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Top 6 Best Campsites on the Guadalupe River

April 17, 2024Golf and Globetrotting

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The Texas summer heat can be brutal, but luckily, the cool waters of the Guadalupe River offer the perfect escape with some amazing campsites. Camping right by the riverbank is unbeatable – there’s nothing quite like waking up, grabbing your tube, and jumping into the refreshing water. It’s hands down one of the best ways to beat the heat in Texas!

Many people visiting the Texas Hill Country opt to stay at campsites or cabins along River Road in New Braunfels. This scenic route hugs the river, providing stunning views and plenty of accommodation options. Known as the Hill Country Coast, this area is packed with fun activities and cozy places to stay.

Check out my other posts to help plan your ultimate float trip in New Braunfels!

After spending over two decades floating down the Guadalupe River, I’ve discovered some awesome campsites along the way. From the top (the Horseshoe) to the first crossing, I’ve compiled a list of the best campsites along the river. Each spot offers a unique experience and float trip, so you’re bound to find one that suits you perfectly!

1. Camp Fimfo

Campsites on the Guadalupe River — Camp Fimfo. Photo Courtesy of Camp Fimfo

Website: Camp Fimfo
Type of Camping: Tent camping, RV sites, and cabins
Cost: Prices starting from $45 per night for a tent, to $200+ for premium cabins

Camp Fimfo isn’t your run-of-the-mill river campsite. They’ve kicked camping up a notch in every possible way. It’s one of the biggest campsites on the Guadalupe River, and trust me, there’s no shortage of things to do here.

They have so many amenities including, a resort-style pool, multiple restaurants and bars, a water park, mini-golf – you name it, they’ve got it. You could practically spend your whole trip right at your campsite, except for when you’re hitting the river, of course. They offer the traditional tent and RV sites with electrical hookup and water.

Their cabins though is where Camp Fimfo shines. They offer a true “glamping” experience. Premium cabins with amazing views and some even come with a jacuzzi! Honestly, Camp Fimfo feels more like a resort than a campsite.

Now, here’s the only downside: you’re not right on the river. So if you want to float, you’ll need to hop in your car and drive to an outfitter to get started. But hey, the good news is you’re not far from the action. Camp Fimfo sits next to “The Horseshoe” section of the Guadalupe River, which is a super popular spot to float. Just a heads up though, being so high up in the river means it’s pretty chilly!

2. Lazy L&L Campground

Website: Lazy L&L Campground
Type of Camping: RV sites, tent camping, and cabins
Cost: Tent rates $30-$90 per night— RV $75-$160 per night

Lazy L&L Campground has always been my top pick for best campsites on the Guadalupe River. It’s perfectly positioned along the Guadalupe River, offering a ton of spots to pitch a tent or park your RV. Most sites come equipped with water and electrical hookups. While they do offer cabins, I wouldn’t say this is the place for cabin rentals.

The campground stretches over a mile, with campsites running right up to the riverbank. I’ve been camping at Lazy L&L for over a decade, and they’ve consistently made improvements. In my opinion, it’s the best campsite on the Guadalupe River. In recent years, they’ve added some fantastic amenities like new restrooms/showers and volleyball courts.

But the real gem is the Lazy L&L Hall—an open-air, covered venue where you can grab some food and drinks. Every Friday and Saturday during peak season, they host live bands so you can dance and sing the night away! This venue hall is honestly so much fun!

When it comes to floating, Lazy L&L truly shines. They offer float trips ranging from 3 to 5 hours, complete with shuttle service, so you don’t have to leave the campground to find a river outfitter. Plus, with the campground spanning a mile, you can simply stroll down from your site and hop into the river. Depending on the river flow, you could enjoy a leisurely 2-hour float and end up at Devil’s Rapids without ever leaving the campground!

3. Mountain Breeze Campground

Website: Mountain Breeze Campground
Type of Camping: RV sites, tent camping, and cabins
Cost: Prices start at $25 per night for tents and RVs, Cabins $110-$175 per night

Mountain Breeze, located just a bit further downstream from Lazy L&L, offers a similar relaxed atmosphere. While slightly smaller, it’s still a fantastic campsite. Mountain Breeze provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins. The tent sites line up along the riverbank, ensuring convenient access to putting in your watercraft. Plus, with a site rental, you get complimentary shuttle access all day long!

In terms of floating, being at a shorter campsite means arranging shuttle pickups unless you’re planning to stay put and enjoy the campground vibes. However, as mentioned earlier, you have unlimited access all day. Additionally, you’re close to “The Chute,” a thrilling section of rapids that’s a blast to navigate when the water’s flowing well.

4. River Road Camp

Website: River Road Camp
Type of Camping: RV sites and tent camping
Cost: Tent Rate $45 per night— RV $55-$65 per night

River Road Camp is an all around great campsite, offering tent sites, and RV hookups. You are a little further away from any popular rapids but this is a great campsite to book. I have found that this camp is a great place to anchor down and enjoy the cold water and scenic hill country views.

5. KL Ranch Camp “On the River”

Website: KL Ranch Camp “On the River”
Type of Camping: Tent camping and RV sites
Cost: Tent Rate $48-$85 per night— RV $54-$97 per night

KL Ranch Camp is an absolute blast! They provide options for both tent and RV camping, complete with electrical hookups. While it’s not the largest campground, nearly all the campsites are situated right alongside the water. This means that no matter which spot you choose, you’re just a short stroll away from the water’s edge.

In terms of floating, there doesn’t appear to be a shuttle service available at KL Ranch Camp. However, the river section boasts both shallow and deeper areas. Additionally, they have stair-stepper rapids, adding an extra element of excitement to your float just steps away from your campsite.

6. Camp Huaco Springs

Website: Camp Huaco Springs
Type of Camping: RV sites, tent camping, and cabins
Cost: Prices Tent Rate $35-$70 per night— RV $85-$100 per night

Down at the bottom of all the campsites, you’ll find Camp Huaco Springs. It can feel a bit isolated since not many floaters make it down this far from the upstream sites. But hey, don’t count it out just yet! This place totally deserves a spot on the list.

It’s huge, stretching over a mile long and covering 30 acres. You’ve got plenty of options here with both tent and RV sites. They even split up the tent and RV areas, which is pretty neat if you’re into that classic camping vibe. And if you’re looking for something more rustic, they’ve got a bunch of primitive tent sites without electricity.

Plus, being further down the river means you’re closest to all the action in downtown Gruene!

As for floating, Camp Huaco Springs is like Lazy L&L’s big brother. It’s so massive that you can float around without ever leaving the campground. There are two sets of rapids and some chill spots along the way. So grab your tube and get ready for a good time right here at Camp Huaco Springs!

These are some of the best campsites on the Guadalupe River, and you won’t make a wrong choice with any of these! My personal favorite is Lazy L&L, every time I go there it is always a fun time, I cannot recommend it enough!

Let me know how your trip and float goes!

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