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  4. Staples

The Best Dam Spot

Hosted by Laura ¡ Staples, Texas
4 sites ¡ Tent ¡ 3 acres
99%
¡
657 reviews
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Hipcamp Legacy Awards 2026
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Best Hipcamps in Texas
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop car camping. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. No pets. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Campsite includes: use of kayaks and paddleboards, unlimited river access, picnic table, semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No composting and/or personal toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. *Feel free to BYO wagon to haul gear to site! 🔌Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is required for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. **No tent A/Cs** (small fans recommended). *Canopy is recommended for additional shade at site. *Tubes/floats are recommended for below the dam. (floats/tubes NOT provided). *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings ONLY. Campers are responsible for monitoring/extinguishing fires. Do not cut any trees/limbs on property. (Firewood bundles available on-site). *Charcoal grills/ portable grills allowed. (Metal grate is needed for cooking on fire ring). *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *ALL campers/guests on the property must arrive BEFORE dark to check-in, sign a Release of Liability Waiver AND pick-up wristband. *Children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." -Total headcount of adults AND children in your group has to match your reservation. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** Feel free to message us if you have questions!

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High demand

The Best Dam Spot

99%
(796)
Tent site ¡ Sleeps 8
4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop car camping. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. No pets. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Campsite includes: unlimited river access and paddleboard use, picnic table, fire ring, semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No composting and/or personal toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. *Feel free to BYO kayak and wagon to haul gear to site! 🔌Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is required for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. **No tent A/Cs** (small fans recommended). *Canopy is recommended for additional shade at site. *Tubes/floats are recommended for below dam. (tubes/floats NOT provided). *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings ONLY. Campers are responsible for monitoring and extinguishing fires before leaving. Do not cut any trees/limbs on property. (Firewood bundles available on-site). *Charcoal grills/portable grills are allowed. (Metal grate is needed for cooking on fire ring). *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property must check-in BEFORE dark, sign a Release of Liability Waiver AND pick-up wristband. *All children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." -Total headcount of adults AND children in your group has to match your reservation. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** Feel free to message us if you have questions!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers

