Nicholas A.
Ranger
RangerSteelhorn RV Community
I truck camped here for a week in my friend's parking spot. However, if you're looking to park your RV here for a few months, it's a great spot with a gym, laundry, and wonderful neighbors.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Smithville, TX
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Buescher State Park Campground welcomes pets at all tent, RV, and cabin sites with no additional fees. Campers with dogs must keep them on leashes no longer than six feet when outside designated pet areas. Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park offers pet-friendly campsites with water and electric hookups, maintained with trash cans and bags for convenient waste disposal. Some sites at South Shore Park feature dedicated pet areas near camping loops where dogs can exercise under supervision. The concrete pads for RVs are level with good tree cover providing shade during hot Texas days, important for pets sensitive to heat. Rocky Hill Ranch permits dogs on all hiking trails while Lost Pines Camping provides two small primitive tent sites where pets can accompany overnight visitors.
Colorado RiverBend Retreat's three riverside tent sites offer exceptional access to the Colorado River where dogs can cool off during summer months. The park maintains multiple hammocks near the water where campers and their pets can relax in the shade. Pet waste stations strategically located throughout campgrounds keep sites clean, with most parks enforcing strict cleanup policies. Wooded trails within Bastrop State Park interconnect with Buescher via a 12-mile scenic road popular with cyclists and dog walkers. The Lake Bastrop North Shore Park features lakeside paths suitable for morning pet walks. For emergency veterinary services, Smithville Veterinary Hospital provides care during weekday business hours while the Animal Emergency Clinic of Bastrop handles after-hours pet emergencies approximately 15 minutes from most campgrounds. Pet-friendly campgrounds near Smithville span developed sites with hookups to primitive tent spots, so finding dog-friendly camping that fits your setup is straightforward.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Smithville (117)
1. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
"This campground is located a short distance away from the city of Austin, Texas. The park is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)."
"We we’re traveling and needed a spot near Austin, Texas and love Lake Bastrop. There’s two Campgrounds one South and one North."
2. South Shore Park
"Pros: Quick check-in
• 176-acre park with 40 campsites on the south shore of Lake Bastrop.
• Level site concrete pad surrounded by crushed granite."
"Close to town for supplies, shopping, etc. Looking forward to going back with my bride."
3. Colorado RiverBend Retreat
"peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Picnic table, fire pit, hammocks and the bathroom/shower is so close! There is also a large sink - perfect for washing dishes."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 - $65 / night
4. Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park
"We arrived around 11:30 pm to the park and was stopped by a very helpful officer that explained to us the park was closed, but helped us get a spot anyways and directions."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
5. Centennial Creekside RV Park
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $500 / night
6. Lost Pines Camping
"The lake is wonderful for swimming or just sitting lakeside."
1 Site AvailableCampground full this weekend
from $29 / night
7. Rocky Hill Ranch
"This is a ranch that has a trail through it. A little over than a 1/4 mile in (the walking trail), there is a place where they let you camp if you want."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
8. Bastrop/Colorado River KOA
9. Plum Park on the Colorado
10. ArtV @ Casa Luna Llena
Check Availabilityfrom $125 / night
Drive Time
- 44 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 18 min from College Station, TX
- 1 hr 28 min from Victoria, TX
- 1 hr 31 min from Killeen, TX
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Smithville, TX
62 Photos of 117 Smithville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Smithville, TX
523 Reviews of 117 Smithville Campgrounds
- JJ M.
ScoutPalmetto State Park Campground
Avoid Campsite 20
Negatives
* campsite 20 is never dark being too close to the bright bathroom lights.
* if two people are showering at the same time you will have no toilet access until one of them is done
Disappointing
* Many people described this as a peaceful park. We had the great misfortune to be there at the same time two families were using the campground as a pseduo-backyard complete with lighting, a full sized propane grill, and hours of loud party music
Pros
* an easy drive from Austin
* so much lovely shade
* great for hammock camping (be sure to protect the lovely trees
Next time I might try camping deeper into the park and hope to find folks forest bathing rather than partying. I generally prefer a shorter walk to the bathrooms, but I moreso prefer to listen to the crickets and look at the stars.
