The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Columbus, Texas

Set up your tent along the riverbanks near Columbus, where over 280 riverside campsites put you close to cool water and wide-open Texas skies. Prices start at $35 a night, with an average around $55. You’ll find campsites with showers, toilets, and spots for campfires—essentials after a day spent horseback riding, hiking the cottonwood-shaded trails, or cooling off with a swim. Check out the top picks: Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR (170 reviews), Matt B.’s Land Treehouse!! (145 reviews), and Wild and Boujee Ranch (43 reviews). Pitch your tent under the oaks, wake up to the sound of the river, and spend your nights by the fire—this stretch of Texas makes camping straightforward and memorable.

97% (451)

Top-rated campgrounds

BEST IN TEXAS 2025!!! THANK YOU TO HIPCAMP AND ALL OF OUR FANTASTIC HIPCAMPERS!!! ITS BEEN THE ONE OF THE JOYS OF MY LIFE!!!

Set up your tent along the riverbanks near Columbus, where over 280 riverside campsites put you close to cool water and wide-open Texas skies. Prices start at $35 a night, with an average around $55. You’ll find campsites with showers, toilets, and spots for campfires—essentials after a day spent horseback riding, hiking the cottonwood-shaded trails, or cooling off with a swim. Check out the top picks: Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR (170 reviews), Matt B.’s Land Treehouse!! (145 reviews), and Wild and Boujee Ranch (43 reviews). Pitch your tent under the oaks, wake up to the sound of the river, and spend your nights by the fire—this stretch of Texas makes camping straightforward and memorable.

97% (451)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

99%

(271)

38mi from Columbus · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Smithville, TX

This 12acres of wildlife on the Colorado is full of natural beauty! WE HAVE HOT 🥵 SHOWERS 🚿 AND FLUSHING POTTY! We're In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed Roundtop and Lagrange home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) HOT 🥵 SHOWERS 🚿 AND FLUSHING POTTY! 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 NO EVS ALLOWED ACCESS TO OUR POWER!!! THERE IS A PET FEE ADD IN EXTRAS TAB Checkin is AFTER 3/4 BUT BEFORE 8p We're Asleep By 8p As We Rise By 3:30a Every Morning! If you've ordered extras please be sure 2 checkin inside the window 2 receive them! Otherwise you will have 2 request them the following morning. This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt/Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked/ Stressed From Fireworks Popping/Or Gunfire (AS I DO) It MayB Best 2 Leave Them Home,, 2 Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN B PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. 🚨 We CAN NOT Control Mother Nature Guys!🚨 When Travis Co. Opens The Gates On Us Little Guys Down River! (which makes 4 the BEST fishing BTW #MonsterCats) It'll Inevitably Flush The River Stirring Up The Sandy Bottom. When that happens the SandBar Is NonExistant As The Rising waters Cover it. Hipcamp now offers a weather insurance that U may want 2 add 2 UR booking just Incase Mother Nature decides 2 smack us around PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS! Please B respectful/courteous 2 All Guests/ campsite's/individual spaces! 📢 PSA Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 *We No Longer Have Cows Grazing! 🚨 RVs must be added in extras tab and ONLY allowed @ Site3 w/ Permissions 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV; RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views 4rm Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan; Want 2 Be @ A Bank Site. You'll Need 2 Get Permissions Frm The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏

2. Matt B.’s Land Treehouse!!

98%

(218)

4.5mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Columbus, TX

This is our family farm, though you probably will not see us much. The campsite is located on a corner of the property on Cummins Creek and once you get there you will feel secluded in nature. Matt grew up here swimming, fishing and exploring in this creek...the creek has taught him more about life than anyone ever could. I hope that you too can understand why we always walk alway feeling like this is a very special spot! Enjoy pizza oven, grill, fire pit, picnic table, hot tub, swimming, fishing, exploring and knowing your party is the only people that you be on this site. Update: Off the grid hot tub is back!!!

3. Wild and Boujee Ranch

98%

(65)

38mi from Columbus · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Smithville, TX

100 acres on the Colorado river! Great fishing, beautiful blue bonnets (during season) swimming, boating, walking trails, cows and donkeys to watch grazing, bird watching, and plenty more at this one of a kind ranch. Relax and enjoy unobstructed views of the stars. Kids are welcome to enjoy the great outdoors!

