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Owl Hollow at San Marcos

Hosted by Mary · San Marcos, Texas
6 sites · Tent
97%
·
64 reviews
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Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Mary Lou is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
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 LouOwl Hollows impressive wilderness offers an ideal getaway in a superb setting.  Get reacquainted with your better half, nature, star gaze or gather around the fire pit by yourself with family and or friends!   Owl Hollow has wide-open skies that boast striking sunset views with brilliant streaks of color.   Explore Owl Hollows, 4.98 acres of cedar and oak-covered hill till you find your favorite destination spot.  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.  Owl Hollow Hipcamp offers a fire pit / grill in the communal area or you can bring your own grill.  Remember to bring your own grilling utensils. (If Hays County does not have a BURNBAN you are welcome to use the fire pit). We also have a communal restroom with hot shower (refreshing) and a 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 ride your bike down the street thru the winding hill all the way to the cul-de-sac.   We also have a dog run (for whatever type pet you have) in case you want to go to town and leave them at Owl Hollow.  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.    Enjoy a meal at one of our many local eateries or stay in and take advantage of the  COMMUNAL FIRE PIT / GRILL.   (I'll let you know if we have a BURNBAN).  (BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOOD) Wrap up your day with your favorite drink and happy grilling;  veggies, hotdogs, hamburgers or whatever pleases your palette.  And for dessert remember the S'MORES.  After you've indulged in a wonderful meal with your partner, family and or friends, immerse yourself with nature while waiting for the beautiful sunsets.  Wait for the deer, rabbits, fox, opossums, raccoons, squirrels and many other critters while you star gaze till you fall into a quiet slumber sleep.  You will awaken refreshed and fully rested with the morning doves ready for the new days 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

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Owl Hollow 🦉

97%
(83)
Tent site · Sleeps 5
Owl Hollows impressive wilderness offers an ideal getaway in a superb setting.  Get reacquainted with your better half, nature, star gaze or gather around the fire pit by yourself with family and or friends!   Owl Hollow has wide-open skies that boast striking sunset views with brilliant streaks of color.   Explore Owl Hollows, 4.98 acres of cedar and oak-covered hill till you find your favorite destination spot.  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.  Owl Hollow Hipcamp offers a fire pit / grill in the communal area or you can bring your own grill.  Remember to bring your own grilling utensils. (If Hays County does not have a BURNBAN you are welcome to use the fire pit). We also have a communal restroom with hot shower (refreshing) and a 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 ride your bike down the street thru the winding hill all the way to the cul-de-sac.   We also have a dog run (for whatever type pet you have) in case you want to go to town and leave them at Owl Hollow.  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.    Enjoy a meal at one of our many local eateries or stay in and take advantage of the  COMMUNAL FIRE PIT / GRILL.   (I'll let you know if we have a BURNBAN).  (BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOOD) Wrap up your day with your favorite drink and happy grilling;  veggies, hotdogs, hamburgers or whatever pleases your palette.  And for dessert remember the S'MORES.  After you've indulged in a wonderful meal with your partner, family and or friends, immerse yourself with nature while waiting for the beautiful sunsets.  Wait for the deer, rabbits, fox, opossums, raccoons, squirrels and many other critters while you star gaze till you fall into a quiet slumber sleep.  You will awaken refreshed and fully rested with the morning doves ready for the new days 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
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
$40
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

