The best waterfall campgrounds near Canyon Lake, Texas

To really understand Texas Hill Country, you have to get away from the buzzy metropolitan areas and escape to the rugged limestone cliffs carved by the majestic Guadalupe River. Canyon Lake is a quintessential Hill Country destination, with its beauty on display for hikers, swimmers, and tubers—and one of the best ways to experience it is on a camping trip. Make Canyon Lake your home base with day trips to nearby attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns and quaint small towns to make the most of your time.

99% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

To really understand Texas Hill Country, you have to get away from the buzzy metropolitan areas and escape to the rugged limestone cliffs carved by the majestic Guadalupe River. Canyon Lake is a quintessential Hill Country destination, with its beauty on display for hikers, swimmers, and tubers—and one of the best ways to experience it is on a camping trip. Make Canyon Lake your home base with day trips to nearby attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns and quaint small towns to make the most of your time.

99% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Best Dam Spot

99%

(725)

27mi from Canyon Lake · 7 sites · Tents · 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. Campsite includes: use of kayaks and paddleboards, unlimited river access, picnic table, 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. *Feel free to BYO wagon to haul gear to site! 🔌Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is required 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** *Canopy is recommended for additional shade at site. *Tubes/floats are recommended for below the dam. (floats/tubes not provided). *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings ONLY. Campers are responsible for monitoring/extinguishing fires. Do not cut any trees/limbs on property. *Metal grate is recommended for cooking on fire ring. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *ALL campers/guests on the property must arrive BEFORE dark to check-in, 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 for additional guests/friends visiting for the day. $25 per person/ per day. Includes kayak and paddle board use. Please add them to your reservation under "Extras." Limit 2 per site. -Total headcount of adults, children and day passes on property has to match your reservation. Water level above the dam: approx. 10-20ft. Water level below the dam is ankle deep to approx. 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 all 4 sites, please reach out for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!

2. Camping Near Hamilton Pool

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(951)

31mi from Canyon Lake · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · 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: $30 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. BRING FIREWOOD and/or charcoal because we have fire rings and BBQ cookers at most of the sites. You may also use a camp stove if you wish to bring one. Please, ABSOLUTELY NO UNATTENDED FIRES. We have a hot/cold outdoor shower our guests are free to use.

3. Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

98%

(607)

46mi from Canyon Lake · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bandera, TX

Hi Hip Campers! Spend some time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at Boulderdash. Located along the serene Medina River, you can enjoy riverfront access and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Boulderdash hosts a variety of accommodations for every type of camper. Enjoy a cozy rustic three-bedroom cabin, primitive tent camping, full hookup RV sites, riverfront tent sites, and more! Play in the river,(please check lake levels) unplug, reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy the views of this beautiful country setting! Enjoy feeding the deer and watching the many varieties of birds, foxes, armadillos, squirrels and others! Our place is just 9 miles from Bandera, TX, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," where you can get a taste of the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding, ranch tours, rodeos, museums, and more! This is one Texas destination you don't want to miss!

4. Secluded, great hill country views

99%

(55)

9.6mi from Canyon Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Spring Branch, TX

Come stay at Bird Haus Farms! We offer a secluded RV site with stunning views on several acres, away from our four short-term rentals. While the container pool is no longer available, there's a beautiful swimming hole just a short walk from the site (waiver required). Extra swimmers are $20 each. Bird Haus Farms is centrally located in the Texas Hill Country—just 30 minutes from San Antonio, 25 minutes from New Braunfels and Boerne, and 60 minutes from Fredericksburg. A Walmart and HEB are just across the highway, with Guadalupe State Park only 15 minutes away. We're also a quick 3-minute drive from Guadalupe Canoe Livery for river tubing and kayaking! Chickens, cows, and other guests’ dogs are on the property, so please keep your pets on a leash. We also have two cats and an electric fence—exercise caution. Amenities include: 50-amp electrical hookup Water and sewage hookup Toilet and sink inside a nearby shipping container Campfires allowed (if no fire ban) Reach out with any questions—we hope to see you soon!

