The best campgrounds near Smithville, Texas with horseback riding

Looking for a camping adventure near Smithville, Texas? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1000 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a fan of pitching a tent or prefer the comfort of an RV, we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Lost Woods with 380 reviews, Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway with 321 reviews, or The Best Dam Spot with 292 reviews. Trash, potable water, and campfires are popular amenities, while wind sports, off-roading (OHV), and historic sites are among the favorite activities. Explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

95% (855)

Top-rated campgrounds near Smithville

Looking for a camping adventure near Smithville, Texas? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1000 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're a fan of pitching a tent or prefer the comfort of an RV, we've got you covered. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $45 per night. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Lost Woods with 380 reviews, Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway with 321 reviews, or The Best Dam Spot with 292 reviews. Trash, potable water, and campfires are popular amenities, while wind sports, off-roading (OHV), and historic sites are among the favorite activities. Explore the great outdoors with Hipcamp!

95% (855)

Top-rated campgrounds near Smithville

1. P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

93%

(146)

49mi from Smithville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

*We were highly affected by the flooding in Georgetown, Texas. Please understand that the river may look nothing like pics from before the flood, it has changed in many ways. Use code T8B6LGMW for a 25% discount to support rebuilding Welcome to P² Farm (Psquared), a true Texan gem nestled on 30 acres of idyllic countryside just outside of Georgetown, Texas. Our working horse farm offers an authentic rural experience unlike any other, with stunning sunsets that paint the Texas sky each evening. Our farm is home to a delightful variety of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, and our friendly farm cats and dogs. Our camping sites offer the chance to really dive into nature with access to beautiful trees and the san gabriel river while still being just a few minutes walk away from electricity and running water. Camp right underneath our beautiful "Mother Tree" which captures the attention of all of our campers and trail ride participants. Book a trail ride or animal experience during your stay to get the full working farm experience. Enjoy our newly renovated communal Pavillion which offers access to 4 different kind of grills, a brick pizza oven, a propane firepit table, games, a microwave, coffee maker, and a fridge stocked with drinks to purchase. Well water is available from the sink located near the bathroom. Please remember, for the safety and comfort of our animals and guests, unsupervised interactions with our animals are not permitted. All animal interactions must be scheduled and supervised by our experienced staff. Also please remember that while our farm is a total of 30 acres, only about 1/3 of that is available for open use by campers, the rest house our beautiful horses and other animals. Our farm is situated just a short drive from local attractions. We are 10 miles from the Historic Georgetown Square, 11.2 miles from the serene Blue Hole, and 38 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin. We aim to offer you a tranquil and authentic farm stay amidst our horse-centric environment. Pack your tent and get ready for a unique Texan adventure framed by the beauty of nature and the peaceful rhythm of farm life.

2. Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

100%

(925)

21mi from Smithville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

GET AWAY without going FAR AWAY! Feels like the middle of nowhere, but it's only 25 miles to downtown Austin and 15 miles to the charming little town of Bastrop with its eateries, shops and historic buildings. Spend quiet nights in the country listening to the coyotes howl and the owls hoot. Hike the nearby Roughs (trailhead is 2 miles away) or book a river canoe or kayak trip with one of the local outfitters. Bring the family and have a weekend event under the trees and covered shade of our Pony Pavilion! Hollis and her wonderful voice, great stories and powerful ukuleles now offer LIVE MUSIC by your very own campfire, for your private enjoyment. (See the EXTRAS category to book a $20/45 minute/weather-permitting show, or a 1-hour Ukulele lesson, or just get with Hollis when you show up at camp) Enjoy the park trails, the Happy Horse on-site Scavenger Hunt, the delightful maze of campground trails (on your bikes!) and the peace and quiet! Happy Horse Hotel is on 22 acres conveniently located between Austin and Bastrop in the Pope Bend of the Colorado River. LCRA's fabulous McKinney Roughs Nature Park is 2 miles up the road, adjacent to the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. The camp area is 9 secluded, fenced and wooded acres laced with all-dirt flat biking and walking trails on our property. We encourage you to bring your bicycles along. The bird watching is great!

3. Twisted Oaks...

98%

(299)

48mi from Smithville · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Twisted Oaks is located on 21 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. The campsites are well spaced and several have large Oak tree canopy/shade. We encourage campers to purchase our firewood, we will make sure you have what you need at a fair price. I will also provide you with a small bundle of firewood for free upon arrival. The bundle is enough for one fire. Please be respectful. This is my home (35 years) and I do not need any help redecorating or rearranging. Please treat my property as you would want your home treated by a guest. No tobacco, but if you choose to smoke, do it in your vehicle. I work from my home. My workspace is separated and you will have your privacy. my workspace is separate from campsites and is off limits. Campfires are tied to weather, strong wind low humidity and dry conditions will be considered when allowing permitted fires....cook stoves are ok. We want our guests to enjoy and create lifelong memories...good vibes only.

