The best family-friendly glamping near New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels, the river tubing capital of Texas, sits between Austin and San Antonio in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Both the Guadalupe and Comal rivers flow through the city, making it a top destination for riverside camping, swimming, boating, and floating. Experience the European heritage of the first German settlement in the Lone Star State between excursions on the rivers.

97% (960)

Top-rated campgrounds

New Braunfels, the river tubing capital of Texas, sits between Austin and San Antonio in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Both the Guadalupe and Comal rivers flow through the city, making it a top destination for riverside camping, swimming, boating, and floating. Experience the European heritage of the first German settlement in the Lone Star State between excursions on the rivers.

97% (960)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 3 Dry Wells Ranch

100%

(427)

33mi from New Braunfels · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blanco, TX

We welcome you to come enjoy the beautiful outdoors and dark sky on a scenic 110 acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Our family has lived and cared for this unique property since 1976 and we are still here today. We are conveniently located in Blanco, Texas less that 50 miles from either San Antonio or Austin and in the heart of the Texas wine country. Our campsites are next to a spring feed tributary creek which flows year around feeding into the Blanco River just a few miles away or hillside with amazing views of the river valley. You will enjoy the babbling creek, miles of hiking and biking trails, cooling off in the creek, scenic hilltop views, solitude, bold sunrises and sunsets, and a brilliant night sky. We have numerous old growth hardwood trees including Live Oaks, Spanish oaks, Elm, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, and Ashe Juniper (cedar) one of which has the largest circumference in Texas. We have a wide selection of native and migratory wildlife that calls this place home including white tail deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bobcats, jack rabbits, road runners, seasonal songbirds and butterflies. We are just minutes away from Blanco State Park and a short drive to Pedernales Falls or Guadalupe River State Park.

2. Ranch 3232

95%

(131)

39mi from New Braunfels · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Johnson City, TX

Ranch 3232 offers unique Texas Hill Country lodging with cabin rentals, air-conditioned glamping tents, RV sites, camping sites, and even a gypsy wagon—situated 1.5 miles from Pedernales Falls State Park and midway between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. We are Dog Friendly and Family Friendly with Amenities that include fire pits, a community kitchen, picnic tables, bath house, laundry facilities, and a perfect ridge for stunning sunsets. Journey down the Hill Country Wine Trail and experience the activities and attractions nearby: Pedernales Falls State Park Lyndon B. Johnson Nat’l Historical Park Hamilton Pool Preserve Blanco State Park Exotic Resort Zoo Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Johnson City Science Mill Twisted X Brewing Company Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery Texas Hills Vineyard Bell Springs Winery Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch Texas Hill Country Olive Co. 12 Fox Brewing Beerburg Brewing

3. Sound Ground

96%

(380)

29mi from New Braunfels · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blanco, TX

Sound Ground is a woman-owned operation rooted in land stewardship, community, creative expression, and planet-minded living. Set on 10 acres in central Texas, we currently offer immersive camping opportunities and are working to expand into event hosting, musical collaborations, education, and local agrarian offerings. Built upon an ethos that connects human well-being with the health of our planet, Sound Ground welcomes travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, city-worn individuals, and creative communities who seek a genuine connection with nature and one another. Kasey is Sound Ground's visionary and founder, but the vision has been and always will be powered by the community it serves to support. Join us in soaking up the magic of this space for a night or 3, and feel free to inquire about longer term stays.

4. HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve

92%

(180)

38mi from New Braunfels · 62 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boerne, TX

We're happily retired partners loving life in this wonderful oasis... And working hard to make it a bit better for our animals and guests, every single day. Mickey's recently retired from 21 years traveling the world with International Joint Special Forces and Vicky's a Cordon Bleu Chef who also recently retired. We are living our dream "retirement" in this gorgeous wooded Texas Hill-Country, caring for and playing with all sorts of fun animals and welcoming lovely people to our ranch/wildlife preserve/nature- resort, personally ensuring everyone has a memorable experience, from customized horseback-riding experiences (everything from trail rides, to horseback riding lessons to weddings and vows-renewals on horseback), to serving as concierge to preparing that special "made to order" fresh country breakfasts, champagne brunches and romantic or fun meals and treats like chocolate covered strawberries for any special occasion, including anniversaries and birthdays.

5. Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

100%

(79)

28mi from New Braunfels · 1 site · Lodging · Lockhart, TX

Welcome to your own private holler—where magic hangs from the trees and time slows to a whisper. Robin’s Nest is a real treehouse—built atop 7 oaks with no tape measure, no level, and no blueprints—just imagination, old wood, and 150-year-old treasures tucked into every corner. It’s not a house on sticks next to trees. It’s in the trees. And when you’re here, you’re not on our time. You’re on treehouse time. This isn’t polished, modern luxury. It’s barefoot luxury. A dreamy, playful escape with simple comforts: a swinging queen daybed, open-air master bath in the tree with you, fire pit, cowboy hot tub, and a rope cargo net for lounging in the forest. There are trails to wander, frogs to sing you to sleep, and stars above. Push open the double doors. Slide the futon against the handrail under the roof cover. Turn off the lights and leave only the fairy lights glowing. Across the pond, a spotlight shines on a little feeder, and if you’ve been quiet, you’ll see deer, raccoons, and other critters play in the dark—like a living storybook, better than TV. Leave the doors open. Let the cool AC wash over you. This moment is yours. The entire holler is yours. No neighbors. No campers. No shared anything. Just you and the wild around you. This land is a working wildlife sanctuary, cared for with 50 years of hands-on learning. Please don’t bring poisons—they hurt the good critters too. The yellow-and-black mud daubers? Harmless to humans, deadly to harmful spiders. The big harmless, banana spiders keep flies and mosquitos away. It's nature in balance. If the pond’s low, bring a float or take our kayaks ten minutes away to a secret bend in the San Marcos River. We’ll share the pin. Your close to town but, fully immersed in nature, so it's not ideal for small kids to wander alone. Ladders, beds, and trails aren’t built to code. Adults should be fit and wear sturdy shoes if going far from camp. One night is fun. But your happy place deserves more than that. This is your holler now.

Stories from the community

J

Josie

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

What an amazing spot! Truly a blessing of a getaway from the city. Thank you for hosting us and making a place for others to enjoy your property and creation.

b

bill

2 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Beautiful piece of land, plant life is all indigenous and covered in wildlife, lucky to own such an awesome area in the hills. Very kind hosts, helped us out a lot. Every site we saw was great, clean, nice equipment, such an easy and enjoyable stay.

Tent inside with Queen bed, mini fridge and AC

Lisa

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Ranch 3232

We had a fantastic stay this past weekend in the Apache Tent! The set up inside the tent was roomie and very comfortable. The restroom/shower area were close and clean. They had many welcoming touches through out the site. Hoping I can find a weekend to return with my grandson.

V

Vladimir

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

Awesome campsites that are cozy! Kasey was an excellent and responsive host. The campsite was exactly what we were looking for with the mix of glamping and camping. We were able to use the campfire and make s’mores while listening to music!

J

Jillian

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Stars were beautiful, and it was very private yet safe place to stay!!

T

Trent

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

We’ve stayed here many times and absolutely love it! Well kept, amazing views and always a good and relaxing time

R

Ronald

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

Great place to stay, would highly recommend!! Nice woodsy area with places to explore or just chill out.

M

Madison

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

What a beautiful property! Kasey was so nice and showed us around, made sure we had plenty of wood, and made us feel right at home. The stars were bright and the tent was very comfortable! The bed in the tent was so nice and the sleeping pads she offered were great. The walking trail was really pretty in the morning too. It was very quiet and safe, we definitely recommend this site

M

Michael

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Ranch 3232

This was a great spot. We were in our RV. Everything was great. The common area is great to hang out and visit. Will come back.

D

Diane

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve

This was an awesome experience for our young grandchildren. They learned so much about the animals and loved their first ever horse ride. There was a nice playground, hills and rocks. Things we don’t have at home. I would definitely do it again.

