Discover the best campgrounds near Smithville, Texas with wildlife watching

United States
—
Texas
—
Smithville

97% (2837 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Smithville

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

92%

(542)

Texas Music River Ranch

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents111 acres · Webberville, TX

The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. If you have an RV please book through TMRR No Hookup, TMRR Electric only Hookup or TMRR Electric and Water Hookup. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (737)318-8412 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.

Colorado River Camping

12 sites · RVs, TentsSmithville , TX

The land has been mainly used by ranchers. It is a simple small getaway. Kirtley used to be a thriving city but once they took the post office away, they attached it to Smithville. Luckily, it hasn't lost its quaint nature. There is a stretch of river property that is normally inaccessible to the general public, but you can access it here where it still lives in its pristine nature. If you look for it you can also find a lot of petrified wood. Learn more about this land:This listing is best for people who want to fish, kayak or Canoe on the river. Please read all this information to the bottom of the page. Note that this is primitive camping ( if you don't know what that means look it up). so no toilets, no drinking water. There is trash service. Walmart sells Reliance double doodie bags with bio gel for restroom solutions. If you want to be right on the river bank, the island is the best place for you to camp. (up stream). You would need to bring a kayak or canoe to access the islands. I have kayaks (3) for rent. I do also rent the house on the property with showers and toilets but you must make prior arrangements. You can pitch your tent on the property (it is fenced in to keep wildlife out an it is not directly on the riverbank). You do have access to the river. The river access is not a beach. The camp site is not directly on the river but very close. 2 minute walk to the river. This place is best for people who want to be on the river fishing, kayaking or canoeing. I have three kayaks to rent if needed. No refunds on kayaks or on rain days. The river levels changes constantly and so does the weather. Bring water tubes, kayaks or canoes. There is an island that you can explore or spend time on if you kayak a short distance up stream. Wear a life vest for your safety and water shoes. If you want to spend the day on an island beach you must bring or rent a kayak, You can put kayaks in up stream and end up at the property if you have a way to transport the kayaks. I have 3 Kayaks to rent 35 each if needed for the day. Also bring a shade tent, a hat and sunscreen in the summer. A headlamp is recommended. Check in before it gets dark. Sometimes the grass is a bit long when it has rained a lot and it can not be mowed unless the ground is dry. Please do not leave glass or trash cans n the field. Everyone who stays must pay the fee. I have someone checking on the property and the vehicles on the property. Please be respectful to others camping and do not go onto other people's private property. Let me know when you are close to the property and when you leave. I require a picture of you removing your trash so that you do not get charged for leaving trash. The river is so beautiful and very much not commercialized. The area you are entering is not accessible to the general public because it is all private property.

99%

(162)

Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Smithville, TX

This 12.4 acres of wildlife on the Colorado River is full of so much natural beauty! We're Located In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed! Roundtop And Lagrange Tx home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt And Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked And Stressed From Fireworks Popping And/Or Gunfire ( AS I DO ) It May Be Best 2 Leave Them Home,, To Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties That May Occur IF there happens to be gun shots. PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN BE PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS!! Please be respectful and courteous to All Guests and their campsite's and individual spaces!! 🙏 Be Advised We Have Free Grazing Cattle So You Will See Them Passing Through The Camp!! They're NOSEY But Friendly! A Gentle Shew And They'll Be Out Of Your Way!!! 📢 PSA 📢 Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st and do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV And RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views From Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan And Want To Be @ A Bank Site.... You'll Need To Get Permissions From The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏 This Can Be Accommodated But Will Have To Be Ironed Out Ahead Of Time!

Lone Oak Farm

2 sites · Tents86 acres · Smithville, TX

Lone Oak Farm is on the edge of Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Over 80 acres of prairie, forest and farmland, it boasts beautiful sunsets, wildlife viewing and quiet. Access to electricity, water and septic if requested or can be completely off grid and nestled in the trees. Walk along the river and watch the water fowl or sit under our oak tree and catch the rancher at work.

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX

River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.

