San Marcos camping options include concrete pad sites at higher-end RV parks and more rustic spots with river access. Most campsites are located within a 30-mile radius of San Marcos, with several options positioned along the Guadalupe River. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F from May through September, making water-adjacent campsites particularly valuable during hot weather months.
What to do
River recreation: San Marcos River Resort provides substantial river frontage for campers looking to enjoy water activities. "One of our favorite things to do was walk along the river and explore the trails," notes Derek H. The resort's location offers easy access to swimming and wading areas.
Trail exploration: Longhorn RV Resort features walking paths around a lake for nature observation. "Great walking trail around a big lake and near big long horn cows," reports Heather O., who stayed at the resort for a week.
Water sports: Multiple options for tubing are available at campgrounds along the Guadalupe River. "The tubing is great for people with children who don't necessarily want to go tubing two to four hours... Very short route but water safety should be practiced as it is very deep in some areas," explains Guillermo L. about River Forest Haven.
What campers like
River views: Rio Guadalupe Resort & RV Park offers sites with excellent river vantage points. "My sister in law made these reservations and I was a little bit skeptical because of the 'parking lot' pics online. I was nervous that it would feel like a huge parking lot. But, I was pleasantly surprised!" writes Becky B., who particularly enjoyed "the river access... Overlooking a canyon wall, with ducks and deer roaming and a huge yard of grass all the way down to the waters edge."
Privacy features: Layout designs at some parks create better social opportunities. "One great part is that the pads alternate directions, so you can camp with your friends (or with new friends) instead of with their sewer connections," explains Simon N. about Rio Guadalupe Resort.
Clean facilities: New Braunfels RV Park receives positive comments for maintenance. "Very nice campground lots todo in near by towns there is a river with future rentals and people are very nice," reports Taylor A.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. As Marnie G. notes about Austin Lone Star RV Community, "It's located along the freeway, so there is some road noise. However, at night it was pretty quiet."
River access challenges: Some campgrounds require effort to reach water. According to kelly T., River Forest Haven has "no safe river access. You must hike down to river but soo worth it when u make it down."
Site allocation systems: Not all parks use reservation systems with assigned sites. Ryan G. reports about River Forest Haven: "Down side is it isn't assigned sites, so if your self contained like my van we went out for the day and came back to someone set up in our spot. Drove around till we found another."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer dedicated play areas for children. At Longhorn RV Resort, Marie D. found "amazing sites with concrete, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Our spot, #97, was right on the water and it was an amazing spot to watch the sunset! The pool was perfect and the bathrooms were amazing."
Kid-friendly swimming: Summit Vacation Resort provides structured water activities. "This camp is so much more than an RV camp. River access is down a series of steps. Water is beautifully shallow and slow moving," writes Kathy S., who also noted the "fabulous pool, hot tub. Cute playground for kids."
Family accommodations: Several parks offer cabins as alternatives to traditional camping. At Austin Lone Star RV Community, Deborah C. shares: "Family of 5, Grandma, Mom & 3 teenage boys, well organized, had after hours packet ready that was a pleasure to have. Clear and with tag for the truck."
Tips from RVers
Location advantages: Austin Lone Star RV Community provides quick access to urban amenities. "This is the third campground we've stayed at, and it's conveniently located just 15 minutes from the city, with grocery stores and other essential shops nearby," according to Tijana & Andrew C.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings peak crowds at many rv campgrounds San Marcos, Texas area parks. Off-season visits can provide quieter experiences, as Simon N. notes about Rio Guadalupe Resort: "Between the trees and the small fall crowd, it was soooo quiet. Everyone seemed to sleep in just a little."
Site selection strategy: Specific sites offer notable advantages at some parks. Bill B. found Longhorn RV Resort to have "level concrete pads with asphalt roads" and recommends requesting these premium sites when making reservations.