5. Fishers Of Men Ranch

98%

(195)

49mi from Canyon Lake · 71 sites · Tents, RVs · Marble Falls, TX

Fishers Of Men Ranch is Perfect for Looking for a Private Place to bring yourself, family, and friends. Want to ESCAPE the HUSTLE and BUSTLE of Everyday Life! We’ve have the PERFECT Environment for Enjoying a Relaxing Stay here! We have Rustic, Rugged, Terrain to Hike, Discover, Explore, and Observe! Gorgeous 39 acres to Roam freely and find your favorite place to Get Away From It All! This is a GUEST RANCH ONLY! NO Dogs Allowed. Bill and Kaz will meet you at the Gate and Estcourt you into the Ranch and show you where to go. Need to Set up Arrival Time when giving information to Kaz for Invoice information she will ask for in a Text after you BOOK with HipCamp. You will LOVE it here at the Ranch because We are Different from other Camping places! We Strive to be Different! The April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse was an AMAZING Experience with OVER 200 Guests on the Ranch to View the Eclipse! Everything went Extremely WELL Without A Hitch! Thank You Dave for bringing your 4 Telescopes and Screen to View the Eclipse! Several others brought their Telescopes and Fancy Cameras! Thank all of you who shared your Telescopes! The Ranch has OPENED UP More Camping Roads to make more room for More Tent Camping! Used allot of them during the Solar Eclipse! Bill and Kaz are already Working on improving MORE Campsites after the Eclipse! Opening these New Campsite Roads has also OPENED UP More to Explore! Kaz will be ADDING More Pictures of Latest Goings On on the Ranch! Be sure and Checkout our Pictures of the Ranch! Most pictures taken with Cell Phones! All Pictures of the Animals are found on the Ranch, come see the many Varieties we have here! When you Book EXPECT a friendly Text from Kaz asking for information that she needs from you being this Ranch is Private Property. FRONT GATE STAYS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES! To Keep All On The Ranch SAFE! All RV and Tent Camping is a PACK Your TRASH IN and PACK Your TRASH OUT! Because of the Volume of Campers coming, the Ranch can NO Longer take your Trash! Buzzard's, Raccoon's, Foxes, and Etc. will get into the Trash! Don't leave TRASH Outside! ALL CAMPFIRES MUST BE DROWNED OUT! WATER is Provided and you are EXPECTED to DROWN OUT Your FIRES! And if Bottles Used REFILL Them! FREE Firewood is Provided. Oak Wood for Cooking and Cedar wood for Campfire ambiance! Keep Campfires LOW! NO Bonfire! All TENT Camping is Primitive! NO Facilities! RUSTIC! BRING a Potty and Tent or SHOVEL and BURY it! ALL Campsites are VERY CLEAN and Keep It Clean! FOR RVers We have ALL HOOKUPS for Water, Electrical, and Sewer! On WEST Side. EAST Side has Electrical and Water ONLY, to Use DUMP Station, Working on More Sewer Hookups in Future. Unless LARGE CROWD, Most of the Time the West Side is