12 top campgrounds near Smithville with wildlife watching

99%

(162)

Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Smithville, TX

This 12.4 acres of wildlife on the Colorado River is full of so much natural beauty! We're Located In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed! Roundtop And Lagrange Tx home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt And Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked And Stressed From Fireworks Popping And/Or Gunfire ( AS I DO ) It May Be Best 2 Leave Them Home,, To Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties That May Occur IF there happens to be gun shots. PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN BE PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS!! Please be respectful and courteous to All Guests and their campsite's and individual spaces!! 🙏 Be Advised We Have Free Grazing Cattle So You Will See Them Passing Through The Camp!! They're NOSEY But Friendly! A Gentle Shew And They'll Be Out Of Your Way!!! 📢 PSA 📢 Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st and do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV And RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views From Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan And Want To Be @ A Bank Site.... You'll Need To Get Permissions From The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏 This Can Be Accommodated But Will Have To Be Ironed Out Ahead Of Time!

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX

River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.

100%

(8)

JFF Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · TX

We are located on 12 wooded acres. We have goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and, of course, our dogs and cats. We are located approximately 12 miles from Buescher/Bastrop State Park and approximately 15 miles from Rocky Hill Ranch, a mountain bike ranch. There is kayak rental available in both Smithville and Bastrop, where you can kayak down the Colorado River. Smithville has some unique, local restaurants or you can grill at your campsite on the gas grill provided.

Texas Music River Ranch

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents111 acres · Webberville, TX

The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. If you have an RV please book through TMRR No Hookup, TMRR Electric only Hookup or TMRR Electric and Water Hookup. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (737)318-8412 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX

4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only. **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are permitted) *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.

Lone Oak Farm

2 sites · Tents86 acres · Smithville, TX

Lone Oak Farm is on the edge of Texas Hill Country along the Colorado River. Over 80 acres of prairie, forest and farmland, it boasts beautiful sunsets, wildlife viewing and quiet. Access to electricity, water and septic if requested or can be completely off grid and nestled in the trees. Walk along the river and watch the water fowl or sit under our oak tree and catch the rancher at work.

Colorado River Camping

12 sites · RVs, TentsSmithville , TX

The land has been mainly used by ranchers. It is a simple small getaway. Kirtley used to be a thriving city but once they took the post office away, they attached it to Smithville. Luckily, it hasn't lost its quaint nature. There is a stretch of river property that is normally inaccessible to the general public, but you can access it here where it still lives in its pristine nature. If you look for it you can also find a lot of petrified wood. Learn more about this land:This listing is best for people who want to fish, kayak or Canoe on the river. Please read all this information to the bottom of the page. Note that this is primitive camping ( if you don't know what that means look it up). so no toilets, no drinking water. There is trash service. Walmart sells Reliance double doodie bags with bio gel for restroom solutions. If you want to be right on the river bank, the island is the best place for you to camp. (up stream). You would need to bring a kayak or canoe to access the islands. I have kayaks (3) for rent. I do also rent the house on the property with showers and toilets but you must make prior arrangements. You can pitch your tent on the property (it is fenced in to keep wildlife out an it is not directly on the riverbank). You do have access to the river. The river access is not a beach. The camp site is not directly on the river but very close. 2 minute walk to the river. This place is best for people who want to be on the river fishing, kayaking or canoeing. I have three kayaks to rent if needed. No refunds on kayaks or on rain days. The river levels changes constantly and so does the weather. Bring water tubes, kayaks or canoes. There is an island that you can explore or spend time on if you kayak a short distance up stream. Wear a life vest for your safety and water shoes. If you want to spend the day on an island beach you must bring or rent a kayak, You can put kayaks in up stream and end up at the property if you have a way to transport the kayaks. I have 3 Kayaks to rent 35 each if needed for the day. Also bring a shade tent, a hat and sunscreen in the summer. A headlamp is recommended. Check in before it gets dark. Sometimes the grass is a bit long when it has rained a lot and it can not be mowed unless the ground is dry. Please do not leave glass or trash cans n the field. Everyone who stays must pay the fee. I have someone checking on the property and the vehicles on the property. Please be respectful to others camping and do not go onto other people's private property. Let me know when you are close to the property and when you leave. I require a picture of you removing your trash so that you do not get charged for leaving trash. The river is so beautiful and very much not commercialized. The area you are entering is not accessible to the general public because it is all private property.

100%

(835)

Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Cedar Creek, TX

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!

