- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Gatesville
86% (164) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gatesville
Blue Hills Ranch
1. Blue Hills Ranch
88%
(4)
23mi from Gatesville · 4 sites
Welcome to Blue Hills Ranch, located in the heart of central Texas, just 15 minutes outside Waco. Blue Hills Ranch was named after the 150 acres of beautiful rolling hills covered in bluebonnets that bloom a beautiful blue each spring. We're also home to natural ponds, lakes, free-roaming wildlife, and the Blue Hills Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary. With amazing views as far as the eye can see, majestic hills, and sunsets that will leave you in awe, your guests will be talking about your special day for years to come. Blue Hills Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit 501c3 dedicated to giving animals a forever home.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$150
/ night
The Heart Rock Ranch
2. The Heart Rock Ranch
31mi from Gatesville · 1 site
Located in the rolling hills of Central Texas our neighborhood is just 0.5 miles away from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Ride your bike or take a walk to enjoy water activates such as swimming, fishing and boating.
While staying at our property you can sit back and relax while watch the deer graze, play cornhole, or practice your disk golf putting.
If you want to explore, we are 8 miles from downtown Salado where you can visit boutiques, art galleries, wineries, craft breweries, go for a picnic, sit in the spring fed creek, or eat delicious food at local restaurants.
In the fall, winter, or early spring feel free to light a fire in our 8x5 foot heart shaped firepit (burn ban permitting).
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$55
/ night
M2 Non-Profit Horse Rescue
3. M2 Non-Profit Horse Rescue
100%
(2)
37mi from Gatesville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome Hip Camper’s
Welcome to M2 Ranch. We are a small working equine therapy and training operation housing a Non-Profit 501©(3) serving Veterans and their families.
Welcome Llama’s 8/2025
Come watch the horses rescued from the wild and gentled to be used for therapy and rehabilitation.
We house Mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management and work closely with their conservation efforts.
We currently house guests 7 days a week and welcome the traveler. Come and stay with us for a night or a week. We have flexible arrival and departure times for travelers.
We are located 20 minutes outside Waco, in a beautiful ranch community surrounded by cattle ranches and thousands of acres of beautiful TX pastures. Magnolia Silos, Baylor University, and historic downtown Waco are all a 20-minute drive.
What we offer:
RV hookups, with 50-amp power, Wi-Fi, and access to the property. ($50 a night donation). RV must have a self-contained restroom.
We offer private horseback lessons, trail rides for the individual, and an on-site meet and greet with the horses. (Fees apply)
Pets are welcome on leash only.
We welcome you to the central Texas area. 100% of your donation goes directly toward the nonprofit 501©(3)’s horse feed fund.
*Please look us up on Facebook, Harvest Hosts, BoonDocker’s Welcome, and on our website: https://www.mustang2ndchancefoundation.org
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$50
/ night
Meridian State Park
4. Meridian State Park
86%
(7)
State park 31mi from Gatesville · 46 sites
Anglers take note: this small lake packs a large diversity of fish.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Whitney State Park
5. Lake Whitney State Park
86%
(14)
State park 40mi from Gatesville · 145 sites
Find lakeside camping, family fun, and plenty of ways to get on the water.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Whitney Rose Rv Park
6. Whitney Rose Rv Park
40mi from Gatesville · 1 site
9ac 1000ft off the main road makes for a quiet little getaway a couple minutes away from the lake.
We have 1/3mi walking trails, 40x120ft dog park with dog washing station, good wifi, showers, and laundry. Located 1hr south of DFW and 45min NW of Waco, Tx, just a few minutes south of the town of Whitney, and a couple minutes from Lake Whitney. This is a wonderful lake for stripper and bass fishing, as well as cliff jumping and boating activities.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$36
/ night
No Stress Nest @ Lake Whitney
7. No Stress Nest @ Lake Whitney
100%
(4)
43mi from Gatesville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Property includes two concrete platforms for R.V. and tent sites. Outdoor fire pit / grill, firewood, with kayaks, outdoor furniture and coolers available.