- AAlexander L.Scout
Bastrop/Colorado River KOA
Great peaceful stay near the Colorado River
We stayed here for a weekend getaway in the cabin. The sites are spacious, quiet, and right near the Colorado River with easy access to hiking and fishing. During our evening downtime relaxing in the cabin, we checked out Class of '09 Online on a laptop. Great facilities, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. Highly recommend for anyone looking to camp near Bastrop!
Ronald M.
GuideBuda Place RV Resort
Great place to go fishing
Buda Place is a Family RV Resort in Buda that stands out from the rest of the RV Parks It's a very peaceful atmosphere. Secure Coded gates, Cameras of who's arriving and leaving, the Office is located at the entrance as soon as you enter the gate you feel safe. Your first greeted by(Corrie Fondriest Manager) she welcomes guest warmly, listens to concerns and accommodates you and your family. Corrie and her staff make sure everything is running smoothly, she has an amazing staff very friendly. Immaculate clean showers/restrooms, the staff cleans and maintains the facilities daily they are always spotless, the grass is always cut weekly. Laundry Rooms are very clean plenty of machines. Full Hookup 30/50-amp spacious sites, some sites are 3 car parking in between sites. You don't feel clustered next to each other. Amenities/Features we enjoyed.*Lagoon pool, Hot tub a lot of mature trees with shaded trees and plenty of lounge chairs.*The Lake is amazing! we saw joggers, walkers, people walking their pets.*Fishing they have a private lake stock up with bass, catfish and perch the kids have fun fishing of the fishing pier.* The Barn, they have social activities at the Barn from hot dog, cookouts, potlucks to Karaoke night.* Dog Park our Great Pyrenees enjoyed the dog park is very clean and well maintained by the staff our furry little guy met furry friends and will miss them.* At the end of the night we sat around the deck by the lake and relax, unwind, and breathe in the fresh air and watch the beautiful sunset over the lake. Thank you, Corrie you and your staff are awesome! We will come back to Buda RV Place we highly recommend it!
willem V.GuideHub City RV Park
Very disappointing
It's a desolate place, rates are 35 or 50 per night, depending on the power (20 or 50). Most power stations do not work and are sealed off, sewer connections are broken. 3 sites are occupied bij semi permanent guests
- SScott D.Scout
Buda Place RV Resort
Very Nice
Gated area with grass around each site. Sites are level with DG and concrete borders. Pool is nice w/spa. Laundry and showers available.
terry C.ScoutGreen Dickson Park
nice place
paid $ 25 a night for electric / water - very large city park - fishing pond - clean - felt safe local police patrolled area - i needed leveling blocks for site 12 - great walking areas - only had one other camper while here - i would stay here again
Jim P.RangerSouth Shore Park
Very nice, clean park
Very clean, well maintained park with lots of things to do! Close to town for supplies, shopping, etc. Looking forward to going back with my bride.
Gillian C.ScoutSon’s Blue River Camp
BEDBUGS in the cabins
BEDBUGS. I had a terrible stay at Son’s Blue River Camp. There are bedbugs in the log cabin. I had to pack up and leave the cabin in the middle of the night to find a hotel. I have video evidence of the bedbugs in the bed and I was bitten multiple times. I also believe they were aware there were bedbugs on the property and passed it off as a simple “maintenance issue”.
In addition to this huge problem, they are also unorganized. The staff didn’t properly inform me about changes to my reservation. I was sent a last minute email with vital information that they should have confirmed with me via phone call or text.
They also allowed me to buy a tubing/kayaking/shuttle wristband during my reservation. When I spoke to an employee on the phone about the problems with the property, she informed me that they were not even operating the shuttle/tubing during the week because it was “off season”.
