Tent campsites near Stockdale, Texas concentrate primarily along river systems within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching 95-100°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Flood risks exist during heavy rain periods due to the proximity of the Guadalupe and San Marcos Rivers to many campsites.
What to do
**River tubing trips: At Son's Guadalupe, campers can access guided tubing experiences. "The river is a bit shallow at their location for swimming (much of the Guadalupe is) but it the perfect depth to get in relax and cool off. This section of the Guadalupe River is very clear and flows great for tubing. We rented some tubes and they took us up river a couple of miles to float back down to our cabana which was very convenient."
**Day-to-overnight transitions: Son's Blue River Camp offers structured day-to-night camping transitions. "We stayed in one of their air-conditioned glamping cabins. It was very nice and clean and the AC stayed very cold. They have private, lockable, full bathrooms right behind the cabins."
Budget-friendly river access: Some locations offer affordable access for extended stays. At Don's Fish Camp, campers pay "$20 a Night per person. Children 12 and under are free. Swim all day and BBQ."
What campers like
Air-conditioned glamping options: Multiple locations provide climate-controlled alternatives to traditional tent camping. A camper at Son's River Ranch noted: "Our glamping cabin was nice, it was well worth the money to not to have to set up a tent and do all that work. Plus the AC kept us very cold and comfortable at night and the kitchenette had everything we needed to cook and make meals."
Private bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "They have private, lockable, full bathrooms right behind the cabins."
Weekday tranquility: Campers report significantly different experiences between weekends and weekdays. According to a reviewer at Don's Fish Camp: "Very peaceful during the week." This suggests weekday visits may provide a quieter experience compared to busier weekends.
What you should know
Reservation structures vary: Some properties have unusual reservation systems. At Son's Guadalupe, "they rent everything a-la-carte, so if you plan to stay the night you need to tent a cabana or covered picnic table during the day. There website does a good job explaining everything but it's a bit different if you haven't been before so be sure to read through your reservation before heading out."
Additional fees may apply: Some campgrounds charge separate fees for day use and overnight stays. One camper noted: "I was not told at the time of making this reservation that I would also need a day reservation and that would cost extra."
Water level variability: The Guadalupe River depth fluctuates seasonally and after rainfall events. "The river is a bit shallow at their location for swimming (much of the Guadalupe is) but it the perfect depth to get in relax and cool off."
Tips for camping with families
Consider glamping for comfort: Family-oriented campers often recommend upgraded accommodations. At Son's Geronimo, "Their glamping cabins are super nice and had everything we needed including AC, WiFi, full kitchen, fire pits, hammocks etc. We have a family of 6 and the setup was perfect: 2 queen beds and 2 twin beds."
Verify amenities before booking: Since facilities vary widely between locations, confirm what's included. "For bathrooms, they have 5 individual bathrooms up top with showers."
Bring bedding supplies: Even in furnished accommodations, campers need to supply certain items. "You do have to bring your own pillows, sheets and blankets though."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV hookup availability: Few locations near Stockdale offer full hookups for larger RVs. At North Park on Canyon Lake, campers note it's a "small but clean, friendly, core of engineers campground! so no sewage but you can dump black water when you leave!"
River access considerations: When positioning RVs near water access points, consider seasonal water level changes. "Canyon lake is beautiful!" but access points may vary with water levels.
Proximity to water recreation: Many campgrounds feature direct river access as their primary appeal. "We rented a cabana for the day too and it was fun to hang out and relax by the river and BBQ. The next day we tubed and kayaked."