4. Stephen F. Austin State Park

100%

(7)

106 sites · San Felipe, Texas

History, camping, wildlife, and golf all intersect along the banks of the Brazos River.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Pleak RV Resort

100%

(1)

47mi from Columbus · 12 sites · RVs · Rosenberg, TX

Highlights: ✭ Supports All Size Rvs ✭ ✭ Private Bathroom Facilities With Showers ✭ ✭ High-speed, Hard Wired Internet Connections ✭ ✭ Premium, 54' & 79' Sites ✭ ✭ 150 Spacious, Paved Pad Sites With Concrete Roads ✭ ✭ Full-Service Hook-up With 50 Amp Electric ✭ ✭ Pet-friendly With Dog Washing Station ✭ ✭ 1 Mile From Hwy 59 & Ft. Bend Cty. Fairgrounds ✭ ✭ Propane Fill-up ✭

6. Firefly Ranch

100%

(49)

25mi from Columbus · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bleiblerville, TX

The property borders a small creek and has abundant trees, and wildlife. Beautiful views from every vantage with a high field on one half of the property and a low bottom land near the creek where there are many options for a relaxing, private stay. Chose big sky or a more secluded spot. Incredible wildflowers on display in the spring. The property is not bordered by close neighbors or dense housing, just more land so sunsets and rises are wonderful and open. Low ambient light pollution at night means the stars are very bright (and so are the fireflies)! Guests are required to communicate estimated time of arrival well in advance. When arriving, make sure to meet Aaron or a designate at the red gate before entering further into the property. If tent camping, please do not bring glass containers, also you must pack out all garbage and waste. Inquire ahead of time to see if firewood is available to be gathered on site, or if you will need to bring your own. No uninvited guests without 24 hour prior approval, and additional guest fees paid. Also please no more than one dog per site.

7. Lone Oak Farm

100%

(14)

38mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents · Smithville, TX

Lone Oak Farm is on the edge of Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Over 80 acres of prairie, forest and farmland, it boasts beautiful sunsets, wildlife viewing and quiet. Access to electricity, water and septic if requested or can be completely off grid and nestled in the trees. Walk along the river and watch the water fowl or sit under our oak tree and catch the rancher at work.

8. Kamani Creek

100%

(1)

48mi from Columbus · 1 site · Tent, RV · Millican, TX

Learn more about this land:Greeting from the birthplace of Texas! Washington on the Brazos! This is where Kamani Creek resides. You will be greeted with a beautiful, lush green wild flower field (in the spring) , with oak tree views surrounded by a quiet creek. You can relax in the evening and watch the most colorful sunset while drifting into the night skies to see the brightest stars. One can also watch our neighboring gated goats play which always bring a smile to everyone's face. Kamani Creek provides you with a complimentary picnic table, out-door fire pit, and self-served organic homegrown fresh mint tea leaves to pick to make fresh tea. 20 minutes from our property, discover Navasota, the newly remodeled historical downtown area that many tourist come for great shopping, vintage collectables, and to learn a lot about Washington county history. 15 minutes from our property is the Washington on the Brazos historic park. Come visit for there is so much to explore and see here in the country views of Washington on the Brazos. It's a gem you will never forget.

9. Valkyrie Ranch

82%

(25)

46mi from Columbus · 123 sites · Tents, RVs · Paige, TX

Valkyrie Ranch is a 500 acre wildlife preserve and event venue located in Paige, Texas. The ranch is mostly wooded (about 300 acres) with native Loblolly pines, blackjack oaks, swamp oaks, and post oaks. There are 17 acres of lakes that offer catch-and-release fishing for bigmouth and stripped bass. It is home to hundreds of endangered and functionally extinct animals. We are also the home of Thorin's Viking Mead - a popular mead and cider producer in Texas. (Tours of the winery are always available.) We offer primitive camping, dry camping for RVs, and boon docking. Located only 40 minutes from downtown Austin, one-and-a-half hours from Houston and San Antonio we are a great day trip and weekend getaway. Our camping locations are private, and the entire property is surrounded by security fence and has managed gate access.