4. Lake Somerville State Park

88%

(14)

202 sites · Somerville, Texas

Miles of lake and trails offer easy outdoor recreation in south central Texas.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Hill Country State Natural Area

100%

(9)

66 sites · Bandera, Texas

Ride your horse into the sunset on land practically untouched by modern civilization!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Firefly Ranch

100%

(49)

44mi from Smithville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. Valkyrie Ranch

82%

(25)

12mi from Smithville · 123 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

8. Hope Hill Park

23mi from Smithville · 21 sites

Nestled just 25 miles from the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, Hope Hill offers a unique retreat that combines the tranquility of nature with modern comforts. This picturesque campground invites travelers to unwind in a serene environment, whether you choose to bring your RV or stay in one of our charming Tiny Homes. Spanning 40 acres of natural beauty, Hope Hill is designed for relaxation and adventure alike. Guests can enjoy high-quality internet access, ensuring you stay connected while you escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Our private showers provide a level of comfort that rivals even the finest hotels, making your stay both convenient and luxurious. At Hope Hill Park, you can immerse yourself in outdoor activities, explore nearby swimming holes, or indulge in local dining and shopping experiences. Embrace the opportunity to live differently and create lasting memories in this beautiful haven.

Public campgrounds near Smithville

Lake Somerville Nails Creek Unit Campground

80%

(6)

Lake Somerville Nails Creek Unit Campground

35mi from Smithville · 60 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Somerville State Park

Sunset on Lake Somerville. We had a waterfront camping spot!

94%

(8)

Lake Somerville Birch Creek Unit Campground

38mi from Smithville · 142 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Somerville State Park

100%

(5)

Comanche Bluff Campground

47mi from Smithville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hill Country State Natural Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Crystal

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

What a cozy little spot! My camp spot was in close proximity to the river, so you could hear the stream, sit right beside a large pecan tree, and hear a few song birds chirp. Great quick getaway for me!

S

Sundar

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Twisted Oaks...

My son and I had a great time camping here! John and Nugget were wonderful hosts - very friendly, welcoming and helpful. John helped guide us to a spot that had enough vertical clearance for our RTT and helped us get our “camp kitchen” setup. It’s a beautiful property - we didn’t get to explore as much as we would have liked because it rained but we will definitely be back!

J

Jud

November 2025

2 nights at Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

Always a great place to stay!! Will come back again and again…

L

Lindsey

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

My friends and I had an absolute blast on the pasture mingle campsite. I will say though, if you’re looking for a lot of privacy, you’ll probably want to go with the mother tree location. Since this campsite is next to the barn where horse rides begin, there were people coming in and out a lot during our stay. Didn’t bother us, and we preferred being right up next to the horses, with two sheep roaming and playing around for us to watch. I’d recommend this spot to families with kids who like animals, and the mother tree location for people who want more of the private river spot. Overall we were very pleased.

R

Rohan

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

Super hospitable and helpful! Loved my large group’s stay here.

Plenty of room at each campsite. This is the "Purple" campsite area!

A

Adele

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twisted Oaks...

John has an amazing property that's perfect for tent camping. Each site has its own unique charm - you can't go wrong!

T

Taylor

November 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Twisted Oaks...

John’s place is in a great location—15 min to San Marcos and 35 min to Wimberley. He’s a quirky San Marcos local; super nice guy and very accommodating. The neighbors have farm animals and we enjoyed watching/listening to them. There’s only 1 spot that will fit an RV or bus, which is right on the fence line next to the neighbors. We enjoyed our stay.

S

Stuart

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

My girlfriend and I had a magical weekend at the ranch. It was easy to find- close to Georgetown which has a nice market on Saturdays- yet remote enough to stargaze. We rode horses and played with the goats, ponies, and a litter of 8 7-week old puppies. At night the hosts brought us plenty of firewood for our spot near the horse pasture. It was a very fun and friendly experience all around.

We brought our own camping chairs, but there were also chairs available and picnic tables.

J

John

November 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

We had a blast at Happy Horse! Definitely Recommend!

K

Kara Lund

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

My friend and I truly had the whole place to ourselves! Our room was perfect and the bed was super comfy!! Love that it was a king bed!! Great experience, high recommend!!

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

It was quiet and a beautiful. I liked walking down by the river bank and listening to nature.

J

Josh

October 2025

16 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

A true hidden gem near Austin. Excellent well-kept site with excellent facilities and super fun activities on offer. The hosts were extremely accommodating and understanding when we needed to move our booking as my partner fell ill one night. Excellent views of the night sky. We absolutely loved chatting to the host Beaux who was super friendly and helpful. We loved chatting to Beaux

M

Mark

October 2025

26 ft Class C

4 nights at Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

We have camped here for five years and every time it has been as good as one would like Hosts are friendly and helpful

Catherine

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

Great place to camp and very accommodating host. The place is full of little magic surprises!

N

Nicole

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

Awesome host and the cutest animals! The space was also beautiful and shaded

J

Jeff

October 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

We had a great stay with Hollis, friendly hosts, we will be back!

CJ

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

3rd time staying on the campgrounds and it was just as amazing as the first time. Hollis and Beaux are just so amazing and very great hosts! Brought my daughter this time and she also enjoyed life under the stars away from the city. Such a great hidden gem!

D

Dale

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Twisted Oaks...

John was very friendly and provided us with extra water. We were tent camping and NONE of the RV parks near San Marcos allow tents. John's place is primitive camping about 8 miles northwest of San Marcos which is okay.

Wynn

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

This is our second time here and we always have fun! Our kids didn’t stop till they find all the things in the scavenger hunt in the forest. My younger kid loved yo walk around “The Woods” as he call it. The host is superb!!!! Very helpful and checks out on us on how we are doing and got time to give stickers for the kids. Love this place so much!!!