The diverse campgrounds near Shiner, Texas offer varied landscapes from riverside campsites along the Colorado and San Marcos Rivers to wooded areas with hiking trails. Located in the coastal plains region of Texas, the area maintains mild winter temperatures with hot summers, making water recreation particularly appealing during warmer months. Campers can find accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to glamping options including yurts at several locations within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Oak Thicket Park, the water stays warm year-round due to a nearby power plant. "Good fishing and kayaking but wind picks up often," notes one camper. The park features newly constructed fishing piers that have "made fishing much better," with kayak fishing recommended for those without boats.
Tubing and paddling: Water activities are popular at Son's River Ranch, where guests can purchase wristbands for unlimited river activities. "We tubed and kayaked. They have a wristband you can buy for the day that is good for unlimited kayaking and tubing, we did both! The trip took about 2 hours by tube and an hour by kayak," explains a visitor. Shuttle service returns guests to the camp when finished.
Golfing: Lockhart State Park offers a unique 9-hole golf course within a state park setting. One visitor mentioned, "About half the park is for golfing, which is great news for the dad of the family." The course offers affordable rates with discounts for Texas Pass holders, though a reviewer noted it was "not in the best shape right now but the price was right."
What campers like
Comfortable glamping options: Son's Blue River Camp provides air-conditioned glamping accommodations with convenient bathroom access. A reviewer mentioned, "They have private, lockable, full bathrooms right behind the cabins." The kitchenettes in these units come fully equipped for meal preparation.
Family activities: Splashway Campground offers extensive recreational options beyond standard camping. "The campground had a lot of activities for the kiddos. They had a haunted house for the little ones and one for the older ones. Lots of RV's were decorated," reported a visitor during Halloween season. Year-round activities include laser tag, fishing ponds, and mini-golf.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds in the area provide opportunities to observe native Texas wildlife. At Thousand Trails Colorado River, "the area is beautiful, lot of animals and plants," with another visitor noting, "Very quiet. Trails to walk and lots of deer." Bastrop State Park offers similar experiences with wooded sites creating natural wildlife habitats.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation when camping in this region of Texas. A visitor to Bastrop State Park advised, "Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!" Parks with water activities provide welcome relief during hot months.
Site spacing: Campsite proximity varies significantly between locations. At Splashway Campground, one camper noted, "Our only complaint was that the particular spot we reserved was very close to the other spots. A travel trailer pulled in late last night to the spot next to us and when we came out the next morning we practically walked right into their camper."
Reservation systems: Some parks require advance planning while others allow spontaneous visits. Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park has an unusual reservation process, with no on-site office. "To reserve a campsite, call the City Recreation Center at 512-237-3282x7 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm," according to visitor information.
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Shiner, Texas, Splashway Campground offers yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping, providing a comfortable middle ground between camping and cabin stays.
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Splashway combines camping with water recreation that appeals to children of all ages. "My family of five enjoyed our stay at Splashway Campground. We liked the easy access and closeness to the waterpark as well as the other activities the campground offered," shared a visitor. Note that the water park requires separate admission from camping fees.
Playground availability: When choosing a family-friendly campsite, check for playground conditions. At Colorado River RV Campground, one camper cautioned, "I took my granddaughter to the playground and can't use it (old and broken)," indicating facilities may need maintenance or updates at some locations.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer junior ranger programs for children. At Bastrop State Park, one family mentioned, "Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved." These programs typically teach children about local wildlife, plants, and conservation efforts through hands-on activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pay attention to site grading when booking RV spots. At Lockhart State Park, an RVer warned, "The sites are also not super level and our site #2 sloped back." Bringing leveling blocks can help address this common issue at many of the area campgrounds.
Hookup verification: Always confirm exact hookup availability before arrival. One RVer at Colorado River RV Campground reported, "Was a bit disappointed as when booking through TT website, it said full hook ups when we arrived, only Water and Electric were available." Having a plan for managing waste tanks is essential when sewer hookups are unavailable.
Golf cart regulations: At Splashway Campground, rental golf carts can be expensive. "The golf carts also are really expensive. Just for a 4 seater it was $114 a day," noted one visitor. However, they added, "They allow you to bring your own golf carts or side by sides but no four wheelers," which can be a cost-saving option for repeat visitors.
