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Best Campgrounds near San Marcos, TX

971 Reviews

The camping areas around San Marcos, Texas, combine natural settings with plenty of outdoor activities for visitors. McKinney Falls State Park Campground sits a short drive away, giving campers access to hiking trails and swimming spots where people cool off during hot days. Campers at Pedernales Falls State Park Campground can check out the water-carved rock formations and walk several trail options that range from easy to challenging. Both parks have basic needs covered with restrooms and picnic areas that make longer stays comfortable. Deer and many bird types live throughout these parks, so proper food storage helps prevent unwanted animal visits to your campsite. Some sites have good tree cover and distance from neighbors, while others are more open and closer together. Before booking, look at the site sizes to make sure your tent or RV will fit properly. Texas heat can be intense in summer months, making spring and fall much better times to camp in this part of the state. The San Marcos area works well for both quick weekend trips and longer camping vacations with different outdoor options.

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Best Camping Sites Near San Marcos, Texas (231)

    1. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    2. Lockhart State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lockhart, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 398-3479

    $20 - $24 / night

    "So everyone knows that Lockhart has some of the best BBQ in Texas, but it is a lot more than that. Lockhart State park is a fairly small park, but it still has quite a bit to offer."

    "Beautiful and fun little state park with a 9 hole golf course, a swimming pool and nearby #1 Texas barbeque"

    3. Pecan RV Park

    7 Reviews
    San Marcos, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 396-0070

    $42 - $142 / night

    "I like this place because its on the San Marcos river. They help you back in if you need it, great little store, quiet, clean, reasonably priced. Love this place!"

    4. Camp Huaco Springs

    12 Reviews
    New Braunfels, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 625-5411

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful scenery and easy access to the river. Roads are very rough though so make sure you have a high clearance vehicle."

    "I would give this place 5 stars except due to the location next to the river, the country road runs right next to the camp grounds. Lots of noisy motorcycle traffic all night."

    5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Canyon Lake

    11 Reviews
    Abiquiu Lake, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 256-0088

    $57 - $373 / night

    "Walking distance to river and other activities. Short walk to restrooms and showers. Water and power available on both sites."

    "We will be returning in the near future for sure!  Luckily for us, they do have a very detailed website that addresses a lot of the questions and concerns one might have.  "

    6. Mystic Quarry

    11 Reviews
    Abiquiu Lake, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 360-4725

    "A great location near, Canyon Lake.and tubing on the river

    The first bar licensed in1933 , after prohibition, RYLIE’s is close by with big name musicians."

    "These sites are close to the game/ pool area.
    Some construction on the grounds, looks like they are adding more cabins and teepee sites."

    7. Lazy L & L Campground

    10 Reviews
    Abiquiu Lake, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 964-3455

    "Great location close to the river"

    "Took a walk through the campgrounds and wow!!!! Clean, organized, super maintained!!!"

    8. Cranes Mill Park

    26 Reviews
    Canyon Lake, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 964-3341

    $26 - $35 / night

    "A great small park on beautiful Canyon Lake in legendary Texas Hill Country.

    The park is perfectly situated to explore the Hill Country."

    "Suasana di Canyon Lake, Texas pasti akan membuat Anda merasa seperti di rumah sendiri. Fasilitasnya lengkap dan bersih. Aurealisa"

    9. Rio Guadalupe Resort & RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Abiquiu Lake, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 351-8459

    $45 - $50 / night

    "They also have rules about flags so you really can get away from the pace of the world. Between the trees and the small fall crowd, it was soooo quiet. Everyone seemed to sleep in just a little."

    "The river access is Overlooking a canyon wall, with ducks and deer roaming and a huge yard of grass all the way down to the waters edge. White lights illuminate it at night."

    10. Pecan Park Riverside RV Park

    4 Reviews
    San Marcos, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 396-0070

    $60 / night

    "Right next to San Marcos river! Really nice only down thing Is LOTS OF RULES! $5 per guest even if they aren’t staying the night... other than that staff pretty friendly and good location."

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Recent Camping Photos near San Marcos, TX

263 Photos of 231 San Marcos Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Marcos, TX

971 Reviews of 231 San Marcos Campgrounds

Guide to San Marcos

Camping near San Marcos, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several great campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds have trails that let you enjoy the great outdoors. At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "We hiked 2 miles down Wolf Mountain Loop... The falls had a short but somewhat taxing hike, since coming out was steep uphill, but it was a beautiful sight!"
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, check out the swimming areas at McKinney Falls State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The site had relatively good Verizon cell service... The Upper and Lower Falls weren’t too far away if you walk."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: The Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds is perfect for water activities. One reviewer noted, "The water was running at a perfect flow for kayaking and swimming as well as lounging in the rapids."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Cranes Mill Park said, "Most have views of the lake... facilities near this campground are high and dry."
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. At McKinney Falls State Park Campground, a camper remarked, "Well maintained campsites clearly marked with restroom and hot showers close by."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. One reviewer at Palmetto State Park Campground said, "The tent sites are very nice, close to the river & oxbow lake (kayaks for rent!). Very peaceful."

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places that offer various activities. At Bastrop State Park Campground, a camper said, "The park itself is beautiful and quiet. Great bathroom facilities; very new and clean."
  • Pack for All Weather: Texas weather can be unpredictable. A visitor at Blanco State Park Campground shared, "The sites are nice with covered picnic tables... You can walk into Blanco's downtown square without crossing the highway."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Kids will love spotting animals. One camper at Cranes Mill Park mentioned, "Early each morning there were deer wandering throughout the park."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Palmetto State Park Campground noted, "Spots are really nice, but mostly very short. Our 28' trailer took up most of the space."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups. A visitor at Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown said, "Each site has a covered pavilion, which was really nice."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some parks may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Cranes Mill Park mentioned, "The sites here are huge and the cement pad is long plus there’s a parking space for a vehicle or boat."

Camping around San Marcos, Texas, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of places to camp in San Marcos, TX, that will meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fishing campgrounds near San Marcos?

The San Marcos area offers excellent fishing opportunities at several nearby campgrounds. Riverbend RV Park features fishing access to the San Marcos River and even has a catch-and-release pond that's perfect for kids. Palmetto State Park Campground is another great option with both a lake and flowing river (San Marcos River) for varied fishing experiences and good kayaking opportunities. Canyon Lake is also a premier fishing destination in the region, with Cranes Mill Park offering beautiful waterfront sites. For those willing to drive a bit further, Lockhart State Park also offers fishing opportunities in a less crowded setting with the added bonus of being near some of Texas' best BBQ.

Where can I find camping sites in San Marcos, TX?

San Marcos offers several excellent camping options in and around the area. Pecan Park Riverside RV Park sits right next to the San Marcos River with friendly staff, a good location, and clean facilities. For those seeking a more glamping-style experience, Son's Blue River Camp offers air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and direct access to the San Marcos River for tubing and kayaking. Other options within a short drive include Palmetto State Park Campground and Dot's Spots, both offering unique experiences in the Texas Hill Country. Most campgrounds in the area provide water access, clean facilities, and are well-situated for exploring nearby attractions.

Is free camping available in San Marcos, TX?

Free camping options are limited directly in San Marcos. Most established campgrounds in the area charge fees, like Pecan RV Park and the various riverside camping facilities. For budget options, consider Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis, which offers primitive camping areas at lower rates than full-service campgrounds. While not free, Lockhart State Park and McKinney Falls State Park provide more affordable camping with state park day-use fees. For true free camping (dispersed camping), you'll need to venture further from San Marcos to public lands like national forests. Always verify current policies before planning a free camping trip, as regulations can change.

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