Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Hondo? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Hondo campsites are perfect for tent campers.
These water and electric (20/30/50 amp) sites are located in the Rio Frio camping areas. Site lengths and widths vary. Picnic table Outdoor grill Fire ring Water hookup Lantern post 20/30/50-amp electric hookup Restrooms with showers nearby
$26 / night
On the north side of San Antonio lies a 12,000-acre wilderness that protects the city’s drinking water. You’ll find your own “Recharge Zone” in this vast urban refuge.
Government Canyon State Natural Area offers more than 40 miles of trails. You can also camp, attend a program or guided hike, geocache, picnic, take nature photos and look for birds and other wildlife. Your kids will connect with “natural fun” at our playscape and Discovery Trail.
$18 / night
EXPERIENCE UTOPIA
Private, family-friendly campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country. Great views, and just minutes from Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. We offer 3 different types of camping experiences, so be sure to check out all of our listings. For bookings during the Texas 2'clipse dates: 10/14/23 (annular eclipse) and 4/8/23 (total solar eclipse) please call us for reservations at this time: 830-328-1059. We will be in the path of total darkness for both. Thanks!
-PRIMITIVE TENT CAMPING SITES-
Want to get back to nature?
Our secluded primitive tent camping sites are for you. Includes tent pad, fire ring, access to Community Kitchen & our Shower Haus (aka bathrooms & showers). 14 day maximum per month.
-CARGO GLAMPING TENT-
Maybe you'd like to get back to nature in style?
Enjoy our Cargo Glamping Tent - complete with king size bed, fire ring, and swings.
-THE BUNKHAUS-
Looking to get back to nature with all the creature comforts? Check out our Bunkhaus that sleeps 4, includes a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds. The Bunkhaus has electricity,
A/C and Wifi.
ALL OF OUR CAMPING EXPERIENCES INCLUDE ACCESS TO:
• Communal Kitchen (sinks, fridge, grills, etc.)
• The Shower Haus (flushing toilets, sinks, and hot showers)
• The Tree House Play Area
AROUND UTOPIA
• Experience driving on the 'The Twisted Sisters' (Ranch Roads, 335. 336, and 337).
• Garner State Park
• Lost Maples State Natural Area
• Tubing the Frio River
• Sabinal River
• Horseback Riding
• Sabinal County Museum
• Frio Bat Flight
• Utopia Community Park - picnic, swim & fish under the enormous cypress trees.
• Dine at Lost Maples Cafe, The Lunchbox, or take the 20 min drive to Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery in Tarpley, Tx (featured on Food Network)
$30 - $100 / night
$120 - $160 / night
In addition to off-roading, Concan Adventure Trails is home to a variety of attractions including hiking trails, primitive camping sites, stargazing and photography. All vehicles must be insured, registered street legal and operators must have a valid drivers license. We are a private ranch and require reservations. Book your visit today!
Scout
I stayed 3 days here Tent camping nice and quite in the back area lot # 62 fawn hideaway
Traveler
The main focus of the resort is the cabins, so the tent camping area is nice and quiet. Clean bathrooms, a nice pool area and hot showers were available to the tent areas. Now if the drought could fill the two ponds, this would be a really great getaway.
Scout
Has some great fishing. If you don’t have time to go to the coast but love fishing for reds this is a nice spot to come to. Camping sites allow for both RV hook ups and tent camping.
Guide
We arrived after hours and without reservations on a Thursday evening in early October. We were able to secure a spot through the bartender at Wild Ass Hey Barn, which is on site and the location of the bathroom/showers. We were the only tent campers and were told to just set up on the grass by the river. Locals staying in RVs in the main area helped us find our way. It was a fantastic setting right next to the river. The regular tent sites are lined up along the river and had water. They were pretty close to each other, but right on the water in a tent only area. RV sites are farther inland and separate from the tent sites. Bathroom was basic, but clean.
Guide
This is one of the oldest campgrounds around. It has tent camping and cabins. They have concerts in the summer as well as a restaurant. They offer toobing shuttles and rent tubes as well. I love this place! Going again this year. Tents and cabins fill up quickly so reservations are a good idea.