Water available, no RV hookups.
Tiny home on property also available to be included for an additional fee. Includes shower and bathrooms.
Lake access across the road from property.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$18
/ night
Lake Serenity Ranch
8. Lake Serenity Ranch
46mi from Gatesville · 4 sites
Lake Serenity Ranch is a 20-acre haven featuring a tranquil 6-acre lake at its heart. Nestled amidst lush pecan orchards, the property provides an idyllic setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Guests can launch their canoes or rowboats using the on-site ramp or enjoy fishing, kayaking, or swimming from the private dock. Whether you're casting a line to catch fish or paddling through the serene waters, the lake and dome cabins offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Our expansive grounds give you plenty of space to explore and enjoy an enriching, nature-filled experience.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$170
/ night
Parsons Marina At Lake Whitney
9. Parsons Marina At Lake Whitney
41mi from Gatesville
Parsons Marina at Lake Whitney stands out as a unique destination where breathtaking sunsets and serene waterfront views create an unforgettable experience. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Whitney, this campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the beauty of Texas or simply unwinding in a tranquil setting.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Parsons Marina has something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking in the nearby natural areas. After a day of exploration, you can indulge in local dining options and visit charming shops in the vicinity.
With its stunning scenery and convenient amenities, Parsons Marina is the perfect place to create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this hidden gem—book your spot today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Whitney!
Colorado Bend State Park
10. Colorado Bend State Park
99%
(79)
State park 51mi from Gatesville · 47 sites
Wilderness, waterfalls, and caves galore along the Colorado River in central Texas Hill Country.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
86% (164) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gatesville
Blue Hills Ranch
1. Blue Hills Ranch
88%
(4)
23mi from Gatesville · 4 sites
Welcome to Blue Hills Ranch, located in the heart of central Texas, just 15 minutes outside Waco. Blue Hills Ranch was named after the 150 acres of beautiful rolling hills covered in bluebonnets that bloom a beautiful blue each spring. We're also home to natural ponds, lakes, free-roaming wildlife, and the Blue Hills Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary. With amazing views as far as the eye can see, majestic hills, and sunsets that will leave you in awe, your guests will be talking about your special day for years to come. Blue Hills Giraffe & Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit 501c3 dedicated to giving animals a forever home.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$150
/ night
The Heart Rock Ranch
2. The Heart Rock Ranch
31mi from Gatesville · 1 site
Located in the rolling hills of Central Texas our neighborhood is just 0.5 miles away from Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Ride your bike or take a walk to enjoy water activates such as swimming, fishing and boating.
While staying at our property you can sit back and relax while watch the deer graze, play cornhole, or practice your disk golf putting.
If you want to explore, we are 8 miles from downtown Salado where you can visit boutiques, art galleries, wineries, craft breweries, go for a picnic, sit in the spring fed creek, or eat delicious food at local restaurants.
In the fall, winter, or early spring feel free to light a fire in our 8x5 foot heart shaped firepit (burn ban permitting).
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$55
/ night
M2 Non-Profit Horse Rescue
3. M2 Non-Profit Horse Rescue
100%
(2)
37mi from Gatesville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome Hip Camper’s
Welcome to M2 Ranch. We are a small working equine therapy and training operation housing a Non-Profit 501©(3) serving Veterans and their families.
Welcome Llama’s 8/2025
Come watch the horses rescued from the wild and gentled to be used for therapy and rehabilitation.
We house Mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management and work closely with their conservation efforts.
We currently house guests 7 days a week and welcome the traveler. Come and stay with us for a night or a week. We have flexible arrival and departure times for travelers.
We are located 20 minutes outside Waco, in a beautiful ranch community surrounded by cattle ranches and thousands of acres of beautiful TX pastures. Magnolia Silos, Baylor University, and historic downtown Waco are all a 20-minute drive.
What we offer:
RV hookups, with 50-amp power, Wi-Fi, and access to the property. ($50 a night donation). RV must have a self-contained restroom.