10. Benjamin B.’s Land

88%

(12)

25mi from Columbus · 18 sites · Schulenburg, TX

Learn more about this land:Squawk & Skedaddle Campground is here to provide you a relaxing place to enjoy the natural surroundings of south central Texas. We have 10 spacious full hookup RV sites on the front of the property and and several more dedicated tent sites toward the back. We are located on almost 10 wooded acres, and most of our RV spots are shady for the majority of the day. Schulenburg is centrally located among a whole host of places - we like to think of it as both halfway to everywhere and in the middle of everywhere. We are an easy 1.5 hour drive to San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and New Braunfels, and even closer to Bastrop, Victoria, La Grange, and others. In addition, in our local area, we have a great variety of coffee shops, antique stores, and shopping.

11. The Oaks at High Hill Wedding Venue

23mi from Columbus · 12 sites · Schulenburg, TX

The Oaks at High Hill stands out as a unique campground due to its stunning location nestled in the picturesque hill country of Schulenburg, Texas, conveniently situated between Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This serene retreat spans twenty acres and is bordered by a natural, spring-fed creek, offering guests a tranquil escape surrounded by majestic live oak trees. The campground's natural beauty creates an idyllic backdrop for your perfect getaway. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful countryside, where outdoor activities abound. Explore nearby hiking trails, discover swimming holes, or enjoy a leisurely day of fishing. After a day of adventure, you can indulge in local dining options and explore charming shops in the surrounding area. Whether you're seeking a weekend of relaxation or an action-packed outdoor experience, The Oaks at High Hill provides the ideal setting for creating lasting memories in the heart of Texas.

Camper favorites near Columbus

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Pleak RV Resort

100%

(1)

47mi from Columbus · 12 sites · RVs · Rosenberg, TX

Highlights: ✭ Supports All Size Rvs ✭ ✭ Private Bathroom Facilities With Showers ✭ ✭ High-speed, Hard Wired Internet Connections ✭ ✭ Premium, 54' & 79' Sites ✭ ✭ 150 Spacious, Paved Pad Sites With Concrete Roads ✭ ✭ Full-Service Hook-up With 50 Amp Electric ✭ ✭ Pet-friendly With Dog Washing Station ✭ ✭ 1 Mile From Hwy 59 & Ft. Bend Cty. Fairgrounds ✭ ✭ Propane Fill-up ✭

Firefly Ranch

100%

(49)

25mi from Columbus · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bleiblerville, TX

The property borders a small creek and has abundant trees, and wildlife. Beautiful views from every vantage with a high field on one half of the property and a low bottom land near the creek where there are many options for a relaxing, private stay. Chose big sky or a more secluded spot. Incredible wildflowers on display in the spring. The property is not bordered by close neighbors or dense housing, just more land so sunsets and rises are wonderful and open. Low ambient light pollution at night means the stars are very bright (and so are the fireflies)! Guests are required to communicate estimated time of arrival well in advance. When arriving, make sure to meet Aaron or a designate at the red gate before entering further into the property. If tent camping, please do not bring glass containers, also you must pack out all garbage and waste. Inquire ahead of time to see if firewood is available to be gathered on site, or if you will need to bring your own. No uninvited guests without 24 hour prior approval, and additional guest fees paid. Also please no more than one dog per site.

Lone Oak Farm

100%

(14)

38mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents · Smithville, TX

Lone Oak Farm is on the edge of Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Over 80 acres of prairie, forest and farmland, it boasts beautiful sunsets, wildlife viewing and quiet. Access to electricity, water and septic if requested or can be completely off grid and nestled in the trees. Walk along the river and watch the water fowl or sit under our oak tree and catch the rancher at work.

Kamani Creek

100%

(1)

48mi from Columbus · 1 site · Tent, RV · Millican, TX

Learn more about this land:Greeting from the birthplace of Texas! Washington on the Brazos! This is where Kamani Creek resides. You will be greeted with a beautiful, lush green wild flower field (in the spring) , with oak tree views surrounded by a quiet creek. You can relax in the evening and watch the most colorful sunset while drifting into the night skies to see the brightest stars. One can also watch our neighboring gated goats play which always bring a smile to everyone's face. Kamani Creek provides you with a complimentary picnic table, out-door fire pit, and self-served organic homegrown fresh mint tea leaves to pick to make fresh tea. 20 minutes from our property, discover Navasota, the newly remodeled historical downtown area that many tourist come for great shopping, vintage collectables, and to learn a lot about Washington county history. 15 minutes from our property is the Washington on the Brazos historic park. Come visit for there is so much to explore and see here in the country views of Washington on the Brazos. It's a gem you will never forget.