Guide
I was planning on staying there, but it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups. It's mostly tent camping. The staff was very friendly. I went to visit there just to see what it was about. If you're a hiker, there's hiking trails, so you'll enjoy that.
TravelerI tent camped for several days here. The staff are helpful, bathrooms are super clean with soap, decent water pressure and everything is so well kept. I was thoroughly impressed and will be back to try the other sites. I stayed at turtle falls. It was so peaceful listening to the water all night.
TravelerThe tent sites are huge and spread apart. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Flush toilets and showers. A highway run through the camp so there is some noise from that, mainly during the day. Town is 2 miles away.
ScoutI was pleasantly surprised to find tent sites available within 3 days of my visit (October 23-25, 2020). We stayed at one of their tent sites (#66) and pitched 2 tents for two families. Site had a hose bib, fire ring, and a new wooden picnic bench. Plenty of trees and other cover located at the site. Our site was across the street from the restroom/showers. The restroom and showers were older but kept clean. The trails at this park offer easy paths for families to enjoy along with mountain bikers. The camp host Lita was very nice and was available to purchase bundles of fire wood for $5 if needed. Overall, I was very pleased with this city park. The reasons for not giving it a full five stars is the outdated restrooms, an occasional Cessna flying over about 2-3 times a day, and the (what seemed frequent) emergency vehicles blaring their sirens. Note: although we only saw one armadillo, there was evidence of other wildlife in the park.
RangerWe tent camped here circa spring break 2012. We arrived around midnight and I think the host welcomed us. Regardless we got a good site on the east side of the highway and easily set up the tent with the car lights. We enjoyed the park hiking the forest on the west side. I braved the cold water of the river, swimming across and back with onlookers and my wife admiring my courage (or foolishness) from the bank. I laid on the rocks in the sun to dry off and warm up. We tested a Methodist church in our dirty camping clothes and received a warm welcome.
Guide
this was a great location for spending some time on the medina river and close to medina lake. we camped in the tent camping area above the cabin. it's a bit of a steep walk from the campsite to the river, but not bad. we were able to carry our kayake with no problem. we were also able to use part of the grassy lawn next to the cabin which is closer to the river. only downside was a lot of dogs barking all night long. but if the time of year is right you will see fireflies and lots of deer. overall we enjoyed it a lot.
Ranger
RV and tent camping areas. We dispersed-camped due to after sunset arrival. Park is clean and well used during the day, but the whole place got quiet at 7 pm. A cop patrolled the perimeter twice, once right at sunset then again 2 hours later. There were wildlife sounds all night long, i.e. coyotes yipping and owls hooting. The bathrooms are simple, but clean with flush toilets. The showers are currently shut off. Plenty of picnic tables and trash cans. In the morning expect joggers and dog walkers right at sunrise. There’s plenty to see and do if you stay for a while, the river is alongside the park and there are hilly walking trails.
Scout
We have tent camped at Garer 8 times over the last 3 or 4 years. We have stayed in both the new part and the original part of the park. The original campground has huge, beautiful oaks, and is close to the camp store and Pavillion. That being said, we actually prefer to camp in the new sites, because you can easily get a spot that is right off the river by just a quick walk, and the bathrooms are newer. Bathrooms are equipped with 3 showers and 3 toilets and 2 sinks. There are lots of trails to hike/bike, and the park is very well maintained. One of our favorite places during the summer.
RangerThe park has sone beautiful hiking along the Frio river. We stayed in the sites with full hookup which seam to be newer with new restrooms not open at the time so we had a short walk to the visitor center bathroom which was minimal and not as clean as I would like. The sites with just water and electric were much shadier and beautiful. They also have tent camping, some with shelters. I believe cabins are also available. Checkin process was a little slow even though we had reservations, I suggest to them they should have a separate fast lane for those with reservations. The camp store and gift shop were very nice and well stocked with essentials. Fire wood was about $6 for a large bundle. Garner grill was not open.