Reviews

99% Recommend828 ratings ¡ 657 reviews
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Beautiful water!!!
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
It's just a lovely spot, quiet and amazing access to the San Marcos river. We spent hours paddling up the river to just nature, each other and an occasional passerby. We could definitely see ourselves coming back again.
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Tent ¡ With kids ¡
The Best Dam Spot
This was such a great spot!!! We wish we could come every weekend. Best of memories, best of times!
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Tent ¡ With kids ¡
The Best Dam Spot
This was our first time tent camping and it went great! The area was so beautiful and peaceful. The kids loved it and spent majority of the time swimming in the water and fishing.
Recommends
¡ August 2026
A great escape ✨
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Such a great stay! From the cute ducks, to such a spacious spot for our two tents with 2 friends. The waterfall / dam was so majestic. Cool lighting and different activities to do like, volleyball, tetherball & kayaking. Beware of snakes at night! They weren’t aggressive but definitely something to think about while swimming at night. 10/10 would definitely stay again!
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Tent ¡ With kids ¡
The Best Dam Spot
We had an amazing time. The river is absolutely beautiful, and the waterfalls make the scenery even more breathtaking. It's a peaceful place to relax, swim, and enjoy nature. We spent the day camping, had breakfast by the river, and made memories our family will never forget. The area was clean, the atmosphere was calm, and there was plenty of space to enjoy without feeling crowded. It's a great destination for families with kids, couples, or anyone looking to escape the city for a while. If you enjoy the outdoors, this place is definitely worth the trip. We can't wait to come back and spend another weekend here. Highly recommended!
Recommends
¡ August 2026
Gorgeous site and amazing host
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
What a gorgeous camp site! The pictures don't do it justice! With awesome extra amenities like kayaks, power access at night, wagons to haul our gear to the tent site, and even a shower to rinse off after a day in the river, this really was a perfect vacation site. On our last day camping, we had a slight medical issue that ended with one of our party's vehicles needing to be left for several hours after our scheduled checkout and Laura was incredible to work with. I would definitely recommend this site for anyone visiting the San Marcos/New Braunfels area
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Family trip
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
The Best Dam Spot truly lives up to its name! What an incredible hidden treasure. We spent the weekend here and have not been able to stop talking about how peaceful, beautiful, and relaxing it was. From the moment we arrived, it felt like the perfect getaway. Laura was absolutely wonderful. She was incredibly kind, responded quickly to every question we had, and made the whole experience so easy from start to finish. It’s clear she genuinely cares about her guests. If you’re looking for a quiet place to unplug and enjoy nature, this is it. We made so many great memories here, and without a doubt, we’ll be back. Thank you for such an amazing weekend!
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
This place is amazing. Fishing is good and the water is nice.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
The name describes this place well!
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
This place is a true gem! This was our second time staying here, and I’m already looking forward to our next visit. It’s a private, peaceful spot on the river, the perfect place to relax and unwind. Laura is amazing! She’s attentive, friendly, and always quick to answer any questions I have. Highly recommend!
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡ With kids ¡
The Best Dam Spot
I love this spot and look forward to the next visit.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Great experience for new campers!
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Host was there right when I pulled in (messaged her my eta day before). She was awesome and gave us a quick tour of the property. Everything made a great camping experience for me and my friends who haven’t camped before. We used the paddle boards and enjoyed the river swing. Portapotty was clean and we were thankful for the little hand wash station on the side. 10/10 reccomend.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
A damn great spot!
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
The camping spots are just far enough apart to have some privacy, but close enough to be sociable if you care to. The sound of the water flowing over the dam was peaceful and relaxing. There's plenty of river to enjoy the kayaks and paddle boards, and Laura is an excellent host and wonderful person. I will definitely be returning to this gem!
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
The pictures don’t even do it justice, it’s better. Everything you would need is available.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
We had an absolutely amazing time here! Perfect camping spot. Area is very clean and private! We really appreciated all the amenities.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Peaceful camping spot
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Excellent camping spot ! Clean and peaceful. Some areas can be in the sun some time of the day, so be shade prepared.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
We loved camping here! Host is amazing, water location is very very fun! We definitely recommend and hope to be back again soon!
Recommends
¡ July 2026
I can’t wait to go back
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Lovely spot not too crowded. Other campers are about 50 yards away and you have a section of the river basically to yourself. Host is super understanding and welcoming. There is electricity close at night. A porta potty for bathroom, and a public shower. The damn is so beautiful and above it you can kayak (my friends said it was perfect for kayak). The constant damn noise makes it peaceful at night too.
Recommends
¡ July 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
We loved camping here. Laura was a great host and the spot is amazing. We had so much fun! Definitely coming back.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Amazing host, amazing spot!! This was our second time coming out here and I swear it gets better every time!
Recommends
¡ June 2026
One of my favorite spots!
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
One of the best camping trips I’ve had off of Hipcamp so far!! Very sweet people, beautiful and clean. Kayaks available for use included in price. Very quiet and secluded. Beautiful outdoor shower in a garden of plants! I will be going back all the time!
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
I love the spot it is real taken care off the. The host took care of me and my family
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Great place, always enjoy hanging out here. Will keep coming back.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
As always, we had a great time at the Best Dam Spot! It is a great kept spot and pretty private with only a few groups allowed.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Family camping
Tent ¡ With kids ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Me and my siblings and our kids and grandchildren had such an amazing trip.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Family trip
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Amazing trip it was the first time our young generation went camping and they all had an amazing time and are already asking when we can do it again
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Love this place
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Love this spot! Host was more than attentive and ready to help. The camp sites are world class and the river is flawless
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Amazing spot with absolutely everything you need. It was my first time camping and besides the heat I had an amazing time. I would recommend this spot to anyone who’s considering camping.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Our Trip was Amazing , As always the site was gorgeous.
Recommends
¡ June 2026
First visit
Tent ¡
The Best Dam Spot
From the initial message once our booking was confirmed. Laura was very friendly and informative. Finding the place was easy. Meeting Laura and giving us a tour of the land was a great way to start our stay. Short walk from our car to the campsite. Definitely plenty of amenities to take advantage of that are provided. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors this is definitely the Dam Spot. We went for a night. We ened up booking another night to fully enjoy!
Recommends
¡ May 2026
Tent ¡ Group trip ¡
The Best Dam Spot
Awesome sites and very nice host. Laura has this experience pat down and is very easy to work with. All the amenities on site were very easy to access and having Wi-Fi was a big plus. I would gladly come back again!

Location

Staples, Guadalupe County, 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 Laura M.

Joined in July 2020
Response rate: 100%

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