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The Best Dam Spot

Hosted by Laura · Staples, Texas
4 sites · Tent
99%
·
626 reviews
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Best Hipcamps in Texas
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Hipcamp Legacy Award winner
Named a long-time Hipcamp success.
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!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, use of kayaks and paddleboards, 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 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!

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High demand

The Best Dam Spot

99%
(752)
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, use of kayaks and paddleboards, 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 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% Recommend783 ratings · 626 reviews
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!
U
Usama F.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Little slice of heaven!
Tent · With kids ·
The Best Dam Spot
So happy we chose to spend the day here for a birthday celebration. This place is everything and more! We fished, paddle boarded, swam, played games and enjoyed the beautiful nature that surrounds this property. We were lucky enough to have just one other set of campers nearby but far enough that you really feel like you have the place to yourself. Even if all four sites were booked they are spread apart perfectly. Will most definitely be back with our family to enjoy another day and possibly night! Thanks to the host Laura for the wonderful hospitality.
Avatar
Heather E.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Laura is an exceptional host - available for anything you need while being respectful of your privacy - and this is one of the best spots you'll find on the San Marcos. I'm reluctant to say more because I don't want the secret to get out, but she and her property earned a five-star review. We'll be back.
Avatar
Stephen K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Had a amazing time , water was fresh, everyone was friendly , no complaints at all , Definitely will be coming back again
J
Julian C.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Wow ! So beautiful !
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
The tent camping here was wonderful ! The host was so friendly and our spot was beautiful. We took the paddle boards out and it was very peaceful. HIGHLY recommend :)
A
Anna C.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Paddling every day!
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Last weekend was my first camping trip to this place, but definitely not my last! The setting is very clean and beautiful. I really enjoyed that. the host provides paddle boards and kayaks. I went paddling every day. I hope to be back soon.
A
Ann C.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Me and my friend keep coming back to this camping spot. Beautiful little oasis, good camping sites, easy check in, good communication! Highly recommend.
C
Cailee W.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · With kids ·
The Best Dam Spot
Everything was incredible, the view was fantastic & way better in person !
C
Carlos A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Awesome place me and my friends have rented it multiple times.
M
Michael L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
This spot rules! We will definitely be back. Everything was very easy and peaceful.
B
Bethany J.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
We had a wonderful stay at this campsite and will definitely be back again. Laura's niece was an e collector host and made us feel very welcome throughout our stay.
R
Roberto S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
I had an amazing time at this campsite! Check-in was easy and I got a tour of the campground and all of the amenities. I loved being able to use the paddle boards, outdoor shower, and wifi. I couldn’t recommend it more!
K
Kayla W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
The place was beautifully amazing! The waterfall was breathtaking. The host was very friendly. She has thought of a lot of things from carts to take your stuff down from the parking lot to lights electricity. The porta potty was extremely clean and disinfected. It was a wonderful stay and we enjoyed it.
C
Christin H.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
I tent camped here with four other friends and we had the best time!!! Laura was so quick to respond and super accommodating! This spot is gorgeous and the river is beautiful! And the kayaks and SUP’s are just a super bonus!
S
Stella D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Perfect, Just Perfect
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
I'm so tempted to give this place a blistering review in order to discourage interest in this special spot. We just discovered this gem and can only imagine it's popularity exploding as more people discover it. Truth is, this spot is amazing! Having only 3-4 sites on the property, you get much more privacy & space than a typical state park. You won't be in complete seclusion, but there is plenty of space to offer privacy between the sites. The sites are all awesome, but a couple are right on the bank of the river and are especially dreamy (1st come, 1st serve though). All have a fire ring (BYO grill grate), a picnic table, and strings lights over the area, that's about it. There are wagons to help transport your gear from the parking area downhill to the camp area (~100 yds). Keep in mind that the heavy gear you roll down, you'll have to PULL back up hill on a loose river rock trail (harder than you might think). Host Laura is super friendly and welcoming; very quick to answer any questions or messages throughout the weekend. We were hoping that the river would live up to the pictures in the listing, but actually it's not even close. The reality is so much more beautiful than the pics could show. We paddle-boarded about a mile or so up river and through largely natural, undeveloped river banks, periodically breaking to swim and float. Lots of cool river fauna to spot. This camping spot is everything the listing makes it out to be and much more. Can't wait to return!
S
Stephen P.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Es mi primera vez acampando con mi hijo de 5 años y me pareció espectacular el lugar. Muy amable la señora Laura. Todo muy limpio, tranquilo y sobretodo seguro. Recommend 100%
Y
Yen Cecil M.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Best trip ever to the Best Dam spot
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
I have not given any review on anything above 4 stars. This is easily a 5 stars for the place and the host Laura. We will definitely will be back with more friends and family. Highly recommended.
D
Dennis S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Its a beautiful, peaceful place that is nice during the heat.
S
Shirley M.
16 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
A total gem
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Awesome spot! Very tranquil by the water. Great swimming and kayaking.
J
Jake T.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Always the Best
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Once again we had an unforgettable camping trip at the best spot you can find. The wonderful hosts always provide the best place to unwind and have a great time. I would strongly recommend this place for your camping or glamping trip.
B
Brandon W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
The bees knees!!
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
One of the best camping trips we’ve had. The river access is amazing and we will be back.
R
Randy W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Incredible Water!
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
This is such a special spot!! The water and river is truly spectacular and makes a great spot to get out of Austin or San Antonio for the night. Can't wait to be back!
Avatar
Cristina S.
8 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Best Dam Spot for sure!
Tent · With kids ·
The Best Dam Spot
The property is great on a beautiful section of the San Marcos River. Cool water and great river access and great camp sites. Laura was an excellent host. I would highly recommend a night or two of camping here.
M
Mark E.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
This was the second time my son and I stayed at Laura’s place. Once again we had a blast. Best camping spot around , I would recommend this spot to anyone looking for some family fun. Thanks Laura
D
David M.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Beautiful spot
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
It was another perfect camping trip at Best Dam Spot
K
Kendall B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Let the Water Flow!
Tent · With kids ·
The Best Dam Spot
Multiple spots to choose, each with their own ambiance. Being by the babbling brook and the sound of the water falling over the dam was very tranquil. Electricity and flat grassy areas to pitch our tent was a big plus especially as I get my son gradually used to this whole camping thing:):)
B
Brian W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Súper genial!
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
I’ll do it in Spanish to honor my roots. Este lugar es hermoso…! Volvería muchas veces más con mi familia. Laura es amable, amigable y te explica muy bien el lugar. Despertar a la orilla de río es una experiencia única. El lugar es limpio, seguro y privado. Definitivamente recomendable.
G
Gerardo D.
15 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
We had a great experience! Highly recommend staying here.
S
Sean P.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
This is our absolute favorite camping spot in Texas. We got to bring a few friends along this time and they are just as obsessed as we are now. Such an awesome little hidden gem and there’s so many activities to fill your day here. I can’t express enough how much we love being here I am already trying to find our next free weekend to come back. Thanks for maintaining such an awesome spot and sharing it with us!
Avatar
Halli U.
3 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
Awesome spot, views were amazing, site was well maintained and clean.
C
Cody L.
4 months on Hipcamp

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%Response time: Within an hour

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