Craving fresh air, starry skies, and a break from the city grind? Camping and RV parks near San Antonio provide nature-rich escapes that cater to every kind of outdoor traveler — from rugged tent campers to luxury RV explorers. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find riverside campgrounds, Hill Country retreats, and state parks perfect for unplugging and reconnecting with nature.
This guide covers the best camping and RV spots around San Antonio, complete with scenic views, hiking trails, and quiet mornings by the campfire. Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or an extended RV journey, these outdoor getaways deliver the serenity and adventure you’re searching for.
Why San Antonio Is a Great Base for Camping Adventures
Nestled between the Hill Country and South Texas Plains, San Antonio is a gateway to diverse landscapes ideal for campers and RV travelers. Within 1–2 hours of downtown, you can find riverfront campgrounds, wooded hideaways, and open skies perfect for stargazing.
These spots blend accessibility with true Texas wilderness, making them excellent for families, solo adventurers, and couples alike. Many locations offer full RV hookups, restroom facilities, and scenic trails — so you can enjoy both comfort and adventure without traveling far.
Best Camping and RV Parks Near San Antonio
1. Guadalupe River State Park
One of the most beloved camping spots near San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park offers riverfront campsites, shaded trails, and ample outdoor activities. The park spans 1,900 acres and provides opportunities for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and fishing along the clear-flowing river.
Address: 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Campsites $20–$28 per night; Day pass $7
Famous For: Scenic river access and multi-use trails
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve well in advance for weekends and holidays — riverside spots book up quickly in summer.
2. Government Canyon State Natural Area
Located on San Antonio’s northwest edge, this park is ideal for primitive campers who love hiking and natural beauty. The terrain includes rugged limestone canyons, oak woodlands, and more than 40 miles of trails — including routes to dinosaur tracks embedded in the rock.
Address: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254
Hours: Fri–Mon, 7 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Tent sites $18 per night; Day use $6
Famous For: Dinosaur track trails and remote hiking
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pack plenty of water — temperatures and terrain can be demanding, especially in summer.
3. Hill Country State Natural Area
This remote gem outside Bandera offers over 5,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness, making it a dream for horseback riders, backcountry campers, and those seeking solitude. Facilities are basic — think compost toilets and no showers — but the scenery is top-notch.
Address: 10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Campsites $10–$18 per night; Day use $6
Famous For: Horse-friendly trails and quiet, primitive camping
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your own firewood and water — services are minimal, so plan accordingly.
4. Medina Highpoint Resort
This upscale RV and glamping resort near Medina sits at one of the highest elevations in the Texas Hill Country. With sweeping views, full hookups, luxury cabins, and a clubhouse with a pool, it’s a favorite for RV travelers looking for extra comfort.
Address: 23195 TX-16 N, Medina, TX 78055
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: RV sites from $60/night; Cabins from $120
Famous For: Panoramic views and resort-style amenities
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a ridge-top site for sunset views that are hard to beat.
5. Blanco State Park
An hour north of San Antonio, this small but beautiful park sits along the spring-fed Blanco River. It’s ideal for families with kids thanks to its easy river access, fishing piers, and shaded campsites just steps from the water.
Address: 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, TX 78606
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Campsites $20–$25 per night; Day pass $5
Famous For: Swimming and tubing in the Blanco River
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring water shoes — the riverbed is rocky, and they’ll make water play more enjoyable.
6. Lazy L&L Campground
Nestled on the Guadalupe River, Lazy L&L is a classic Texas campground perfect for tubing, RV camping, and riverside fun. It offers both primitive and full-hookup sites, a country store, and weekend live music during summer.
Address: 11699 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: RV sites $45–$65; Tent sites $25–$40
Famous For: Tube floats and family-friendly campground culture
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay during summer weekends for tubing and music — but expect crowds.
7. Cranes Mill Park
On the north shore of Canyon Lake, this quiet park offers waterfront camping with scenic views, fishing piers, and easy boat ramp access. It’s less crowded than other parks and offers a peaceful vibe, especially during weekdays.
Address: 122 S Cranes Mill Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: RV and tent sites $25–$30 per night
Famous For: Lakefront camping and sunrise fishing
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve lakeside spots early — they go fast in spring and summer.
