The San Marcos River region near Gonzales offers diverse camping options about 65 miles east of San Antonio. With average summer temperatures reaching 96°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F, the area provides year-round access to waterfront camping. Several campgrounds cluster within a 30-mile radius of Gonzales, making it an accessible destination for central Texas campers.
What to do
River activities: Fishing and kayaking are popular at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, where visitors can enjoy multiple water access points. "The park is nice and quiet with a huge lake for our canoe and lots of room for the kids to run around," notes Jonathan K. The park charges $5 for adults while "kids under 12 get in free."
Golf and swim: Lockhart State Park offers an unusual combination of camping and golf. "You can golf here and swim in the public pool. The trails are surprisingly nice, even though the park itself is on the small side," says Emily M. The park features "a 9 hole golf course, a swimming pool and nearby #1 Texas barbeque," according to Lisa E.
Hiking trails: Several parks offer hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. At Lockhart State Park, the trails are "good for 1st time hikers," according to Erica H. Some trails are quite short - "most of the trails are less than half a mile long," notes Brittany S., making them suitable for casual walkers rather than serious hikers.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers appreciate sites with direct water access. At Camp Huaco Springs, sites are "shady and on the river bank," says Jenna A. The campground features "open spots along the river with large trees to provide shade and block wind," with Jason G. adding that "there are power outlets at these walk-in camp sites."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the maintenance of facilities. McKinney Falls State Park offers "large and private campsites" where "the sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," according to Kingrex49 M. At Bastrop State Park, visitors appreciate the "very clean" facilities, noting the "bathrooms have had a lot of money spent on them, with hot showers and full plumbing," according to Danielle R.
Proximity to towns: Campers value the ability to access nearby communities. "Simple park with a couple unique features - seems like it would be a great place for a family gathering," notes Sara S. about Lockhart State Park. Brittany S. recommends: "grab some BBQ at Smitty's, Black's, or Kruez Market about 6 miles down the road and then find a nice picnic table by the water to chow down."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat. At McKinney Falls State Park, "the great part is the swimming. The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers," says Steph C., making it an ideal summer destination. Winter camping offers milder temperatures with daytime highs typically in the 60s.
Site selection matters: Choose campsites strategically based on privacy needs. At Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, campsite numbers "35, 36, and 37" are recommended as "all three of these sites are close to the water, near a restroom and steps away from a trailhead," according to Troy W.
Yurt camping options near Gonzales, Texas: While traditional tent and RV camping dominate, some properties offer yurt accommodations. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park provides yurt camping options for those seeking a midway point between tent camping and cabin rentals. Temporary yurt camping installations sometimes appear at seasonal events around Gonzales.
Tips for camping with families
Look for multi-activity parks: Choose campgrounds with diverse activities for different ages. Bastrop State Park offers "several miles of hiking trails, that can be done in one or two days. It just depends on how many miles you want to hike," according to Jennifer J. The park provides "water and electric hook-ups, along with bathrooms and showers near most sites."
Nature education opportunities: Many parks offer junior ranger programs and wildlife viewing. "Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved," shares Kim B. about Bastrop State Park, adding that there are "lots of easy trails, historic buildings, nature center, woods, pool."
Swimming safety: When camping near rivers, prioritize water safety. At McKinney Falls, Emily M. advises, "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here." Choose swimming spots with shallow entry points for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campsites require adjustments. At Lockhart State Park, Karl W. notes "the sites are not super level and our site #2 sloped back," so bring leveling blocks. He adds that "there are 2 small loops for RV's each with about 10 sites. One loop is full hookups with 50amp and the other is water&electric only with much smaller sites."
Size restrictions: Check campground limits before booking. Karl W. continues that at Lockhart, "We are pulling a 35' 5th wheel and fit ok but the sites are not deep," indicating that larger rigs may have challenges at some parks.
Utility options: RV sites vary significantly in available hookups. At Pecan Park Riverside RV Park, campsites with shade are limited - "80 percent of the park is residents the only spots available for weekends is in direct sun," according to Ricky B. For more complete hookups, Lake Bastrop North Shore Park offers "a number of sites for RVs with full hook ups" and "a sewage dump station in the center of the park."
