Canyon Lake sits in the Texas Hill Country at about 909 feet above sea level, surrounded by limestone cliffs and oak-juniper woodlands. The reservoir spans 8,230 acres with 80 miles of shoreline, creating numerous camping opportunities where temperatures can reach above 90°F in summer months. Water levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting campsite conditions and water access points.
What to do
Hiking trails: Guadalupe River State Park offers multiple trail options for visitors camping with pets. "There are plenty of areas to camp with all the expected amenities. It usually isn't too busy so you can get your pick of the camp sites. All of them are walking distance from the river where there are good places to get in as well as trails all around to see the beautiful Texas Hills Country," shares Matt M.
Fishing spots: At Potters Creek COE Park, fishing is popular from the shoreline. "Nice large sites with covered picnic tables, a fire ring, and a grill. The sites along the lake front do not have trees for shade but the ones in the back row have nice trees. No hiking in the park but the area has nice roads for biking," explains Laura F.
River activities: The Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds provides excellent river access. "A perfect camp to put in a tube for a good float. There is no better late spring to early summer activity than getting good float down one of the rivers of Texas," notes Crystal C. The park offers multiple put-in points for tubers with varying float times.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Cranes Mill Park, campers appreciate the well-designed layout. "Nice large sites with beautiful pull-through pads. Beautiful park teaming with wildlife, with a section for RVs and a section for renters. The RV sites have 30/50amp electric and water connections," reports Richard A.
Clean facilities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds maintain excellent bathrooms. "The bathroom/shower house was clean, and only about 50 feet from site #20. All sites were well groomed," mentions Richard A. about Cranes Mill Park. This makes longer stays with pets more comfortable.
Quiet environment: Mystic Quarry provides a peaceful setting for campers with pets. "Very cool place. We really enjoyed our stay at Mystic Quarry. The grounds are well kept and friendly. Lots of outdoor games and places to explore. Sites are a good size, some bigger than ours and mostly well drained," notes Karen B.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Canyon Lake campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book In Advance! This park is very popular and quickly fills up on weekend, if you are planning a trip make sure you book well in advance to ensure you will have a site," advises Crystal C.
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur quickly in this region. "Check the Weather! The river's flow is directly effected by the amount of rainfall. If you are planning a trip pull up the weather to make sure it will not make for unsafe conditions," warns Crystal C.
Gate closures: Security measures include timed gate closures at several pet-friendly campgrounds. At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, rangers monitor access points. "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed. Extremely dog friendly!" shares Kaitlyn M.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The Rio Guadalupe Resort & RV Park offers excellent water access for families with pets. "Great park. Easy pull through sites with very nice grounds. Swimming pool and 1/4 mile river access. Shallow river area for all ages," notes Patrick H.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to see local fauna. "Huge state park lots to do and see. Very nice camp site with lots of space. Close river access and plenty of wildlife," says Jesse S. about Guadalupe River State Park. Keep pets properly secured during these times.
Pet-specific amenities: Some campgrounds have dedicated pet facilities. Karen B. shares about Mystic Quarry: "We used the dog park quite a bit and it was very clean. Water close by and fenced off nicely with two areas."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your campsite carefully when traveling with pets. "We stayed in RV5, which is a pull through. The sites are a little tight but they are what you would expect at an RV park. There are a lot of activities. We were here for 4 days," reports Jeff H.
Water and electric hookups: Most pet-friendly sites provide necessary connections. "This is a great little place. The staff is the best. The whole park is super clean. Lots to do. They have a dog wash, hammocks, showers," mentions Jesse S. about Mystic Quarry.
Local supplies: Plan ahead for provisions, but know that resources are available. Mia D. shares: "This campground feels super secluded away from the bustle of town, but is an easy 30-40 mins drive into New Braunfels/San Antonio. I'd recommend picking up food at the H‑E‑B on they way in."
