Canyon Lake sits at the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by limestone outcroppings and oak-juniper woodlands at approximately 909 feet above sea level. The lake covers about 8,230 acres with 80 miles of shoreline, providing multiple access points for water activities. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 35-65°F while summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons near San Marcos.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cranes Mill Park on Canyon Lake offers shoreline access for anglers. "There is a small dog park. The sites are large and well kept. The bathroom/shower house was clean, and only about 50 feet from site #20," mentions Richard A. about Cranes Mill Park.
Hiking trails: McKinney Falls State Park features volcanic rock formations and multiple trail options. "There's an extinct volcano nearby called Pilot Knob. That accounts for the flat rock near the main falls. Bluebonnets are amazing here in Spring," notes Emily M. about McKinney Falls State Park.
Golfing: Lockhart State Park offers a 9-hole golf course along with other recreational activities. "They have a nice little swimming pool on site that is great for kiddos to enjoy, and they have quite a few places you can fish throughout the park. Then about half the park is for golfing, which is great news for the dad of the family," shares Brittany S.
What campers like
River access: Camp Huaco Springs provides direct access to the Guadalupe River. "Great place in the Guadalupe River. The RV spots have plenty of room. Backing in can be tricky if it's a busy weekend and you arrive late. Pack an ice chest an a chair and get wet in the river," recommends Jay W. about Camp Huaco Springs.
Wildlife viewing: Camping near San Marcos offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "The park is large and spaces are spread out throughout the park. The big draw is the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake, and the woods and hills. Small deer herds would move through the park each evening," reports Laura H. at Summit Vacation Resort.
Stargazing: The clear night skies make for excellent stargazing at many campgrounds. Kimberly K. notes about her glamping experience, "The stars are abundant and the vibe is so amazing, we felt completely recharged. We're so happy we found this gem!!"
What you should know
Flash flood warnings: Hill Country waterways can flood rapidly. "Respect weather warnings!" advises Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here."
Reservation timing: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Make reservations months in advance," suggests Chris C. about camping in the region.
Water safety: Be cautious when swimming in natural waterways. "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here," warns Emily M.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Jellystone Park has extensive water features for children. "They have a splash pad and water slides open at 12:00 and my 6 year old had a lot of fun on them during the summer. The bounce pad is very nice," shares Whitney R. about Jellystone Park.
Age-appropriate activities: Consider the age of children when selecting campgrounds. "We are just outgrowing the atmosphere. It's nothing against the park, we just have a teenager (14). I recommend it for any families with younger kids!" advises Celest C.
Spacing considerations: Campsite proximity varies between parks. "Sites were plenty big with electric and running water. 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.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some campgrounds have narrow roads that make navigation challenging. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," advises Dan H.
Leveling information: Sites at many campgrounds require additional leveling. "The sites are not super level and our site #2 sloped back," mentions Karl W. about Lockhart State Park.
Hookup availability: Most RV sites offer full hookups, but capabilities vary. "Our loop had power and water at the sites. It was pretty quiet due to impending horrible weather," notes Cathy J.