Available for RV Camping! NO Throwing Rocks in Lake because hurts your feet when walking on bottom! We are ASKING Everyone to HELP Take Rocks OUT OF LAKE! FOR SAFETY ON YOUR FEET! If Everyone Takes Out 6 Rocks No Matter the SIZE that will HELP RID of the ROCKS Out of the Lake! Of Course You Can Take More Rocks OUT! "KNOCK YOURSELF OUT" (LOL) PUT ROCKS STACKED IN A PILE ON NORTH END OF LAKE and Bill and Kaz will pickup the Pile. (Thank You in Advance!) NO MUDDING with 4X4 Vehicles because leaves BIG Ruts in the Mud and messes up the Lake Environment! Keep the Lake area beautiful! Kaz always had a DREAM to help kids with Life Skills & Mentor in God’s Principles because she had Christian Mentors growing up! They were always there for her through her life and kept her focused down the right path and stayed out of trouble and learned a tremendous amount from them! Bill her husband supports her and they raised 7 children together and have 10 grandkids. Kaz father was Asperger's Autistic and from 5 years old started showing Kaz hands on learning skills that are still instilled in her today! She found this to be a Valuable Lesson from her Dad. These methods and skills through the years working with her own children and other children through the years with different organizations confirm to be very beneficial and encouraging for the children growing up. Bill and Kaz have shared equally through all they’re projects during they’re 40 years of marriage. They’re Jack Of All Trades, Artists, Shown in Art Shows, Remodeled Homes, Churches, Work on the Ranch Together, and Etc. They are able to teach others how to do things that can benefit kids till they graduate and have a better understanding of what they want to do in their lives as an adult and PLUS have the mentoring to guide them through life. The Ranch has its main Mission to work with youth but is open to Renting the Ranch House that Sleeps 1 to 20 guests, and RV/5th Wheeled Campers Camp Sites and Tent Camping for them to Enjoy the Marvels that God has Created and Lot's to Experience, Explore, and Observe! The Ranch is PERFECT for Hosting: Weddings, Special Events, Retreats, Family Reunions, Youth Activities, Church Activities, Boy/Girl Scouts, Boys/Girls Club, RV Camper Clubs, and Etc. to accommodate whatever you need for the special essentials you would like to have provided for your special event! The Fishers of Men Ranch (Name) is Biblical and was Given to Kaz by the Lord 4 years before finding the Ranch. You see that the Lord had something Special here for Bill and Kaz to do for others Long Before they purchased the Ranch the LORD had His PLAN for Bill and Kaz. They have owned the Ranch since, July 2016. (For Hosting a Special Event Call, Text, or Leave Voicemail to the Ranch Directly) (Hosting Special Events handled through Ranch) Fishers Of Men Ranch is a Family Friendly Environment and Christian Based!