I tried emailing the property as soon as this happened and did not get a response. I also called twice to speak to the manager about it. The manager, Rachel, never called me back. Do not stay at Son’ Blue River Camp.
It was a 0/10 experience.
Guide to Smithville
Smithville camping areas sit in the Lost Pines region of Texas, characterized by loblolly pines separated from the main East Texas pine forest by over 100 miles. The Colorado River runs through this area, creating several water recreation opportunities at elevations around 400 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F from June through August, making water access important for comfortable camping trips.
What to do
Scenic hiking trails: Bastrop State Park Campground offers multiple trail options for various skill levels. "There are several miles of hiking trails, that can be done in one or two days. It just depends on how many miles you want to hike," explains Jennifer J. The park continues recovering from past wildfires, creating a unique landscape to explore.
Water recreation opportunities: Lake Bastrop North Shore Park provides excellent lake access for swimming and fishing. "Nice lake with good access. Clean park," notes Jill C. The park maintains a designated swimming area with a volleyball net and numerous fishing spots along the shore.
Historic exploration: The region contains interesting historical sites and structures. "They have some good moderate hiking trails and some interesting historical sites," mentions Steve & Ashley G. about Bastrop State Park. Many structures date back to Civilian Conservation Corps projects from the 1930s.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: South Shore Park offers well-designed camping areas with natural buffers. "Nice park with campsites with lots of trees for privacy..good hiking trails," shares AJCOOK. The campground layout maximizes space between neighboring sites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at Bastrop State Park Campground. "Very clean restrooms and camp sites, nice trails, trails not very difficult. Perfect for a day trip from San Antonio, will be back," reports Dani D. The bathrooms feature hot showers and full plumbing.
Variety of accommodations: Sites range from primitive tent camping to full hookup RV spots across the region. "Various camping options including primitive tent sites, RV sites(with and without hookups), and group camping areas," notes loinse B. about Sherwood Forest Faire Campground, providing options for different camping styles.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat requires planning for comfort. "Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!" advises Danielle R. about camping at Bastrop State Park. Spring brings milder temperatures and wildflowers.
Fire recovery awareness: Several parks continue recovering from past wildfires. "We went after the 2nd fire & was able to see the affected trees from the 1st fire that affected Bastrop. Bathrooms were super nice & clean. Tons of hiking/running trails," shares Hayley A. The regenerating forest creates an educational opportunity.
Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "LCRA $6 on-line reservation fee," mentions Napunani about South Shore Park Lake Bastrop. Weekend dates often fill weeks in advance during spring and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: McKinney Falls offers safe water areas for children. "The great part is the swimming. The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," recommends Steph C.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's areas. "They have a children's playground and a nice swimming pool," notes Steve & Ashley G. These areas provide structured activities between hiking and water recreation.
Educational programs: Buescher State Park Campground offers learning opportunities for young campers. "Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved," shares Kim B. These programs typically run on weekends and teach about local wildlife and conservation.
Tips from RVers
Level sites with hookups: Concrete pads make setup easier at many campgrounds. "The sites were very nice and clean. Staff is friendly and helpful. Great views," reports Billy N. about South Shore Park. Most RV sites include water and electrical connections.
Dump station access: Several parks provide sanitation facilities. "Pros: Quick check-in, 176-acre park with 40 campsites on the south shore of Lake Bastrop. Level site concrete pad surrounded by crushed granite," explains Napunani about their stay at South Shore Park.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Smithville: Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park welcomes pets with convenient amenities. "Got to the spot and it was more than I expected for a camp site (electricity, fire ring pit, table, Barbque pit, and trash cans with bags)," reports Richard G. Most pet-friendly sites provide water access, important during hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Smithville, TX?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Smithville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Smithville, TX is Lake Bastrop North Shore Park with a 3.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Smithville, TX?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Smithville, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 117 dog-friendly camping locations near Smithville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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