The best star host campgrounds near Smithville, Texas

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!

99% (2.7K)

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!

99% (2.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Smithville

1. Owl Hollow at San Marcos

97%

(85)

49mi from Smithville · 8 sites · Tents

Whether you want to get reacquainted at Owl Hollow with your better half, reconnect with nature, stargaze, or simply enjoy the tranquility, these 5 acres are covered with cedar and oak. **Park your vehicle in the front designated area in reverse, explore and pitch your tent ⛺️ in your favorite spot. **One vehicle per campsite, there is an extra fee per extra vehicle(s) whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends or your partner, make yourself at home in one of the designated Hipcamp areas. **We provide a communal fire pit/grill area, and you can also bring your own grill. Remember to bring your own grilling utensils. (If Hays County does not have a burn ban in place, feel free to use the fire pit. IF FIRE LIT, AN ADULT MUST BE PRESENT). **We offer a communal restroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. There is a sink outside the bathroom to wash your dishes (please use eco-friendly dishwashing liquid), or to fetch water for coffee. This is well water and believe us, it is cool, refreshing and great tasting! **You can also walk, jog or ride your bike down the street thru the winding hill all the way to the cul-de-sac. Owl Hollow is in the middle of Texas Hill Country, you make the choice how relaxing or busy you want to be during your stay with us. **One of your many choices is to go swimming or float the Lazy San Marcos River at Rio Vista Park which is 7.6 miles. Owl Hollow is conveniently located: 40 miles from Austin TX, while San Antonio is 55 miles away. Texas State University is 7 miles near. Hiking nearby at Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Spring Lake Preserve. **On Saturdays between 8:30-12:30 there's the farmers market downtown at the Plaza. ***Owl Hollow Hipcamp is just a few minutes drive from open-air shopping, the outlets, entertainment, local eateries and activities. ***Owl Hollow’s policy is: LEAVE OWL HOLLOW AS YOU FOUND IT OR BETTER! (TAKE WHAT YOU'VE BROUGHT: trash, cigarette butts, bottle tops, bottles, cans with you!) We’ve pruned the landscape a bit and cleared some areas, but we think we’ve left plenty of wildness for you to reconnect with nature and nurture your soul. Create your dream trip for a weekend, holiday trip or during the week and visit us at Owl Hollow Hipcamp. ***We would love to host you. PLEASE LEAVE OWL HOLLOW THE WAY YOU FOUND IT or BETTER! We are a pet eco friendly camp, you need to PICK UP YOUR PETS POOP. No trash bins/pack it and take it with you. Thank you, hope to see y'owl soon, Oscar and Mary Lou

2. East Austin City RV Spot near River

100%

(23)

37mi from Smithville · 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. Starlove Ranch & Animal Sanctuary

100%

(78)

27mi from Smithville · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

Our 100 acre heritage property has been in the family for over 150 years. Since 2017, we've been operating our land as a Vegan, Regenerative-Agriculture Farm & Animal Sanctuary. We currently have 2 dogs, 3 cats plus a herd of 31 Cows, 4 Potbelly Pigs and 2 Spanish Goats. The cows and pigs are all rescue animals so, where as they are adapted to humans being around them, they are very shy and petting them is not allowed. The dogs, cats and goats, on the other hand, are very friendly and love to be pet and fed treats. We are located outside of Dime Box, TX and are a 30 minute drive from the quaint, artist village of Round Top, and 12 miles from Lake Somerville SP. Our property has equal parts rolling pastures and wooded thickets and ravines. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and gorgeous views of the Texas horizons....time your stay just right and you can stand directly between the sunset and the moonrise! We also have a hike-and-bike, nature trail that offers a 360 loop around the property. We have a new construction Bath House on site for restroom needs w/ hot showers and composting potties plus a cold-water sink w/ non-potable water suited for washing produce, hands, dishes or camping gear.

4. Lost Goat Cabin

38mi from Smithville · 1 site · Lodging

Stay at a 345 square foot Cedar post and beam cabin in the middle of 50 acres in the wooded countryside. The cabin was built from trees that came off the property. Park under or enjoy a two car - carport that doubles as an outdoor gathering space. Between the cabin and car port is a 1/2 bath that adds function and charm. The cabin has a loft with a queen size bed, two porches, a balcony, living room with a TV, and a full bathroom with a claw foot tub.