6. Haby Ranch

99%

(45)

48mi from Canyon Lake · 336 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Medina Shores, TX

Closed until February. Come enjoy over 1000 acres of a 3500 acre Texas ranch. Perfect for fossil hunting, biking, hiking, stargazing, and exploring the great outdoors. Depending on rain and current water levels, you can also enjoy creeks, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Unplug and make memories sure to last a lifetime. Located 10 miles from Bandera, Cowboy Capital of the World.

Public campgrounds near Canyon Lake

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Pedernales Falls Campground

29mi from Canyon Lake · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls Sponsored Youth Campground

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(1)

Pedernales Falls Sponsored Youth Campground

30mi from Canyon Lake · 1 site · in Pedernales Falls State Park

There are lots of great trees for Ham-mocking in your campground space.

88%

(10)

Moss Loop Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in McKinney Falls State Park

92%

(12)

Big Cedar Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in McKinney Falls State Park

100%

(11)

Mckinney Falls Youth Group Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 1 site · in McKinney Falls State Park

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(5)

Grapevine Loop Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in McKinney Falls State Park

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Little Oak Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in McKinney Falls State Park

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Big Oak Campground

38mi from Canyon Lake · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in McKinney Falls State Park

Stories from the community

angela

4 days ago

9 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

Boulderdash is quite amazing! We usually camp in tent campsites because we have a tiny camper, and we don't like to be among huge RVs. Boulderdash is a quite small campground but the design is great and RVs do not face each other and are not lined up, so everybody has privacy. We stayed for the first two nights in the RV site 3, and for the last night we moved to tent site 1 by the river. The tent campsites are the best for who likes nature. While they don't have water or power at the campsite itself, they have a great outdoor washing area with potable water, electricity and a picnic table. There's a port-a-potty besides the bathrooms on the hilltop. Our campsite had a fire ring, a grill, a great picnic table, and you're steps from the river. Water was pretty low but it was running because there are some springs that feed into it. Everything at Boulderdash is well thought out, the bathrooms are super clean and cute, shower is FANTASTIC! Every picnic table has a flower arrangement and a jar of corn to feed the deer, and a small shop. Wi-fi made camping bearable to our teenage daughter. Also fantastic are the hosts: Carole-Anne is super friendly, and received us with a pumpkin bread that she baked to all campers who were there on thanksgiving. That really set the tone right. She was super accommodating to our requests, and is just an overall nice person. Their dogs and cats are super sweet, as are the deer that come every day to get sone corn. We had a wonderful time!

M

Martine

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping Near Hamilton Pool

We had a wonderful stay at Sheri and Johnnie’s property. They both came to greet us when we arrived and were incredibly welcoming. They even offered to look after our dog while we visited Hamilton Pool, which was so thoughtful. It was a perfect experience - 10/10, we’ll be back!

Friendly donkeys nearby, sometimes you’d hear them at night

A

Aayna

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camping Near Hamilton Pool

Sheri and Johnny were extremely kind and hospitable hosts. We enjoyed the privacy of the campsites that were available (couldn’t see any of the other guests unless you went looking)! Very convenient if you’re looking to visit Hamilton pools which is just five minutes away. Also our favorite point was that it’s in an area with little/less light pollution from the city and so we were able to get really nice stargazing views!

R

Russ

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping Near Hamilton Pool

Great spot to camp with my boys and hit both Hamilton Pool for a dip and Reimers Ranch for some good hiking. Hosts were very nice and accommodating. Outdoor shower and the end of the trip was a nice touch too. Thanks. Hope to be back

A

Andrea

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

The host was wonderful, the spot and views were amazing! We were right off San Marcos River. The kayaks were the coolest addition. I couldn’t have picked a better spot for my sons’ first camping trip. Thank you for the sweetest memories. Will definitely be back.

R

Rebecca

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

The site was amazing with a bunch of fun activities to do and Laura was so helpful and kind.

B

Brenton

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

This is a nice small family run camp ground. Carol and Lyn were fantastic and proactively communicated with us. The site was beautiful and peace full. We'll definitely be back again.

A

Amy

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

we had such a great stay! the entire campground was beautiful and well-kept. the host was super friendly and showed us around, which we really appreciated. the wagons made it easy to carry our gear, and it was so relaxing to read while sitting in the water. we also loved using the provided kayaks, and the showers were a nice bonus after a day outdoors. highly recommend!

K

Krystal

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

This is the best camping spot!! 🏕 this is now our 2nd year coming to stay here and once again so relaxing and perfect! Laura is a awesome host and the spots are just amazing 👏 😍 see you again soon!!

D

Danielle

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

Great communication, wonderful location. It was very peaceful, close to the water, and it felt safe for me and my dog! The tent sites have a porta potty and outlets, very convenient. Highly recommend, it was a great time!

J

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camping Near Hamilton Pool

Owners are very friendly and accommodating. Beautiful camping grounds. Close proximity to Reimer’s and Hamilton Pool creates means plenty of activities for all ages and types of campers.

Mel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

Laura's property is absolutely beautiful and she really makes sure to take care of her campers. This is my second visit to this campsite and I will be returning. It is so peaceful with the sounds of the water flowing down stream it knocked me right out and I slept like a baby! The camp ground was extremely clean and if with only 4 campsites you were never too close together or felt like you didn't have your own space. We also had come right after a storm which of course brings all the critters out but everyone who works there made sure anything to bad was taken care of right away. For instance our campsite had lots of fire ants/ ants in general roaming around and within minutes of me letting them know, someone was down there laying down some ant keep away and the ants all dispersed within 20 minutes making it much more enjoyable. I can not stress enough how amazing staung here is if you have the opportunity.