Valkyrie Ranch

82%

(25)

46mi from Columbus · 123 sites · Tents, RVs · Paige, TX

Valkyrie Ranch is a 500 acre wildlife preserve and event venue located in Paige, Texas. The ranch is mostly wooded (about 300 acres) with native Loblolly pines, blackjack oaks, swamp oaks, and post oaks. There are 17 acres of lakes that offer catch-and-release fishing for bigmouth and stripped bass. It is home to hundreds of endangered and functionally extinct animals. We are also the home of Thorin's Viking Mead - a popular mead and cider producer in Texas. (Tours of the winery are always available.) We offer primitive camping, dry camping for RVs, and boon docking. Located only 40 minutes from downtown Austin, one-and-a-half hours from Houston and San Antonio we are a great day trip and weekend getaway. Our camping locations are private, and the entire property is surrounded by security fence and has managed gate access.

Benjamin B.’s Land

88%

(12)

25mi from Columbus · 18 sites · Schulenburg, TX

Learn more about this land:Squawk & Skedaddle Campground is here to provide you a relaxing place to enjoy the natural surroundings of south central Texas. We have 10 spacious full hookup RV sites on the front of the property and and several more dedicated tent sites toward the back. We are located on almost 10 wooded acres, and most of our RV spots are shady for the majority of the day. Schulenburg is centrally located among a whole host of places - we like to think of it as both halfway to everywhere and in the middle of everywhere. We are an easy 1.5 hour drive to San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and New Braunfels, and even closer to Bastrop, Victoria, La Grange, and others. In addition, in our local area, we have a great variety of coffee shops, antique stores, and shopping.

The Oaks at High Hill Wedding Venue

23mi from Columbus · 12 sites · Schulenburg, TX

The Oaks at High Hill stands out as a unique campground due to its stunning location nestled in the picturesque hill country of Schulenburg, Texas, conveniently situated between Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This serene retreat spans twenty acres and is bordered by a natural, spring-fed creek, offering guests a tranquil escape surrounded by majestic live oak trees. The campground's natural beauty creates an idyllic backdrop for your perfect getaway. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful countryside, where outdoor activities abound. Explore nearby hiking trails, discover swimming holes, or enjoy a leisurely day of fishing. After a day of adventure, you can indulge in local dining options and explore charming shops in the surrounding area. Whether you're seeking a weekend of relaxation or an action-packed outdoor experience, The Oaks at High Hill provides the ideal setting for creating lasting memories in the heart of Texas.

Public campgrounds near Columbus

100%

(7)

Stephen F. Austin Campground

28mi from Columbus · 106 sites · Tents, RVs · in Stephen F. Austin State Park

Stories from the community

View of the beautiful treehouse from on the water.

B

Brandon

1 week ago

With pets

2 nights at Matt B.’s Land Treehouse!!

This spot was good would go again and recommend lot of things to do

Damey

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Absolutely loved our stay. Having a warm shower and running water was a huge plus with a family. We enjoyed fishing and using the watercraft and everyone there was super friendly.

f

fer

2 weeks ago

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

It Was a Great Place! Very Beautiful And The host Was very Nice. The Bathroom and shower, Very Clean. It also felt Very safe.

C

2 weeks ago

14 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Wild and Boujee Ranch

We really enjoyed our 4 day 3 night stay at Wild and Boujee right on the Colorado River. This spot is pretty secluded and offers a nice quite place to relax, fish, explore and unwind. The river sites, while 100% dry campsites offer ample shade and easy access to the water. We felt having a few more spots along the waters edge cleaned up a little would have allowed for more fishing opportunities where the water is a bit deeper. We definitely have this marked as a go to place close by our house for future trips. We really want to check this spot out during the summer. There is access to a water faucet close to the RV pads and Tent/Cabin which was nice for us to top off our small offgrid camper.

S

Sharlene

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Big beautiful campsite right along the Colorado river gorgeous view. Super cute bath house with two showers one toilet there’s towels , shampoo, conditioner, and body wash available. There’s a separate dishwashing station on the left side of the bathhouse. The host was extremely nice very responsive. She’s on the ground so if you ever need anything, she’s there to help. We’ll definitely return!

