The best star host 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.

99% (4.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Marcos

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.

99% (4.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near San Marcos

1. Secluded, great hill country views

99%

(56)

29mi from San Marcos · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

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!

2. East Austin City RV Spot near River

100%

(23)

29mi from San Marcos · 2 sites · RVs

This RV spot offers the perfect blend of proximity to Austin's vibrant attractions, nature and the comfort of a cozy neighborhood setting. Situated on the side of my house, the site is 95' long. 38' of which is along my house. The width between the house and fence is 18 feet. This should fit any RV with 2 slides and awning being open. The entire lot is fenced in, granting guests(and pets) full use of the pool and yard. Enjoy privacy with no neighbors in the back and an 8' side fence where your RV will be parked. The lot is a city sized lot, less than 1/5 acre, but HipCamp won't let me put in less than 1 acre. Pictures show my white/red retro RV as well as other RV's and how they have fit with and without my RV. Backing in is best for trailers - motorhomes/vans can go forward or back in. You may find maneuvering backwards a bit challenging due to the angle from the street through the front gate and my house overhang. It can be done...it just may take a village! :o) There's plenty of room to tandem park a towed vehicle in front of your RV(fenced in too!), and both 50amp and 30amp electric hookups are located on the back side of my house near the water hookup. (NOTE: Hipcamp will not let me notate in the fields that I have a 50amp AND a 30amp, thus I have 2 sites listed. I have had 2 RV guests stay at same time, but will not book that unless I get the ok from all parties.) LIVE sewer hookup isn't available because my clean-out is in the front of the house. Dumping can be done on the way in/out or with a portable tank.. Nestled in a charming, gentrifying neighborhood, expect the pleasant hum of city sounds (not overly loud) and glimpses of starlit skies. During your stay, I'll be residing in the house with my sociable dog, Toby. We'll be respectful of your privacy but available for any assistance you may need. Toby loves company, including other dogs, and has even been around cats with proper introductions. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to arrange a booking! HOT TUB IS BACK! Just in time for winter! Message me for discounts at 6+ nights and 20+ nights! I am considering ADD-ONS... most common is pet care while you're out enjoying Austin. Other ideas are e-bike/car tours (food, sites, real estate, etc); on-site massages, soubd bath, crafts.

3. Sound Ground

96%

(383)

30mi from San Marcos · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. Cozy Cactus Airstream with Hot Tub

98%

(20)

30mi from San Marcos · 1 site · Lodging

Newly remodeled vintage Airstream in the big backyard of a Central East Austin home. 3 miles from downtown. The ice cold AC, heat, queen memory foam mattress, conventional plumbing and hot tub allow for the perfect "glamping" experience. Quiet, charming neighborhood, yet close to all the excitement. Shower under the stars in the large, private outdoor shower with a wall of Jasmine. Enjoy our flower gardens from the hot tub. Fast WiFi. Walk to art studios, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, live music venues, theaters, food trucks & hike+bike trails, the neighborhood swimming pool, farmer's markets and urban gardens. 2 queer adults+ 1 small dog live in the main house. This 31ft Airstream sleeps 1 comfortably (Queen mattress), two intimately. Enjoy our complimentary snacks and coffee + tea bar. All the basics are provided to cook a meal: pots, pans, cooking utensils, dishes, induction stove, large convection toaster oven, mini fridge are included.

5. Yeager Creek RV Resort

97%

(17)

31mi from San Marcos · 36 sites · Tents, RVs

45 acres nestled in Texas Hill Country along Yeager Creek. Come set up your tent in our cozy meadow and enjoy time exploring the trails on our property, discover hidden spaces, enjoy a warm campfire, and meet other travelers. We have a shared community space with flush toilets a short walk down the road. We look forward to hosting you soon! Pedernales Falls State Park - 6 miles away: swimming holes, hiking, mountain biking, and birding are a few of the quintessential outdoor Texan activities visitors enjoy most at Pedernales Falls State Park. Wineries and distilleries are a short drive away in nearby Dripping Springs and Johnson City. Pets are welcome! Please make sure your dogs are always on leash and picked up after.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Slip on in...enjoy Austin...come to your home away from home! There's no "real" grass on the property. However, the gates in the back can be unlocked to enjoy a long and wide green space. Very large park and the river is less than a mile.

Heather

2 weeks ago

21 ft Class B

2 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Loved the nice level parking. Hookups were easily accessible. Lucy is a very accommodating host and even helped print some documents I needed. Great location for visiting Austin.