C

Charlotte

October 2025

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Hidden tranquil escape in the hill country with beautiful sunsets

L

Leslie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

Our stay at The Robin’s Nest was the perfect weekend getaway from the city. This unique home will truly have you sleeping in the trees. Everything you need is there, from coffee to firewood to a canoe for the pond! Shellie was friendly and helpful and quick to answer any questions I had. This is a special place. We look forward to staying here again!

R

Ryan

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

My wife and I and our 2 dogs enjoyed the treehouse very much. Secluded, but also close to stores and restaurants. Dogs loved swimming in the pond. The outdoor shower at night is cool. Host is responsive and makes good suggestions! Would stay again for sure. Relaxing vibes.

J

Jose

September 2025

With pets

1 night at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Absolutely a 💯 getaway camp spot. Plenty of trails and nice views

Doug

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

Beautiful landscape and sites. Very attentive to making sure I was comfortable

M

Muriel

September 2025

With kids

1 night at Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

We had so much fun staying here! A real treehouse experience!

A

Andrea

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ranch 3232

Great time just my dog and I in the Apache tent. The tent was very clean, the bed very comfortable and the best part was the little AC unit to keep things cool. I was actually the only one in the campground for the weekend. Nice to have the place to myself. Because it was August and close to the start of school the grounds were a little overgrown BUT clean!! I loved the fact they had little doggie poop bags around the campground that you could use. I did wake up on the second day without water to the campgrounds. But Ken was on top of it reaching out to me and providing bottles and gallons of water. Honestly, it wasn’t that big a deal…I mean it is a campground 😉 The best part was that the campground is less than 3 miles from Pedernales Falls State Park. It was nice to get able to go there and hike and swim, then get back to campground without a long drive. Overall, I will definitely be booking another stay there. Maybe when it’s not so hot!

L

Lee

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

My partner and I scheduled this stay on short-notice to get away before I started my new job. The weekend felt so relaxing, private, romantic, and adventurous. We stayed in August, so while it was a bit hot in the middle of the day, the AC in the cabin, outdoor shower, and bathtub provided lots of ways to cool down. The host was very responsive and helpful during our stay.

T

Tricia

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

The treehouse is so sweet! We had such a nice time and loved being outside with easily accessible comforts nearby.

L

Lila

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

This property and the owner are absolutely beautiful. Very responsive and everything you could ask for in a quick weekend trip. This is off the beaten path so be careful! We did encounter a Copperhead as well as some other friends of the forest. Nature was beautiful, extremely relaxing- HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near New Braunfels guide

Where to go

Guadalupe River

Some of the best campgrounds and RV parks in the region sit along the banks of the Guadalupe River. In summer, Texans flock here for a relaxing float in the sun. The river also provides year-round opportunities for fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Campers will find a bit of everything, from glamping tents and full hook-up RV sites to secluded tent sites right on the water.

Comal River

The cool, spring-fed waters of the Comal River—among the shortest boatable waterways in the country—come from the Edwards Aquifer right in New Braunfels. Another popular floating river, the Comal attracts visitors with its calmer waters, shorter float time, and one epic tube chute. Camp along the water within walking distance of historic downtown New Braunfels.

Canyon Lake

Follow the Guadalupe River north and you’ll reach Canyon Lake, nicknamed the Hill Country Coast. Numerous campgrounds and RV parks line the 80 miles of shoreline. Head to one of eight parks along the lakeshore for swimming, boating, picnicking and camping.

When to go

The cool waters of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers make New Braunfels particularly popular during the hot summer months. It’s well worth visiting during this busy season for the river tubing, but be sure to book your campsite well in advance. To beat the crowds, plan a trip just before Memorial Day Weekend or just after Labor Day Weekend.

Know before you go

Many campsites offer river tube rentals, as well as shuttle services to bring you back after your float.
Texas summers can get hot and humid, so remember to drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids.
Disposable containers are not permitted on either the Guadalupe or Comal. Transfer your beverages and snacks to reusable water bottles and food containers before your float trip.