We offer private horseback lessons, trail rides for the individual, and an on-site meet and greet with the horses. (Fees apply)
Pets are welcome on leash only.
We welcome you to the central Texas area. 100% of your donation goes directly toward the nonprofit 501©(3)’s horse feed fund.
*Please look us up on Facebook, Harvest Hosts, BoonDocker’s Welcome, and on our website: https://www.mustang2ndchancefoundation.org
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$50
/ night
Meridian State Park
4. Meridian State Park
86%
(7)
State park 31mi from Gatesville · 46 sites
Anglers take note: this small lake packs a large diversity of fish.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Whitney State Park
5. Lake Whitney State Park
86%
(14)
State park 40mi from Gatesville · 145 sites
Find lakeside camping, family fun, and plenty of ways to get on the water.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Whitney Rose Rv Park
6. Whitney Rose Rv Park
40mi from Gatesville · 1 site
9ac 1000ft off the main road makes for a quiet little getaway a couple minutes away from the lake.
We have 1/3mi walking trails, 40x120ft dog park with dog washing station, good wifi, showers, and laundry. Located 1hr south of DFW and 45min NW of Waco, Tx, just a few minutes south of the town of Whitney, and a couple minutes from Lake Whitney. This is a wonderful lake for stripper and bass fishing, as well as cliff jumping and boating activities.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$36
/ night
No Stress Nest @ Lake Whitney
7. No Stress Nest @ Lake Whitney
100%
(4)
43mi from Gatesville · 1 site · Tent, RV
Property includes two concrete platforms for R.V. and tent sites. Outdoor fire pit / grill, firewood, with kayaks, outdoor furniture and coolers available.
Water available, no RV hookups.
Tiny home on property also available to be included for an additional fee. Includes shower and bathrooms.
Lake access across the road from property.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$18
/ night
Lake Serenity Ranch
8. Lake Serenity Ranch
46mi from Gatesville · 4 sites
Lake Serenity Ranch is a 20-acre haven featuring a tranquil 6-acre lake at its heart. Nestled amidst lush pecan orchards, the property provides an idyllic setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Guests can launch their canoes or rowboats using the on-site ramp or enjoy fishing, kayaking, or swimming from the private dock. Whether you're casting a line to catch fish or paddling through the serene waters, the lake and dome cabins offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Our expansive grounds give you plenty of space to explore and enjoy an enriching, nature-filled experience.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$170
/ night
Parsons Marina At Lake Whitney
9. Parsons Marina At Lake Whitney
41mi from Gatesville
Parsons Marina at Lake Whitney stands out as a unique destination where breathtaking sunsets and serene waterfront views create an unforgettable experience. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Whitney, this campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the beauty of Texas or simply unwinding in a tranquil setting.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Parsons Marina has something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking in the nearby natural areas. After a day of exploration, you can indulge in local dining options and visit charming shops in the vicinity.
With its stunning scenery and convenient amenities, Parsons Marina is the perfect place to create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this hidden gem—book your spot today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Whitney!
Colorado Bend State Park
10. Colorado Bend State Park
99%
(79)
State park 51mi from Gatesville · 47 sites
Wilderness, waterfalls, and caves galore along the Colorado River in central Texas Hill Country.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Karen
June 2025
Tent
Lovely, welcoming, and cozy modern spot very close to the lake!!
See moreKaren
June 2025
Tent
With pets
Wonderful, quiet spot in a heritage neighborhood on lake Whitney. Lots of outdoor seating, and a stunning tiny house with a full kitchen, ample sleeping quarters, and lovely baths. I wish I could have stayed longer for an evening around the fire pit! Kelly was super communicative, and helped me find the house in the dark when I got in much later than planned.
See more
Karrie Ellyn
March 2025
Tent
The owners were very nice very helpful and responded quickly to every question and request that I. Also , there were caiacs available with paddles and fishing poles. Nice little chill area with a fire pit. An easy access to the lake.We loved it.
See more
