Riverfront Tent Camping 40 Minutes from Austin

Why Austin Campers Come Down to Son's Blue River Camp

Good Texas campsites go fast. Pedernales Falls books out a month ahead, Inks Lake is loud all summer, McKinney Falls is often full by Thursday. Son's Blue River Camp is a privately owned 8-acre property on the San Marcos River 40 minutes south of Austin — clean, quiet, riverfront, and usually bookable on short notice.

• 40 minutes from Austin — closer than Pedernales Falls, Inks Lake, or Enchanted Rock
• Real riverfront tent sites, not a packed state-park loop
• On-site fire pits, clean shower trailers, and drinkable water
• Spring-fed river for a swim after you pitch your tent — cold year-round

Your Site on the River

Love roughing it? Bring your own tent and camp under the Texas stars. You'll have access to our restroom facilities, the river, and all the natural beauty of Son's River Ranch — at our most budget-friendly price.

Our 8-Acre Property on the San Marcos River

Click the map to zoom in and explore the property

Want Something More Comfortable?

Real beds, AC, and a roof over your head — still right on the river

Add-Ons During Your Stay

Make the most of your river weekend

What Campers Say

Elias Sanchez

via Google

"Very beautiful relaxing family spot even just for a night stay. Staff are very friendly and address any situation. Very clean camping sites. Highly recommend Sons Blue River Camp for family."

Alberto Bolzan

via Google

"Shallow clean river, families with children, relaxed atmosphere. We just rented the tents by the river. It's worth visiting. Not too far from Katy, TX. We are planning to come back."

Jerome Burns

via Google

"Son's Blue River Camp is really great. Love going here — very family friendly. The kids loved it. I recommend to anyone who loves the river."

Alberto Romero

via Google

"Excellent place to take the family on a little camping trip. The river was cool and refreshing. Floated and also kayaked down the river. Sleeping arrangements are good and so are the restroom and shower trailers."

Heather Collins

via Google

"My friends and I spent a night here which was great. Son's Blue River Camp is tucked away — it's a nice escape. Tubing down the river was fun, a nice long lazy river. A good family or girls/guys weekend place to make memories at!"

Karmah C

via Google

"Me and my family had a beautiful time here. We came with 3 other families and got 2 glamping tents, a bell tent, and a set-up-your-own tent so I was able to enjoy the entire facility. I have 5 kids 6 months–9 years and they loved every minute. Already planning another trip!"

If you've been searching for tent camping near Austin, Son's Blue River Camp is the easiest riverfront option you'll find without driving deep into the Hill Country. We're a privately owned 8-acre property on the spring-fed San Marcos River, just 40 minutes south of downtown Austin down I-35 — closer than Pedernales Falls State Park, Inks Lake, McKinney Falls, or Enchanted Rock, and far easier to book than any of them on a summer weekend.

Every tent site sits on real Texas riverfront — not a gravel overflow loop. You get a designated camping spot with a picnic table, BBQ grill, fire pit, electricity, and a hose bib, plus access to clean shower trailers and the river itself. The San Marcos River stays a refreshing 72°F year-round and never runs dry, so whether you're planning a spring weekend, a summer escape from the Austin heat, or a fall camping trip, the water is ready when you are.

Bring your own tent for our most affordable rate, or upgrade to a glamping cabin, bell tent, or log cabin if you want a real bed and AC. Add unlimited tubing and kayaking to your stay and float the prettiest stretch of spring-fed river in Texas — shuttle included. It's the kind of Austin tent camping trip you can plan on a Wednesday and still have a riverfront site by Friday.