The best desert campgrounds near Utopia, Texas

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Utopia, Texas with a desert terrain, we've got you covered. With over 60 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Looking for top-rated options? Check out Cupgrass (81 reviews), Primitive Hamilton Pool glamping (62 reviews), and Fort Clark Springs (63 reviews). Our campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, trash disposal, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy, from wildlife watching to hiking and fishing. Prices start as low as $15 per night, so you can have an affordable and memorable camping experience. Start planning your desert adventure today!

99% (36)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking for a camping experience near Utopia, Texas with a desert terrain, we've got you covered. With over 60 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Looking for top-rated options? Check out Cupgrass (81 reviews), Primitive Hamilton Pool glamping (62 reviews), and Fort Clark Springs (63 reviews). Our campsites offer popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, trash disposal, and showers. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy, from wildlife watching to hiking and fishing. Prices start as low as $15 per night, so you can have an affordable and memorable camping experience. Start planning your desert adventure today!

99% (36)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Haby Ranch

99%

(45)

30mi from Utopia · 336 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Medina Shores, TX

Closed until February. Come enjoy over 1000 acres of a 3500 acre Texas ranch. Perfect for fossil hunting, biking, hiking, stargazing, and exploring the great outdoors. Depending on rain and current water levels, you can also enjoy creeks, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Unplug and make memories sure to last a lifetime. Located 10 miles from Bandera, Cowboy Capital of the World.

2. Steel Reel City

22mi from Utopia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Sabinal, TX

Easy access spots, small ghost town to check out and take photos if you would like. Only a minute from town. 50 amp hookups. Water and restroom in the ghost town. Washer and dryer in restroom. I stumbled across this awesome place just before covid shut us all down. It was hidden in the middle of overgrown brush and not visible from the street. That didn't matter, it was love at first sight! We tried to come on the weekends and work on clearing but it wasn't enough so we moved out here last year and have made it not only a home but a fun place to live and share with others.

3. Clear Water Ranch & Resort

15mi from Utopia · 1 site · Lodging · Leakey, TX

Clear Water Ranch & Resort – A Private Escape on the Frio River Tucked away in the stunning Texas Hill Country, Clear Water Ranch & Resort is your perfect getaway for peace, adventure, and reconnection with nature. Whether you're bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or settling into one of our cozy cabins, you'll have exclusive access to over half a mile of private Frio River frontage—away from the crowds and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. 🏕️ Stay Your Way We offer a variety of accommodations to suit every kind of camper: 25 RV sites (30 & 50 amp hookups) 12 rustic-modern cabins (sleeping 6-10 guests) 3 spacious bunkhouses for groups 10 boondocking sites for off-grid camping 🌿 Experience the Great Outdoors Clear Water Ranch is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive outdoor experience: ✔ Private river access for tubing, swimming, and fishing ✔ Scenic hiking trails with incredible Hill Country views ✔ Campfires & BBQ areas to gather, cook, and unwind ✔ Stargazing under Texas’ wide-open night sky ✔ Kayaking & floating down the crystal-clear Frio River ✔ Special events & concerts on select weekends 🐾 Pet-Friendly & Family-Focused We love pets! Your furry companions are welcome to join your adventure. Just keep them leashed, and a $20/day pet fee applies. 📍 Perfect Location & Nearby Attractions Located in Rio Frio, Texas, we are just minutes from: Garner State Park – A Texas favorite for hiking and scenic views Scenic drives & hidden gems in the Hill Country Local restaurants serving authentic Texas flavors 📅 Booking & Policies Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM No Wi-Fi or TVs – Unplug and reconnect with nature Peak Season: Minimum stay required—book early! Come experience the beauty of the Frio River, the peace of nature, and the warmth of a true Texas retreat at Clear Water Ranch & Resort. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or make memories with loved ones, we can’t wait to welcome you! 📞 Call now to book your stay!

4. Frio Buckhorn RV Park

15mi from Utopia · 95 sites · Leakey, TX

Frio Buckhorn stands out as a premier family-friendly destination, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting. This campground is designed to cater to families seeking a memorable getaway, with a variety of accommodations and activities that ensure everyone has a great time. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sparkling swimming pool, perfect for cooling off on warm days. For those looking to engage in some friendly competition, the putt-putt golf course, basketball court, and volleyball court provide ample opportunities for fun and exercise. Children will love the playground, where they can unleash their energy and make new friends. In addition to the on-site amenities, Frio Buckhorn is conveniently located near a range of outdoor activities. Explore the stunning natural features of the area, discover nearby swimming holes, or visit local restaurants and shops for a taste of the region. With so much to offer, Frio Buckhorn is the ideal destination for families seeking an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and relaxation.

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Potable water

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Stories from the community

D

Dallas

April 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

Beautiful property. Had an amazing time camping and exploring the trails.

g

george

March 2025

22 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

This was our second time out there and we brought some friends. Everyone was amazed with the landscape and night time views. Warren and his family came by the camp to chat and were extremely hospitable. We are already talking about a 3rd trip before the Texas heat really kicks in. This is an overlanders dream come true.

Richard

March 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

Hands down without a doubt the best spot to camp/overland in Texas. Words and photos can't describe just how beautiful their property is and how friendly everyone is.

I

I. Ariana

March 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

We loved the Haby Ranch. This was our second time staying here. Back during the eclipse and during spring break this year and although is a drive for us coming from Houston, but the drive is worth it. The land is so beautiful and peaceful, the BEST part is being able to bring out Dogs and let them roam all over the terrain, the first time it was a group of 11 people and 5 dogs, I can honestly say our dogs had the time of their life. Warren is such a great host and always greed us and let us know what all the things we can do in the land. The stars at night are breathtaking and the sun sets are so peaceful. Will definitely recommend this place.

R

Rebecca

March 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

Great place beautiful views all over . Honestly for my first primitive camping trip this was the best one yet 🧡 thank you for opening up your beautiful ranch to us it was truly amazing 👏

g

george

March 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Haby Ranch

Just like the title says. The weekend was perfect and so were the views. 1100 acres offers a lot of room for wandering with plenty of dirt roads to get your tires dirty and space to stretch your legs. No RV hookups, but there is an Rv dump station right outside of Bandera. So be prepared to boondock or tent camp. The only neighbors we had were the co s and the frogs from the nearby creek. This is an overland adventure you don’t want to pass up.