A

Aaron

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

The site was big with a beautiful view of the river and well equipped with a fire pit, picnic table and even a hammock. Bathroom and showers were nice and clean and stocked with amenities like towels, bath rugs and even shampoo and body wash. There is a dish washing station on the side of the bathhouse that was very convenient and appreciated. Bridget was very friendly and helpful and she responded immediately to any questions. I would recommend staying here 100%

A

Andy

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Great camping spot! Camp was clean with a beautiful view and access to the river. Highly recommend it.

M

Michelle

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Terry's Spot is the perfect campground. Me and my company couldn't have enjoyed our time more. Everything was nice and clean. Bridget is the perfect hostess. Gave us a little tour of the land and showing us the hot tub shack. I highly recommend booking with Bridget for your next camping trip. We will be returning for another visit.

M

Mandi

November 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With pets

14 nights at Wild and Boujee Ranch

The camp is exactly what we needed! As we had several large dogs with us, it allowed our dogs to have the space and privacy that we needed as well as a nice peaceful vacation. Having the electricity there was very helpful! It was quiet and peaceful, and even though we had to move the trailer to dump and fill up water, it was still what we were looking for! And everything was there on site. Our host page was responsive and helpful! Would definitely stay again.

A

Alexandra

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

My friends and I had such a great time camping here! The view of the river was beautiful, we could birdwatch from our campsite (barred owl, red shouldered hawk, king fisher, great egret, red-bellied woodpecker), the bathroom, dish washing, and shower facilities were extremely well stocked and clean, we were given free recently felled wood to burn, we loved getting cozy by the large fire pit - it had foot rests and a surface for resting our stuff! Bridget was the most attentive and sweet host; she checked on us before we arrived, she immediately answered my questions about a fire ban, she visited after we got settled, she brought us a can opener when we forgot one, she checked on us when she was worried our neighbors might be too noisy (they weren’t). The only thing we didn’t love was how many ants were on the ground, but that 1. Comes with the territory of living in Texas and 2. Is a hard thing for any landowner to fix. Just make sure you wear socks and bug spray to prevent any bites! My friends and I agree that we found a new spot to add to our regular camping rotation, and we can’t wait to come back :-)

A

Amy

November 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

We fully enjoyed staying at Bridgette’s place. We were a small group at site 3 with 2 tents, a truck tent and small travel trailer. We had plenty of space. There was another group at site 2. We could hardly hear each other (but did play some songs together). It was nice to have the bathroom close. It even had hot water. We look forward to staying there again.

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild and Boujee Ranch

Loved this spot! The location was perfect, easy to find, and great for setting up a large tent. We set up a 16ft bell tent. It’s close enough to town for convenience but far enough to feel like you’re in a completely different, peaceful place.

DON

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lone Oak Farm

Great spot! I will definitely be back! The campsite was clean and right on the river!

The boats are meant for one but there's just enough room for a friend (provided it's a dog).

S

Sidney

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Matt B.’s Land Treehouse!!

At first we were worried we weren't going to have enough room, but we worked it all out and Man... This place is awesome. The swing under the tree house was so peaceful. You are completely secluded. NOBODY around. The pizza oven was a huge success with the kids. All around it was a very private place to just relax and forget about the week you had.

🏕️ site #3 PRIVATE Tucked into the woods a bit but just feet from the riverbank and the community bathhouse!! This Is A Pic Of SITE 3 The following pics reflect the entire camp views

H

Hattie

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Great location. Nice place to unplug. Toilet, hot shower and a dish wash station - life changing!!

G

Gabriel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

Bridget was a great host and the site was awesome!

V

Vanessa

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild and Boujee Ranch

We enjoyed tent camping by the river at this property. It was a pretty location with a small access point to get into the water and wade around. There are plenty of trees for shade. We reserved the pad but didn’t end up using it.

m

mike

October 2025

8 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Wild and Boujee Ranch

Wonderful location for camping. A porta potty and shower are a must if you’re camping ⛺️ wilderness style.

E

Emilio

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

So relaxing and peaceful. Away from anything but close enough to everything. I went on my own for two and found it to be the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.

Emily

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

We had the most fantastic weekend staying on Bridget’s land. The super cute camper was the perfect size for me and my 2 daughters. There were kayaks available and a boat that we were able to use on the river. The scenery was amazing and so relaxing- literally right on the river. The bathroom was the best I have ever used on a camping trip. There is a flush toilet and 2 showers with plenty of hot water! Bridget was so kind and communicative about the property and with questions I had. I will definitely be back. It is so worth it- you won’t regret staying here!!