GuideNeal's Lodges has primitive camp grounds, so you will not have water or electricity hookups. They also provide cabins, but who could resist getting to sleep in a tent right on the water.
This is a great camping spot, we had tent site 3 and it was right on the water. We had a huge camping area. There was a big slide for adults and kids as well as beautiful big jumping rocks. They also had golf cart rentals for 24 hr periods which definitely came in handy. We were close to the restrooms which is great when you have kids. They had a store with all the supplies you forget or run out of, as well as a restaurant. They had a dance hall with a snack bar and offered excursions with the ranch animals.
ScoutDon't be fooled, this city park originated as a State park and has all the amenities!
We stayed in the Fox Run Loop towards the back of the park away from the highway and it was nice and quiet. The showers and restrooms were decent, again reflecting other Texas SP facilities.
The trails varied in terrain and were well maintained as were the rest of the grounds. We didn't check out the river side of the park, however this June we are returning to and will be on the river side and will provide an update afterwards.
UPDATE:
Just got back from a weekend trip on the river side. Like the other reviews stated, it was a bit louder being so close to the highway. Additionally, there are street lamps by the ranger station that illuminate the tent sites which were annoying. It was nice however to be within short walking distance of the river, but if I were to go again, I'd stay on the other side of the park like my first time.
Guide
Medina Lake Thousand Trails RV Park is an awesome campground with large sites and lot of nature! There are trees and shade and it is along Medina Lake shores. The lake was dried up during our stay, but it was still beautiful views all around. They have 30 & 50 amp hook-up sites. Not all have sewer connections, but there is a dump station on site. There are tent sites, also. There are lots of amenities such as a huge pool, playgrounds, dog runs, restrooms, laundry, trails, boat launch, community center, games, basketball, pickle ball, mini golf, and so much more! Fun for the whole family. This campground does have a lot of deer around. We really enjoyed this park and the smell of nature here.
For videos on this campground and others, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure
Scout
We called ahead and got a good idea of what we needed and what to expect. Upon arrival, we were beyond impressed. Wendy was so helpful and accommodating. She didn't rush us or seem bothered even though we came just after closing. (We didn't know!) We were able to take advantage of their active duty special. The store had everything we needed that we didn't grab beforehand. (Fire wood and energy drinks, plus cow candy for the little one!) She not only got us our map she was kind enough to actually take us to our site and show us where the facilities were. Since we came during the week, no one else was using the primitive tent sites with us which made for a private and exclusive experience. During the night, we could still hear trains and airplane but none of that could've ruined our amazing night. We were provided with a fire ring and couldn't have asked for more. She made sure to give us a 24 hour phone number in case there were ANY problems. Definitely will be back any time we are in town. Thank you again.
ScoutThe BEST hidden secret for camping in Texas. I mean wonderful camping privacy. Can’t beat the friendly Christian atmosphere
LegendTexas is such a large state finding great campgrounds can quickly get a little overwhelming. There are so many amazing outdoor spaces and camping options that unless you really have something specific in mind you can get caught up comparing sites trying to determine which is the perfect fit for you.
This has always been the case for me in my home state and I feel as though I have missed many great locations as a result. One hidden gem I hadn’t yet discovered was Boulderdash Cabin And RV on Lake Medina just outside of Bandera.
I was pleased to have this one brought to my attention and after booking through The Dyrt’s new online booking system I packed up my car in anticipation of a great trip down south. My original day to visit was met by some of the unpredictable Texas weathers, torrential downpour lasting 2 two days. I say that to say this, the campground owner and hosts were fully understanding of the predicament of me being a tent camper and unable to fully be able to enjoy the location in such conditions. As a result they allowed me to push my reservation, something many campgrounds would not be so accommodating to do.
This set the tone for my trip and was echoed throughout my stay, amazing and kind customer service!
CLICK HERE For Full Video Review
Campground Review:
Finally arriving at my site mid afternoon after a long drive, I was ready to get out and explore but also relax. I was greeted by the campground hosts upon my arrival with such a pleasant and welcoming reception. They showed me to my site, gave me a short tour of the small camp and told me a bit about the area so I could fully enjoy the amenities and know what to expect for a nights stay at the location.
