The best great views campgrounds near San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos sits on I-35 in the Texas Hill County, about 40 minutes southeast of state capital Austin. San Antonio is also pretty convenient to San Marcos. Head about an hour southeast on I-35 to reach it.

The clean, warm San Marcos River provides plenty of options for water recreation right in the city. Head to Rio Vista Park for particularly fun tubing or kayaking. Rio Vista Falls Dam is the area's centerpiece. Shoot the rapids and get extreme with a trip over the falls!

Keep in mind that Texas summers get very hot. You'll be dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s from June to September. Aim for spring if that doesn't sound like a good time to you! From March to May, highs average a more comfortable 80 degrees or so.

98% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

San Marcos sits on I-35 in the Texas Hill County, about 40 minutes southeast of state capital Austin. San Antonio is also pretty convenient to San Marcos. Head about an hour southeast on I-35 to reach it.

The clean, warm San Marcos River provides plenty of options for water recreation right in the city. Head to Rio Vista Park for particularly fun tubing or kayaking. Rio Vista Falls Dam is the area's centerpiece. Shoot the rapids and get extreme with a trip over the falls!

Keep in mind that Texas summers get very hot. You'll be dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s from June to September. Aim for spring if that doesn't sound like a good time to you! From March to May, highs average a more comfortable 80 degrees or so.

98% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Best Dam Spot

99%

(729)

8.9mi from San Marcos · 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. Secluded, great hill country views

99%

(56)

29mi from San Marcos · 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!

3. Pedernales RV Park

95%

(41)

31mi from San Marcos · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Johnson City, TX

Leave flat and drab RV lots behind and come see our hill country views from sites nestled amid stair stepped hills and oak trees. Our park has topography, character, and shade with teeming wildlife and abundant Tx beauty. If you like wild, pure, peaceful country living, then you are who we made this RV park for. Whether you stay for one night or many, come home to Pedernales RV Park. We offer pull through sites and spacious big rig pads with 30/50 amp hookups, sewer, complementary Wifi, and garbage service. We love animals and welcome your pets as well. The park is still under construction with more amenities being added. Sites are very limited at this time. If you like boondocking and have a 4x4 you may be interested in our remote hill top. Prefect for remote tent camping. There are no utilities in this area.

4. River Grove Campground

99%

(403)

32mi from San Marcos · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. (Both Diamond A and Walmart sell fishing licenses if you need one. Dogs are allowed at sites 3 and 4 but not at 1 or 2 where my livestock guardian dogs have access to. 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 in the area frequently 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. Please Contact me through the Hipcamp app. Tub of mixed firewood ( pecan, hackberry, sycamore and chinaberry $15 Tub of split pecan wood $20 $5 cash discount off total but can also accept Zelle, cashapp, PayPal and Venmo.

5. 3 Dry Wells Ranch

100%

(430)

35mi from San Marcos · 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.

Stories from the community

Camp site is next to an old pioneer rock wall fence and in a grove of mature trees

Sean

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

This was our second stay here, and we’re glad we came back. The first trip was about 50% rain, so we wanted to come back and fully enjoy Blasingame Camp. William and the Gray family are super friendly, the property is beautiful and very private, and there’s plenty to keep adults/kids/pup entertained without leaving. Being close to Blanco Square is a big bonus, and the bathroom upgrade since our last visit was much appreciated. Highly recommend — we’ll be back.

Campsite fire ring and cedar stump seats

Loyce

1 week ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Absolutely beautiful, large and well-maintained area that includes large fire pit, table and chairs, tent pad, and easterly view of area. Would have been an awesome sunrise if not for foggy morning. Peaceful night under the Texas stars!

N

Nicholas

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Grove Campground

The camp site was excellent. Very secluded and right on the water. You're camping on grass and sand, so no mud (which is excellent since it rained overnight during our stay). Do know that you can hear some highway noise in the distance but cannot see any car lights. Overall a great stay and we'll be coming back!

Lauren

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

William’s land was perfect for a friendsgiving camping trip! Felt super safe and private. Really easy to get to - didn’t see anybody besides our group while we were there but were still close enough to town for anything we needed. Nice trails around the property to explore and we appreciated that you can have firewood at the site upon arrival. Would definitely recommend!

K

Katelyn

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Beautiful view and the firepit was so cozy. 10/10 would recommend

M

Mauricio

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

Love the camping next to the river and peaceful. I will definitely will come back

M

Micaela

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Loved it! The two provided chairs and table made a big difference!

n

nash

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Beautiful property! Great views, didn’t see another person! Popped in letter in the afternoon to pitch a tent and stay the night, campsite was clear and ready with firewood!

L

Loic

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Secluded, great hill country views

My family and I had an amazing stay! Secluded and super large area for us alone, with a wonderful view on the hill country. Waking up to the view was an awesome experience!! It was very quiet and yet all amenities for our camper (50A power, water, sewer…). My kids were able to run around, and enjoyed seeing the cattle on site, as well as deers that passed by.

Tent pad under the mature Live Oak with gorgeous views of the creek valley beyond

J

Jacob

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Our family of four with a pup had a great time camping here. It was easy to find, yet very private. Nice flat terrain for your tent with beautiful views of hill country. We would definitely come back! Thanks William!

E

Erik

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Great site! Highly recommend for privacy and great views.

B

Benjamin

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at River Grove Campground

The views, the sounds, the stars, the privacy—Billy’s property is perfect for a get-a-way. This was my second trip of many more!

K

Kelda

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Best Dam Spot

Fantastic campground! Friendly hosts and easy camping.

E

Evan

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Scenic and private camp site. Fire pit and tent pad were well kept and we really enjoyed our stay. Would stay here again.

S

Sarah

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

The property was absolutely gorgeous, perfect for the dogs. We went to the top of the hill and enjoyed the view. Would definitely recommend.

N

Norma

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Beautiful views, perfect spot for a tent, the small table was very useful. Overall, great stay!

C

Casey

November 2025

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Amazing spot! We absolutely loved it. Great host!

Tom

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

Our group had a great time at this property! Laura had excellent communication with us and we enjoyed taking the paddle boards out on the river.

Melody

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Best Dam Spot

Beautiful place and the host Laura was so easy to communicate with. Our youngest daughter has camped here several times and we decided to join in this time and it did not disappoint! We will be back.

J

Josie

November 2025

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.