The best San Marcos River camping isn't always the closest to downtown. The quieter end of the river — Kingsbury, about 30 minutes east — has the shaded riverfront sites and amenities most campers actually want.
What to Look For
Direct river access (not a 5-minute walk), water and electric hookups if you need them, a clean bathhouse, and shaded cypress sites that stay cool in the afternoon. Bonus: tubing/kayaking wristbands available as an add-on (Ultimate River Fun Wristband $29.99/person).
Tent vs Cabin
Tents are cheap and traditional, but Texas heat in July is no joke. If you can swing it, a bell tent or log cabin with A/C is the difference between sleeping and sweating.
When to Camp
April-June and September-October are the sweet spots — warm enough for the river, cool enough for sleeping. Summer weekends book up 3-4 weeks ahead.