Amongst the highlights were the lake where you can fish, kayak, take in the sun or have a great moment around the fire ring, the nightly deer feeding just alongside the entry road and an additional patio for sunning or enjoying a peaceful retreat.
The camp itself is very small, but with that comes a lot of charm. They did mention that there is currently underway an expansion possibly on the waterfront for additional tent camping options to expand the single tent site now available. For those visiting in an RV there are several spaces available currently with substantial parking area for larger units in addition to the lake cabin featuring 3 bedrooms and an ample porch for outdoor entertaining.
The charm of the campground is definitely in the details from painted rocks around the patio area, the campground mascots hanging out at key places for interaction, the unique bathhouse created from a small horse trailer and equipped with rustic finishings and the deer corn and bird seed left for each camper so they can interact more with their surroundings. This is a place which uniquely unveils itself the more you explore.
I had seen photos of the location but did not fully know what to expect, and boy was I surprised at how different my visit was than other reviewers from the site. When I arrived the lake was almost to the top of the camp border retainer wall, unlike other photos which I had seen when there was little to no water to explore. Apparently the earlier in the season the more water usually you will find because later in the season the water is used for irrigation in surrounding areas and it becomes very low. Spring and early summer is the ideal time for lake related activities while late summer and fall are more about the discovery you can find along the banks and bed of the lake, which is more like hiking in my opinion.
Tips:
For More Information About Fishing At Lake Medina CLICK HERE
For More Information About Bandera CLICK HERE
Product Review:
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, in addition to having access to great campgrounds, I also am given the opportunity to try and review products and gear best suited for my active camping lifestyle. For my trip to Baulderdash I was able to prepare all my meals using the Primus Power Trail Backpacking Stove With Piezo.
I was a little worried I wouldn’t have the stove before my trip with only a couple of weeks between booking and estimated camping date, however from order to delivery there was less than a week’s time, arriving well before I departed for my trip. To be honest I didn’t want to try it out or anything until I arrived at my campsite so I could get a true feel for the size, the function and overall experience since this was my first Primus item.
**First Impression: **
The size seemed a good fit for what I was looking for. I have used a camping stove previously and knew I wanted something similar in size but also something which would address all my previous concerns with the other brand.
What Were My Previous Brand Concerns?:
With all these concerns, I decided to play it safe and make sure I had the instructions with me just in case. (Available in multiple languages) And while I did read them, I really didn’t have to because the stove was very user friendly when I actually started assembling it. (I would suggest a new user who has never used a backpacking stove to give it a quick once over)
I opted for this stove because of its 4 stove balancing points. My previous stove had only 3 and many times it made it difficult to balance when my surface was not entirely even or if my food was slightly shifted in my pan. The 4 points are pulled upward from their fold and locked into place tightly, giving another layer of security to me when using the stove and checking off one of my concerns.
The stove attaches to your propane bottle by screwing it onto the top. With this you want to have a firm hold because if it is not screwed on tight enough it will not start. You will quickly know if it isn’t on tight enough when you twist the piezo because you will not hear the gas flowing. I learned this on the second use when I was making my breakfast and I thought I had broken it by not putting it in my bag the same way it had been previously. Gave me a little panic, only to discover it was operator error not stove damage.
Having the piezo and igniter fully eliminated my frustrations which came from starting and lighting the previous stove, which I always felt was a bit dangerous because you would have to ignite it right at the source of the gas and many times it would intensely flair up. The Primus keeps you at a safe distance from the actual starting of the flame so check off another concern!
To cook on the stove I opted to really test its heating ability. I did so using chilled water, wanting to see just how long it actually would take to bring it to a rolling boil for use on a variety of common camping needs. Less than 10 minutes and my water was rolling and steaming maxing out temps high enough for pretty much anything I could ever need from creating an egg omelet in a sandwich bag, hydrating a meal, boiling water safe consumption or making piping hot water thermos for keeping warm in my tent on a cold night.