97% Recommend83 ratings · 64 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
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!
Avatar
Donald V.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Great location to overnight. Nice hot shower and free to choose any spot on the property. Close to supermarket to stock up.
M
Mal C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Peaceful
Tent · Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
What an awesome site!! The host is very welcoming and helpful. The area is very peaceful. I absolutely loved all the fun signs. This host allowed a super late check in and was just overall accommodating. Thank you so much!
F
Francesca T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2024
Last minute camping spot
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Mary Lou was very kind and accommodating even if we had arrived late in the evening, just after dark. We loved this location as there is a very clean bathroom with a shower, stocked with shampoo and body wash in case you forgot yours! The area was very nice and quiet, but had some farm animals on the property (we enjoyed saying hello to the resident chickens, roosters, and goats!) overall, would recommend! Thank you again, Mary Lou!
C
Chamie I.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Clean site close to the river!
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Mary Lou the host was friendly and kind to let us set up our tent anywhere we wanted. She also brought us a small bbq bit and water to put out the campfire but we ended not using it. The site was mowed and clean. It had a nice grass area w trees around the site. We arrived late around 7 and she had no problem w that. It has a community bench, campfire, flushing toilet, a shower and two sinks. The best part it was close to the swimming river. Overall, I would visit again!
B
Bonnie S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Great spot with a lot of land to spread out in. We were able to come and go freely without feeling like we were disturbing the hosts. Great location near San Marcos but off the beaten path so didn’t feel like we were that close to the amenities of the city.
Avatar
Nate E.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2024
I will be back!!!
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Very welcoming hosts. Super spot that is convenient to San Marcos and Austin, yet isolated enough to feel you're away from the rat race. Just down the street from a great disc golf destination and in close proximity to awesome hiking, tubing, and more. Star-gazing was superb!
S
Synergy T.
5 reviews
Mixed feelings
· October 2023
Friendly, but photos misleading
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
We are new to Hipcamp, and are unsure of the standard. Mary Lou was a great host-responsive, accommodating, and flexible. We made the most of our experience, just being grateful to be together to unplug in the outdoors. However, reality did not meet our expectations based on the photos… we did not anticipate the roosters sounding off at all hours of the night. There is not any stream or river or body of water whatsoever on site, those are pictures from elsewhere guests must have shared. If you walk your tent in you can get further out into the extra large wooded backyard to get further from the main house and other houses and rvs. The bathhouse is right next to the private residence, which posed no issues. However, manage your expectations regarding the bathroom-it would be more akin to an outhouse with a septic toilet, sink, open shower in a wooden room, but boy were we grateful to have it! Other than that we were free to relax and enjoy all the space we wanted—we really had all the potential sites open/available except that we were trailing a camper and could only reach a couple spots. Again, thankful to find a place with openings when everything else was booked!
S
Sarah M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Plenty of spots to pick to set up out tent. Liked that we had a bathroom and shower available especially after tubing. Mary Lou was responsive to any questions. Also, enjoyed the proximity to town. We got in late on a Friday and within 10 minutes we were in town having a burger and a beer with the dog.
M
Melissa C.
8 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Camping
Tent · With pets ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
I loved the campsite. Hospitality was great the area was perfect. Also the restroom hot water shower. Very clean. I give it a 5 star. Will be going back very soon
C
Crystal V.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
We loved our stay with Mary Lou and the property was expectional! If your looking for a nice quick getaway with some above average amenities for camping than look no further than Owl Hollow!
á
ángel M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Camping near San Marcos
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
I arrived near dusk. I setup at the first available site. While setting up the tent, I was greeted by a friendly dog belonging to a neighbor. The camp site is wooded. A clearing is next to that, which makes for easy stargazing. I slept well. Driving from there to San Marcos is easy.
S
Stanley C.
7 reviews
Recommends
· September 2022
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Great, quiet spot with all the amenities specified. There are permanent residents on the property in tiny homes and/or trailers. As a heads up to anyone else going be careful not to use their bathroom, our confusion did not please them. They were overall very pleasant though and the host was communicative throughout our stay.
E
Emily L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2022
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Mary Lou and her husband were both so friendly and helpful! It’s a very large and beautiful campsite.
S
Sarah S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
I felt totally comfortable and safe camping on Mary Lou's land. She welcomed us upon arrival and made us feel welcomed and told us if we need anything to knock at anytime or text. The land is spacious and we had a private area that was very lovely. San Marcos was an absolute gem and there were several other beautiful swimming places near by as well. I definitely will remember this place for future vacation planning. Blue Hole nearby in Wimberly was an absolute heaven on earth. Need a reservation to visit but highly recommend.
R
Rebecca S.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
Perfect Location
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Camping at Mary Lou’s was just what we needed! We played at the disc golf course across the road and then came back to camp at Owl Hollow just minutes down the road. Close to town and easy to get in and out of, it was perfect for our day on the river and morning on the town! Mary Lou was very responsive and polite, her sites were cleared and protected by trees. Bathroom facility was nice to have! Would definitely go back!
J
Jordan B.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2022
Camping in the severe thunderstorm
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Mary Lou’s place is excellent. Hollow owl is so cool.
