San Marcos, TX is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of San Marcos. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in San Marcos, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"There’s a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping. I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets."
"You will often see Tom (the owner) riding around on his cart cleaning up the place and greeting all the visitors. It's a beautiful gem and everyone that knows about it fights to keep it this way."
$10 - $100 / night
"a crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching."
"This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."
"Purple campsite was just a small walk away from the small store and bathrooms. It was a nice campsite but the sites were kinda close together."
"The only thing that I don’t like are the bathrooms which are pretty close to an outhouse which some people don’t have a problem but I guess I’m picky ."
$15 - $30 / night
"Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.
Not far from the old (and new!)"
"Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."
"San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond. Sites are extremely close. I did not like that. Staff is very friendly. Oil rigs make the town stink some."
"Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"
"I happily drive over three hours to camp here... Dogs are not allowed, but service dogs are. Just call them in advance and let them know. It is CASH ONLY. Also, be careful how far you venture."
$20 - $30 / night
"The lake is pretty decent, there are a few small trails around the area, and you are close to a small town. Biggest issue? 30 bucks a night, plus 5 dollars per person for a day use fee."
"We have a pull behind. We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy. The wifi is decent."
$25 / night
"Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water."
"My campsite was pretty shaded and the outhouse wasn’t too far of a walk. They have an outdoor shower at the entrance as well as a filtered water/ice machine."
"Only there for one short night but it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."
"As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."
"Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking."
"This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."
TravelerOur first time here and it wasn’t that bad of a place. San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond. Sites are extremely close. I did not like that. Staff is very friendly. Oil rigs make the town stink some. Lots of things to do in surrounding area
RangerPace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.
Not far from the old (and new!) Backyard (a great place to see live music in the live oak capital of Texas), Pace Bend is a quick drive away. A perfect spot to pitch a bunch of tents, jump off cliffs, swim and barbeque. Maybe 45 minutes from downtown Austin (without traffic).
I won't lie the cliff diving kinda freaks me out. Be careful is all I'm saying!
There are several primitive campsites throughout the park with picnic tables, grills and toilets. Additionally there are 20 RV hook-up type sites that offer running water, electricity, restrooms and showers.
GuideShaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.
The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.
Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.
Guidethe campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. the lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this. we stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. there are no showers or bath houses. there are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving. Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. there are fish if you're into that.
Guidea crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching.
TravelerWe went camping over memorial weekend at Pedernales Falls. We did the primitive camping. This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites. We saw deer in the morning in the grassy area next to our tent. We also found a path down to the river that was close by.
TravelerRelaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking. Small RV plus tent for us.
Travelergreat camping areas with the river near by. about 20 miles worth of hiking trails. You can ride bikes or horses here too. Lots of great swimming.
RangerOne of my favorites you can do a lot of different activities from horse back riding swimming hiking biking. The facilities are well maintained and the sightseeing is wonderful.
This site has no shade at all but is close to one of the trails to swim
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect place to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Marcos, TX is San Marcos River Retreat with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near San Marcos, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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