In my opinion, the timing was very good. In addition, though there was a bit of wind it seemed to continue burning consistently instead of all of the flames shifting to a single side. While I didn’t test the overall even cooking because I had only boiled water I can only assume from the other results that this also would be addressed and answered by the balancing and also even flame.
I hydrated a dehydrated meal for dinner, anyone who has done this before knows if the water isn’t warm enough it will not cook through and you will be eating pure crunchy starch. That meal turned out great! In the morning, I made my protein packed oatmeal with dehydrated fruits and a coffee. Layering the fruits on the bottom to allow them the most access to hydrating following with oats and protein powder I was able to with the Primus create a breakfast quality mirroring that of what I could have made with a full kitchen at home requiring a stove, chopping block and coffee maker, all with a single burner.
Tips:
For Full Product Review Video CLICK HERE
TravelerIt is August in Texas, very hot, we have to have shade and water to camp. This has it all. Our site had lovely cottonwood trees and right on the small branch of the river. Walk across small rapids and crystal clear water to another side of the park with access to the main river for canoeing, kayaking, you name it.
There are several small walking trails. Three separate sections... rv full service, rv water/elec., tents. All lovely.
Don’t like river water... check out the pool ❤️. Also lots of birds! All the sights and sounds of Texas camping. We watched the ducks fly in every evening, along with a lovely blue heron. Turtles have their own little island. We watched the bats swarm the evening sky eating their fill. Then we were visited by lightning bugs. The frogs will sing to you all night.
Suggest a prime spot... slightly more but larger and lots of room to spread out!
Lovely people, very attentive, very very clean! We will return!
RangerSometimes it is nice to stay in cabins instead of a tent or RV. Normally when my family and I go we will stay in a tent or take our RV, depending on how long we are going to stay. These cabins are super cute, and have great names for them. One of them is named " The George Straight." I love little special touches like this. There is a swimming pool on site which was nice to keep us cool in the Texas summer heat. Although the pool was pretty busy with kids! We didn't mind this since the lake was only a few hundred yards away. In the morning we had coffee at the small table in the cabin and could see the beautiful lake through the window. Also, seeing the white tail deer walking around the campground was incredible, too. Nothing like being able to see wildlife like this! Lots of chipmunks/squirrels as well that are definitely used to humans being around. There are shaded areas with picnic tables on site as well as grills for BBQ. They also have a café on site that serves meals during the weekends. We enjoyed having this as an option, although we brought plenty of food for our cabin to munch on. We did some hiking nearby which was a lot of fun, and had views of the entire lake. We also played in the lake, BBQ and enjoyed some people watching. Overall, we look forward to the next time we can come again!
Ranger
Went here on a short backpacking trip with about 10 other ladies and primitive camped about a mile or into the area. It was a GREAT area for all of our tents and a great area for commrodity! We had a blast and will return! The hike out to the primitive camping area was moderate and fairly flat. You do cross a creek bed so be prepared to get wet if the flow is good. Plenty of flat spaces for tents and plenty of space away from your neighbors. Star gazing was good!
TravelerWhen we stayed we only stayed the day in the park at a drive in site. This was due to the weather was still a bit cold to break out the tent for an overnight. We did day camp with our tent and jet boil right by the water. I can see this place would be quite busy during the hot summer days we the frio right through the park. They did have options for cabins which we looked at which were very nice! This would be a great spot for summer but make sure to book early.
TravelerQuiet and away from the noisy RVs this spot was peaceful and offered great access to the river. A street light made it a little too bright at night for sleeping in a tent. Bathrooms were okay.
GuideWe stayed at electric campsite 003, it was great!
LegendVery basic, close quarters RV area. The tent area is not "primitive" per say, it is near the RV area and close to the river. Park is maintained with a pool. Trails are nice and you can get a good run in. River had a good current while I was there.
Tent camping near Hondo, Texas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed spots nearby, campers can find the perfect setting for their outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hondo, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hondo, TX is Rio Frio — Garner State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hondo, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Hondo, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
