Tent camping near New Braunfels, Texas centers around river recreation on the Guadalupe, San Marcos, and Comal Rivers where summer water temperatures typically remain below 72°F due to spring-fed sources. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F between June and September, making riverside camping locations particularly valuable for cooling off. Campsites situated in the Edwards Plateau limestone terrain often feature rocky soil requiring sturdy tent stakes.
What to do
River tubing excursions: At Son's River Ranch, tubers can purchase day passes for unlimited floating. "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," notes a camper who enjoyed both activities.
Kayaking the San Marcos River: Son's Blue River Camp provides access to paddling opportunities on the San Marcos River. "We loved tubing and kayaking the San Marcos River! It's a great getaway!" reports one visitor who stayed in the air-conditioned accommodations.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer optimal wildlife viewing at tent camping areas. According to a camper at Wagon Ford Walk-In Area, "Would recommend waking early to take advantage of the beautiful sunrise and observe the local wildlife." The park's riverside location attracts numerous bird species and small mammals.
What campers like
Air-conditioned glamping options: Son's Guadalupe offers climate-controlled accommodations for those seeking comfort in hot weather. "The glamping tent was perfect for us. It had 2 queen beds with foam mattresses, 1 twin bed, bedside table with fans and the best part: AC!" explains one satisfied visitor.
Private riverside locations: Many campers appreciate direct water access. At Son's Island, "Each cabana comes with its own private dock, lots of comfortable seating, electricity, water, BBQ pit, picnic table and hammock."
Family-friendly facilities: Campgrounds with multiple amenities receive high marks from families. "The property itself pretty large and has a lot of creek frontage. We kayaked, paddle boarded, swam, fished and more! They also have lots of amenities: 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, volleyball court, basketball court, game room, horseshoe pits and more," writes a camper who visited Son's Geronimo.
What you should know
Weekday versus weekend experiences: The New Braunfels area sees significant visitor fluctuations. One camper recommends, "It can get a bit crowded on weekends so go during the week if you're not wanting to be around crowds." This advice applies particularly during summer months when river recreation peaks.
Reservation structure variations: Some campgrounds have unique booking systems. At Don's Fish Camp, "$ 20 a Night per person. Children 12 and under are free." Other properties have complex day-use versus overnight arrangements.
Seasonal availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. North Park at Canyon Lake operates only from "Mar 1 to Oct 31," according to their listing information, making advanced planning essential for off-season visits.
Bathroom facilities: Campground amenities vary widely. According to reviews, Son's Blue River Camp features "private, lockable, full bathrooms right behind the cabins," while more primitive locations may have limited facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Cost considerations: Review pricing structures before booking family trips. At some locations, "Children 12 and under are free" for camping, but additional activities like tube rentals may have separate fees.
Multi-activity venues: Choose campgrounds offering diverse recreation. Son's Geronimo received praise from a family of six: "Their glamping cabins are super nice and had everything we needed including AC, WiFi, full kitchen, fire pits, hammocks etc." The multiple bed configurations (2 queens, 2 twins) accommodated the larger family.
River depth considerations: Parents should note water conditions for safety. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodation: Few tent camping areas near New Braunfels properly accommodate recreational vehicles. North Park at Canyon Lake serves as one exception during its operational season from March through October.
Facility limitations: Most riverside tent camping locations lack RV hookups or dump stations. Wagon Ford Walk-In Area at Guadalupe River State Park explicitly caters to tent camping with walk-in sites that aren't suitable for recreational vehicles.
Parking considerations: When RVs are permitted, parking arrangements may be separate from camping areas. One camper noted their site "wasn't too far from the parking area and we didn't have any trouble carrying our supplies back and forth," indicating the walk-in nature of certain campgrounds.