Miral

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

Great camping experience with a beautiful river - you just can't go wrong with this place. Laura, the camp host, was phenomenal. She greeted us upon arrival and took the time to show us around the property. What really impressed me was when she called the morning of our trip to let us know about incoming bad weather and offered to let us reschedule with no problem. Very thoughtful. The site amenities exceeded our expectations. Having plug-in power was incredibly convenient, and the hot shower after a day of outdoor activities was a game-changer. Even the porta potty was well-maintained and clean. The real highlight was the river - it was absolutely beautiful! Laura provided paddleboards and kayaks, which we took full advantage of. Being able to hop on the water whenever we wanted made the trip special. We also had great success fishing and caught a bunch of fish throughout our stay. Overall, this was a fantastic camping experience. The combination of excellent amenities, a gorgeous natural setting, fun activities, and an incredibly welcoming host made for a memorable trip. I'd highly recommend this site to anyone looking for a well-equipped camping spot with plenty to do. We'll definitely be back!

J

James

October 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

We had a great stay. Tent site 2 has lots of room and plenty of shade. It’s a short walk down the hill to the river. Having the sink and porta potty down near the site made life much easier. The facilities up top are nice. Having cornhole there to play was a lot of fun and one less thing to bring. We’ll definitely be back.

C

Cailee

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

My friend and I had a great time on Laura’s property. We were able to stand up paddle board along the river- it was so quiet and peaceful.

H

Heshan

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at The Best Dam Spot

The best dam spot fs! Host was super nice and friendly!

A

Angie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

What a wonderful experience! The host were super sweet and helpful. The campsite was perfect. We loved the fact there was Cornhole to play and it was our nightly activity. The view walking along the river was beautiful! I'm so glad we found this place and can't wait to come back!

A

Abigayle

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Best Dam Spot

What a gem!!! An incredibly beautiful spot. Serene and quite with so many things to do with the kids. Loved that they had small kayaks for my daughter to use. One of the best dam spots i've camped at. We will return.

Eric

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fishers Of Men Ranch

I enjoyed my two nights here as my basecamp for exploring the surrounding area. I met and talked to both Bill and Kaz and they are kind and pleasant people who were responsive to answer any questions and make sure I was all set.

H

Hannah

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

Lyn & Carol-anne are incredible hosts and have one of the choicest plots of land along the Medina. Our favorite part was using the tubes they have available on site to float and soak in the sunshine. They have a lot of essentials on hand to buy if you forget something. We will be back :)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

The lower falls are a really great place to sit and listen to the peaceful sounds of the rapids!

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(66)

Pedernales Falls State Park

Round Mountain, Texas

95%

(45)

McKinney Falls State Park

Creedmoor, Texas

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterfall camping near Canyon Lake guide

Where to go

New Braunfels

Like nearby Fredericksburg, small towns like New Braunfels and Gruene (pronounced “Green”) embrace their German heritage through cuisine and holiday traditions. Gruene is home to one of Texas’s oldest dance halls, still hosting live music and dancing, while New Braunfels offers another beautiful spring-fed river, the Comal River, which delights throngs of tubers on summer weekends.

Wimberley

Wimberley mixes creativity and nature, serving as the homebase of many singer-songwriters. You can snag some great locally made finds during Wimberley Market Days on the first Saturday of each month between March through December, but even better, you’ll find some of the most Instagrammed Texas swimming holes near Wimberley: Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole, both refreshing swimming spots with green-blue water beckoning visitors to go for a dip.

When to go

To get the most out of your outdoor itinerary in Canyon Lake, we recommend visiting from March through November. Summer temperatures can be quite high in Hill Country, but it’s the best time for tubing down the Guadalupe River. Spring and fall are ideal for camping and hiking, while winter months can also be quite mild as well, aside from the errant cold snap. During the holidays, it’s fun to explore the multicultural traditions of San Antonio and the small Hill Country towns.