites on raw land so you will need to provide your own tent, water, food, and operate with a leave no trace mentality when camping here. There are areas that can accommodate large groups of campers as well as very secluded nooks if you are looking for a private retreat into nature. There is plenty of fallen wood available for firewood and a fire pit will be prepared for you before arrival!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
$25
/ night
Under $50
Available this weekend
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
River, stream, or creek camping near San Marcos guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to experience the great outdoors near San Marcos, Texas with a river? We've got you covered with over 1,490 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, we have the perfect camping spot for you. Check out top-rated campsites like Lost Woods (380 reviews), Boulderdash Cabin & Camping (362 reviews), and Camping near Hamilton Pool (596 reviews) to get a taste of what other campers have loved. With popular amenities such as toilets, trash facilities, and potable water, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying nature. And if you're looking for some adventure, you'll find activities like horseback riding, surfing, and snow sports nearby. So pack your gear and get ready to make some unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.