Packing Tips for a Texas Camping Adventure
The Texas wilderness is gorgeous — but unforgiving if you’re unprepared. Here’s what to bring:
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing and layers for changing temps
- Refillable water containers and water purification tools
- LED headlamp or lantern with extra batteries
- Bug spray and sunscreen — don’t skimp
- Camp stove or grill with fuel
- Compact first-aid kit for minor cuts or bites
- Firestarter and backup lighters
- Maps or offline GPS for remote areas
- Foldable chairs or hammock for relaxing
- Trash bags to leave no trace
Food & Drink Stops Near the Campgrounds
1. Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery – Tarpley, TX
Just a short drive from Hill Country State Natural Area, this off-the-beaten-path stop serves up Texas comfort food with local flair, from cabrito burgers to chili-topped pork chops.
Address: 11804 FM 470, Tarpley, TX 78883
Hours: Fri–Sun, 11 AM – 8 PM
Approx Cost: $12–$25
Famous For: Quirky roadside dining and unique Hill Country flavors
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Check the chalkboard menu — specials change weekly and sell out fast.
2. Gristmill River Restaurant – Gruene, TX
Located in a historic cotton gin by the Guadalupe River, this popular restaurant is a must-stop for campers coming from Lazy L&L. Enjoy Texas-sized portions with river views.
Address: 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: Chicken fried steak and riverside dining
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Arrive early or on a weekday to avoid long waits.
3. Black’s Barbecue – San Marcos, TX
Perfect for refueling after a weekend at Blanco or Cranes Mill, Black’s serves some of the best brisket in Central Texas — smoked low and slow since 1932.
Address: 510 Hull St, San Marcos, TX 78666
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25
Famous For: Brisket, ribs, and authentic Texas BBQ
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Get the jalapeño cheddar sausage and a side of creamed corn — you won’t regret it.
Accommodations for Non-Campers
If someone in your group isn’t keen on roughing it, these nearby lodgings offer creature comforts without straying too far from nature:
1. The Kendall – Boerne, TX
This boutique hotel near Hill Country State Natural Area blends vintage charm with upscale amenities. Choose from cozy suites or restored cabins right on the town square.
Address: 128 W Blanco Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $140–$220
Famous For: Historic elegance in a walkable downtown
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stay during Boerne Market Days to enjoy local art and live music.
2. Gruene Mansion Inn – New Braunfels, TX
Set in an 1870s Victorian home on the banks of the Guadalupe River, this inn is a romantic retreat just minutes from the action at Gruene Hall and Gristmill.
Address: 1275 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $180–$250
Famous For: River views and vintage Texas charm
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a riverfront room and enjoy coffee with a view of tubers floating by.
3. Rose Hill Retreat – Blanco, TX
Located near Blanco State Park, this luxury B&B offers private cottages, vineyard views, and gourmet breakfasts — perfect for a pampered Hill Country escape.
Address: 2614 Upper Albert Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $220–$300
Famous For: Romantic views and elegant Hill Country experience
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a midweek stay for better availability and quieter surroundings.
Local Tips for Camping Near San Antonio
- Texas parks often fill fast — book at least a week in advance
- Fire bans may be in place during dry seasons — check park websites
- Wildlife is common — store food securely and keep distance from animals
- Use Leave No Trace principles to preserve nature for others
- Bring earplugs if you’re near a popular RV site — generators can hum all night
- Pack extra socks and layers — Hill Country nights get cool even in summer
- Cell service is spotty in many parks — download offline maps beforehand
- Many parks are cashless — carry a debit/credit card for entrance fees
Final Conclusion
Camping and RV parks near San Antonio offer a world of outdoor wonder just beyond city limits. From the riverbanks of Guadalupe to the high views of Medina, each site offers a distinct flavor of Texas nature. Whether you’re hiking past dinosaur tracks, floating down a lazy river, or waking up to sunrise over a lake, these escapes make unforgettable memories.
So pack your gear, pick your park, and hit the open road for a weekend of wild beauty, starlit skies, and the soothing stillness only nature can provide. Camping near San Antonio isn’t just a break from routine — it’s a reconnection with the natural world.