5. River Ruff Resort

98%

(81)

27mi from Smithville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Tent camp site close to the river can accommodate up to two tents. Water and electric close by. Outside shower and toilet at the laundry shed at the top of the bank. The river decks are shared with other residents and visitors. Kayaks, paddleboards, and 2 canoes are available for rent. You can fish, swim (at your own risk), grill and chill. You'll see other canoes and kayaks floating the Colorado River. Please ask before hanging hammocks on the deck (depends on other guests using deck).

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

November 2025

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 :)

J

Jessica

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Owl Hollow at San Marcos

The location was central at 30+ minutes to wherever I wanted to go: Austin, Wimberley, San Antonio. I enjoyed the private, tree-covered camping spot. I saw bunnies, cats, deer, and all kinds of birds. If you’re a light sleeper or like to sleep in, be sure to bring ear plugs to hear less of the resident rooster. The hosts were caring, communicative, and accommodating, willing to share some of their covered patio when it rained. Thankful for the indoor bathroom facilities with hot water. My AT&T phone signal worked fine.

L

Lindsay

October 2025

26 ft Class C

1 night at River Ruff Resort

Great value for all the hookups and accomodation. Chris was a very welcoming host. Very close to Austin, but still has a rural feel. Thanks!

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.

R

Ricardo

October 2025

16 ft campervan

2 nights at Starlove Ranch & Animal Sanctuary

Our stay at this Hipcamp was truly special. The location is wonderfully remote, far from the noise and distractions of everyday life, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Watching the sunrise each morning was magical, with colors spilling across the open landscape that made the early wake-up completely worth it. We loved how peaceful it was, with only the sound of cows moving in the distance adding to the rustic charm. One of our favorite surprises was being greeted by the sweetest dogs who seemed to have made it their job to welcome us. They visited us throughout our stay, making the experience feel even more homey and heartwarming. The area nearby was full of hidden gems, and we spent time exploring several antique shops that we absolutely loved. Our host was wonderful and gave us excellent recommendations for places to visit and things to do. Their kindness and hospitality made us feel completely at ease. If you are looking for a quiet getaway surrounded by nature, with a touch of small-town charm and genuine warmth, this is the perfect spot. We are already looking forward to coming back soon!

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 ❤️

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.

Donald

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Owl Hollow at San Marcos

Host is very welcoming! The goats are awesome! The roosters let you know mornings here. They can accommodate most anything vehicle wise it seems. The bathroom was the selling point for me. It’s a shack but its a furnished bathroom, just bring a towel and everything else is there!

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!

C

Cheryl

July 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy was such a great host, very easy going and very accommodating! She helped us out with our dog when we attended a wedding and had to be gone for a good amount of time. Her backyard is very nice as well and the location is great! We really enjoyed our time there and would return again when we are in Austin!

B

Bailey

May 2025

22 ft travel trailer

2 nights at River Ruff Resort

Chris was so pleasant and helpful! The spot was perfect. Sweet dogs, beautiful river, everything worked well including the laundry. We will be coming back!

m

mal

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Owl Hollow at San Marcos

Great location to overnight. Nice hot shower and free to choose any spot on the property. Close to supermarket to stock up.

Marla

April 2025

25 ft Class B

With pets

2 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Great location to bike into city/communicative host/ super friendly and well mannered pup. Enjoyed our visit.

J

Jeff

April 2025

30 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Starlove Ranch & Animal Sanctuary

Hollie & Davey's ranch was perfect for me. Beautiful property, and you're camping in nature, not a busy KOA park. Secluded and very peaceful. Easy to go get supplies in Giddings. This was a motocamping trip for me and there are great motorcycle roads all over the area. I will definitely be back.

Colt

April 2025

22 ft campervan

3 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy and Toby are great hosts! Full water and electric hookup, nice pool, and nicer company! Super easy to Uber downtown or drive over to the lake. Can’t recommend a stay here enough!

S

Sharon

April 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Enjoyed our stay. Lucy and her Dog Toby were the best! Our dog loved playing with Toby in the fenced in back yard. It was like staying at a friends house. We parked on the driveway alongside her house. 3 miles from downtown Austin. Perfect.

Teresa

April 2025

21 ft Class B

2 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy’s Hipcamp spot was excellent! Easy to get in/out in my van and she had everything I needed, including a fenced yard for my pup to run around in, which he LOVED! And my small dog got along great with her bigger dog. Toby was a sweet heart, as was Lucy. Communication was great and the spot felt very private and I slept great! Book this spot!

C

Cheryl

March 2025

32 ft Class B

3 nights at East Austin City RV Spot near River

Lucy was super helpful and very accommodating on a last minute stay. Her space was very secure and we felt very safe.