J
Jhessye M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2022
Very nice camping without hassle!
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Upon arriving, we were greeted by deer. We were able to pick the site that we wanted to set up. The location was perfect for us since it was so close to San Marcos river, where we would be swimming. There were many coffee shops in the area that we went out to try out. Mary Lou's camping sites were great because they offer showers with cold/hot water plush clean bathrooms that are a small walk from your tent. It was quiet and peaceful just how we wanted and we loved our stay here!! Thank you it was everything we wanted and were expecting.
V
Vanessa G.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2022
Dog Camping Under The Stars!
Owl Hollow 🦉
I was traveling from San Diego and came across this awesome GEM!!! Mary Lou was a great host from start to end. She was in great contact with me even though I booked late and would arrive later 10:30pm -ish. Her directions were clear and easy to follow in the dark. You can’t miss the super cool owl mural! Upon arrival Mary Lou came out and assisted me into my assigned parking spot, welcomed me, and provided me with a wheel barrow for hauling my things the short distance to the camp spots. She was accommodating, respectful, and such a pleasure to connect with. Each spot is separated well, with fire pits and plenty of dry wood to burn. I was the only tent camper so I opted for a slightly closer spot to the Very Clean and Nice bathroom and shower rooms built on the property. Their are two to share with long term guest and Hip campers. Never had a problem with them being occupied. Mary Lou provides quality TP just for HC guest. Shower had great pressure and hot water! The land is beautiful and quiet! You can see all the stars! Shaded or more open spots available. Ground was soft with some rocky areas. No problem finding great tent spots. Butterfly’s and flowers all around during the day. My dog loved it here! I would highly recommend this location and would absolutely come back if in the area!!
K
Kristina V.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2022
Tent ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
The host are amazing easy to work with. It was great experience and cant wait to go back again.
Avatar
James H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2021
Owl Hollow 🦉
Very friendly and a quiet place to stay
Avatar
Keith W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Beautiful, peaceful and very clean
Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
This little hidden gem is just what my family needed. Mary Lou and Oscar are amazing people that are genuinely kind. They remind me of my parents and I enjoyed having conversations and coffee with them. Their property is beautiful, peaceful and well-maintained. I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere with the perfect amount of privacy, yet clean bathrooms and a warm shower a small walk away from our site. We have decided to make this location an annual tradition. My kids can't stop talking about how fun and beautiful "that place with the owl" was. Thank you Mary Lou and Oscar for your hospitality and many great conversations!
Avatar
Brandy L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2021
Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Looking for a hip camp? This is definitely it!! We ended up at this place for a reason. Mary and Oscar were beyond friendly, helpful, and kind. Everyone enjoyed talking to both of them. The property is well maintained and the bathroom/kitchen area is close to camp. I would without a doubt recommend camping out at this lovely peace of property.
Avatar
Germaine S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Owl Hollow 🦉
Mary Lou’s place is wonderful! It’s so beautiful and peaceful. We enjoyed every second.
Avatar
Tressa R.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Peaceful nature filled night!
Owl Hollow 🦉
Quiet and peaceful! Accommodations and groomed areas beyond my expectations. It was such a treat to sit under the stars without the city lights to mar the view. Waking to a light fog and breakfast with deer!
Avatar
Kristi R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2021
I love the hospitality off the owne
Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Wow what a amazing stay mary and her husband welcomed us like family...they even set out coffee for the campers to enjoy.i would for sure stay again.when i was up to check out I found out my mom had covid so we were going to have to stay away for a short time more..i asked if we could stay a few more days and her reply was "you can stay a month if you like"that made it all worth while......thanks guys .
M
Monica M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· September 2021
Simple. Clean. Quiet. Good sleep.
Owl Hollow 🦉
Camping on someone’s land. We had low expectations because we just needed a place to pitch our tents. Owl Hollow worked great. We used the fire pit, sat in the bench, and relaxed a bit before heading to bed. The closest we got to seeing any wildlife was hearing the coyotes howl at night a few miles away (I assume). Mary Lou was very kind and had a kurig outside so that we could make some coffee.
Avatar
Emanuel G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2021
Definitely Coming Back
Owl Hollow 🦉
We loved loved our stay at Owl Hollows. It was our first time using hipcamp and fornutely this was the spot we found. Mary Lou and husband are the sweetest host you'll ever meet; they were very welcoming, resourceful, and just plain down to earth people. My boyfriend and I will definitely be coming back. The river was super close, a gas station was near by and it was just perfect getaway that is not too far from the city. Once again thank you Mary lou for your hospitality and for the very much appreciated advice for us pursuing in the teaching field, we are extreamely thankful.
Avatar
Gabriela R.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
Owl Hollow 🦉
Very friendly host.
Avatar
Ian F.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2021
Refreshing stay at Owl Hollow
Group trip ·
Owl Hollow 🦉
Needed a quiet place to stay for one night while stepson had a few friends over for graduation, so was a last minute booking. The campsites were wonderful and had plenty of trees and shade. There were lots of beautiful wildflowers and I didn't see any poison ivy. Restroom was tidy, and a nice touch of comfort to the camping experience. Mary Lou was a great host, and was kind enough to send pictures of the site beforehand so I was sure I could set up my hammock. It stormed quite heavily during my stay, and though I needed nothing, she made sure to let me know I could ask her for anything. The sound of rain on the fly put me right to sleep. I would definitely stay here again during tubing season and avoid the packed campgrounds near the river. Was my first time booking through Hipcamp and was 5/5.
J
Jude S.
3 reviews

Location

San Marcos, Hays, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Mary Lou M.

Joined in November 2017

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