A

Anthony

3 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to East Austin City RV Spot near River

I had a great stay at this camper spot! The host was incredibly accommodating and made everything super easy and comfortable. The space was clean, quiet, and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. We really enjoyed the setup and the overall vibe of the place. We’ll definitely be staying here again! Also Pet Friendly :)

A

Anika

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

This was an awesome experience! Super quiet lots of shade. Only 10 minutes from Blanco State Park we got to enjoy a morning fishing :) Cant wait to come back again

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.

M

Myriam

November 2025

With pets

1 night at Sound Ground

A wonderful place to stay right outside of Austin. We will definitely be back!

C

Cody

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

Campsite was initially difficult to find, but after some help from Sarah, we found it easily. The walk to the site is very short. The campsite was beautiful, clean, and quiet. It was my son's first camping experience and soundground helped make that awesome for him. I would highly recommend any of the numerous sites that soundground has to offer. We are planning on coming back around the beginning of march

J

Joshua

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

The site was beautiful and pretty well kept. Kasey was friendly and quick to respond to respond to messages. Definitely recommend this spot!

V

Vladimir

November 2025

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!

Current RVer - nice lady too! If you want to RV here, your RV will be along side the house(in front of her airstream.) 50amp is available so would need adapter if too high of amperage) Being along side the house will likely hinder slides being able to be put out. Please message as she's month to month and situation may change

Mitchell

October 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to East Austin City RV Spot near River

We had an absolute blast staying at Lucy’s RV spot in East Austin! From the moment we arrived, she made us feel right at home. The site was level, fairly easy to back into, and had everything we needed—electricity, water, a spot to dump, privacy, and plenty of room to relax after exploring the city. Lucy was incredibly kind, welcoming, and quick to help with anything we needed. Her dog Toby was the sweetest — he made our stay even more special with his friendly personality and daily visits! The location couldn’t be better: so close to downtown Austin. Having access to the pool and green space was a huge plus, and it made the stay feel like a mini vacation instead of just an RV stop. If you’re looking for a quiet, well-kept RV spot near the heart of Austin, this is the one! Thanks again to Lucy (and Toby!) for being such amazing hosts — we’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town.

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

T

Trevor

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

Amazing property that felt like a mini state park with a surprising amount of trail to walk for a private property! The stay was very private and peaceful 10/10 will book again

C

Chris

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to East Austin City RV Spot near River

We stayed at Lucy's during the second weekend of the 2025 ACL Music Festival. Place was great, easy to get to and only 10-15 minutes from downtown either driving or with uber. The bonus was her dog Toby, a lovely friend during coffee in the morning. Would highly recommend if in the Austin area.

K

Keeghan

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy is an absolute gem! Her space was peaceful, welcoming, and somehow still so close to everything. It was the perfect little escape, and you can really feel the love she puts into hosting. Her dog Toby is the sweetest and loved hanging with our pup. Couldn’t have asked for a better stay—thank you, Lucy! Can’t wait for our next stay! We will miss you! Thanks for being our first Hipcamp host ❤️

J

Jesse

September 2025

5 nights at Cozy Cactus Airstream with Hot Tub

Truly awesome stay. Adrienne went out of her way to always make sure I was comfortable.

Jasper

September 2025

25 ft Class C

3 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Staying with Lucy was very nice, especially because of Lucy! She's a really kind and warm person. The site was well kept and all amenities worked as advertised. The location is nice cause its close to downtown and nature.

P

Paul

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded, great hill country views

This camping spot was a very awesome and unique site, including beautiful views just out of the city foreigner to feel secluded but also within 15 minutes from modern conveniences. The watering hole here is immaculate, beautifully clear water with an awesome swing by the tree to relax after a nice cool plunge. I would very much stay here again Bringing friends and family to this wedding venue like establishment.

Doug

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Sound Ground

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

B

Beatrice

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy is absolutely lovely and was so welcoming to my whole family including my toddler and cat. We set up our camper alongside her backyard and we really enjoyed being able to use her pool and having the yard to play with our son in. The location is really convenient to downtown without actually being downtown. I would definitely come back here again if I needed a spot to stay in the city!

S

Samantha

July 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Secluded, great hill country views

Sarah and her husband are wonderful hosts! My camping space was absolutely beautiful, they were super helpful if I needed literally ANYTHING, and the extra friendly animal friends just added the icing for my trip ☺️ Being a gated property, I felt extremely safe.

D

David

July 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Secluded, great hill country views

We had such a great time on our recent trip to the swimming hole just outside of San Antonio! The campsite was peaceful and private—perfect for relaxing and letting the kids run around. They especially loved spending time at the swimming hole, which was a major highlight of the trip. We also really appreciated the farm fresh eggs—absolutely delicious! It was the perfect balance of country charm and convenience, with just a short drive into San Antonio where we visited Sea World and strolled the River Walk. Highly recommend for families looking for a fun and refreshing getaway!