Tent camping near Kyle, Texas centers around several river-based options with varying levels of access and amenities. The San Marcos, Guadalupe, and Colorado Rivers provide the primary water recreation focus for most campsites in the region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Tubing adventures: At Son's Guadalupe, campers can rent tubes for river floats that take approximately 2 hours. "We rented some tubes and they took us up river a couple of miles to float back down to our cabana which was very convenient. The scenery on the tubing trip is absolutely gorgeous, huge cliffs and cypress trees!" notes Byron R.
Kayaking options: Son's River Ranch offers both tubing and kayaking with all-day passes. "The trip took about 2 hours by tube and an hour by kayak. They have shuttles to bring you back up to River Ranch when you are done," reports Karin R., highlighting the convenience of shuttle service for water recreation.
River swimming: While many parts of the Guadalupe River are shallow, they provide perfect cooling spots during hot Texas days. "The river is a bit shallow at their location for swimming (much of the Guadalupe is) but it the perfect depth to get in relax and cool off. This section of the Guadalupe River is very clear and flows great for tubing," explains Byron R.
What campers like
Air-conditioned glamping: Son's Blue River Camp provides comfort amenities that appeal to those wanting a break from traditional tent camping. "We stayed in one of their air-conditioned glamping cabins. It was very nice and clean and the AC stayed very cold. They have private, lockable, full bathrooms right behind the cabins," shares Karin R.
Unique camping environments: CampEZ offers an unconventional setting with farm animals. "The campground is difficult to locate because there's only one gate that has the name of it on there so keep that in mind. You will find it. When you go in the gate, there are old campers that have been renovated and the greenery that spreads throughout this campground is beautiful. They have donkeys and goats," explains Lisa F.
Quiet weekday camping: Many riverside campgrounds offer dramatically different experiences depending on when you visit. "Very peaceful during the week," notes Nicole N. about her stay at Don's Fish Camp, indicating the value of timing your visit to avoid weekend crowds.
What you should know
Pricing structures: Some campgrounds have complex fee systems. At Son's Guadalupe, Janet G. warns, "I was informed that I needed day use and to rent a table or cabana to be on the property from 10am to 7pm... I was not told at the time of making this reservation that I would also need a day reservation and that would cost extra."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Kyle require advance planning. Son's properties typically need separate reservations for overnight accommodations and daytime use areas, with Byron R. advising, "They rent everything a-la-carte, so if you plan to stay the night you need to rent a cabana or covered picnic table during the day."
Tent site locations: Some campgrounds separate tent camping from RV areas, offering more secluded experiences. At Covenant Canyon RV Park, Travis D. notes, "The lots are big and spread out. It's living in the woods! Not a party park. We like it quiet and clean."
Tips for camping with families
Nighttime comfort: When tent camping with children in Texas heat, consider properties with alternative accommodations. "We loved everything about Son's River Ranch! The staff is great, the place was very clean and we had a blast! Our glamping cabin was nice, it was well worth the money to not to have to set up a tent and do all that work. Plus the AC kept us very cold and comfortable at night," shares Karin R.
Weekday visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, schedule visits during weekdays when possible. "It can get a bit crowded on weekends so go during the week if you're not wanting to be around crowds," advises Byron R. regarding Son's Guadalupe.
Budget planning: Tent camping costs vary widely. Basic sites at Don's Fish Camp run "$20 a Night per person. Children 12 and under are free," according to Nicole N., while glamping options and additional recreation can increase costs significantly.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV amenities: Many tent camping areas near Kyle have minimal RV hookups. Jesse S. visited Jacobs Creek and reported, "When we went there was no camping. It is a nice park and has awesome day river access," highlighting that some locations advertised as campgrounds may only offer day-use facilities.
Seasonal availability: Check operating dates before planning trips. North Park at Canyon Lake operates seasonally from March 1 to October 31, limiting late fall and winter camping options.
Tube rental costs: For RVers bringing families, budget for activities separately from camping fees. Jesse S. notes at Shanty River Center Campground, "Toobs were 20 per person per day you can buy the tubes cheaper," suggesting bringing your own equipment when possible.