97%

(31)

Glat Austin at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

12 sites · Lodging182 acres · Camp Swift, TX

Our purpose is to offer you different accommodation options, so that you can live with your family and friends the experience of enjoying an unforgettable vacation in absolute comfort; without missing anything. You will find all sorts of ways to commune with nature at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park. Its 182 acres are nestled in the Lost Pines region and reside on Lake Bastrop – a place where fishermen thrive catching award-winning largemouth bass. Rent one of the park’s kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards or corcls (round watercraft for children) to take out on the lake. Pack your hiking boots and hit the 4.5-mile trail, offering an intermediate challenge for users with various inclines and descents, which connects to LCRA Parks’ Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. Along the trail, you can spot whitetail deer, jackrabbits, lizards and the occasional grey fox. Once you’ve arrived at the other park, you can show off your spike shot in a game of sand volleyball or tee off in a round of mini golf. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park also has a camp store for firewood, ice, snacks and souvenirs to make your camping experience even more pleasurable.

99%

(255)

Twisted Oaks

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, TX

. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 35 years. I work on my property and from my property. My shop is away from campsites but is ON the property. If seeing a tractor while you are hiking around offends you somehow this may not be a good choice. I have taken a lot of care and pride in my work on twisted oaks. We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon. to reduce impact on our property we limit the vehicles to 1 per site any extra vehicle is $5 smalls $7 trucks. This fee is used to do mulching and road repairs to keep things smooth. If you decide to change dates there will be a $25- $50 fee based on your total booking We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis. Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps. When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike. We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!

94%

(253)

Off Grid Immersion Camp

9 sites · Lodging, Tents85 acres · Dale, TX

****Recent Update**** Due to new adjacent properties developments, and new neighbors moving in nearby, there are occasional neighboring barking, music and gunshots that can be heard from the distance, which is pretty common out in the countryside here. *************************************************************************************** There is currently a group of 10 people who spend the majority of our time living and striving to create community on these 85 beautiful acres of land. Our goals are to establish a thriving community, grow most of our own food, build tiny houses to rent or sell, create sustainability and be as self sufficient as possible, salvage material for builds, host events and retreats, teach classes, and more. Please feel free to ask questions and share any interest you may have in what we are doing here. Our property is a densely forested 85 acres with a walk-able 2 miles around the perimeter of the property and many trails and hidden nooks to explore throughout the heart of this beautiful escape back to our natural roots. We are in the process of mapping out the trails- which we plan to make available soon! For now those of you with a sense of adventure and desire to explore will certainly be satisfied. We have a full acre size pond and a kayak that you can feel free to use. There is a communal area around the pond that we will be adding to in the near future- you may run into some of our community members or other campers there from time to time, we invite you to socialize, bring a chair, perhaps a beverage or snack and get to know each other and us as well if we cross paths! You will observe and encounter wildlife in abundance including a variety of birds, wild hogs, opossums, armadillo, moles, spiders, scorpions, butterflies, praying mantis, walking sticks, snakes- keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and copperheads, deer, many insects, and more. Please be cautious and treat these creatures' home with respect for them as well as yourselves. Our property is also home to some lovely cows, chickens, a few dogs, and several cats- they (other than the cows who do what they please) generally remain in areas away from our camp sites though they may still decide to stop by to say hello! We have many spaces available for camping throughout the property. These are primitive campsites on raw land so you will need to provide your own tent, water, food, and operate with a leave no trace mentality when camping here. There are areas that can accommodate large groups of campers as well as very secluded nooks if you are looking for a private retreat into nature. There is plenty of fallen wood available for firewood and a fire pit will be prepared for you before arrival!

99%

(240)

Ardor Wood Farm

4 sites · Lodging, Tents67 acres · Red Rock, TX

Our values: We Value REPLENISHMENT. We want you to be in NATURE and feel replenished. We Value All Species Living Together in Nature Restoratively. We strive: to CULTIVATE ... thriving biodiverse habitats, because we lived here to LEARN ... from the regenerative nature of flora and fauna to SHARE ... the responsibility to care for one another to GROW ... our deep appreciation for the beauty of this Earth

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

McKinney Falls State Park

Creedmoor, Texas

90%

(12)

Lake Somerville State Park

Circle D Kc Estates, Texas

Hill Country State Natural Area

Camping near Smithville with wildlife watching guide

Overview

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!