3 acres hosted by Laura M.
4 tent sites
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Texas: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Laura is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Activities
Fishing
Paddling
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Waterfall
Select a site
Filter by
Tent sites
1 site
High demand
The Best Dam Spot
99% (624)
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
Picnic table
from
for NaN guests$50
/ night4 dispersed sites
Reviews
99% Recommend655 ratings · 538 reviews
The place is beautiful and isolated, kids can roam around without needing too much supervision. The lights look amazing at night and the water flowing over the dam is soothing. There is only one porta-potty to use for the site and the ladies in our group took trips to Walmart instead because it was so foul. We had a bad experience with the host - she thought that we were trying to take advantage of her by booking with multiple families and harassed us, through the app and in-person, for the duration of our trip. We had an issue with the app not charging correctly for day passes and she suggested that we reach out to HipCamp ourselves to help them figure out the back end programming. Pack your patience if you go, you may need it.
B
Brandon T.
1 year on Hipcamp
We had a fantastic time on Laura's beautiful property. Both she and her sister were extremely helpful and welcoming. They helped us rent kayaks in Martindale from Spencers and kayak our way back down to Staples. We had a great campsite just feet from the clean flowing water beneath the dam and couldn't have asked for a better set up.
A
Andrew B.
1 month on Hipcamp
I arrived at the peaceful riverside camp by kayak coming downriver from Martindale. There were some scattered thunderstorms so Laura made sure to check in with me about river conditions. I was able to skip the portage stairs with kayak in favor of walking through the property. One of the benefits of being a guest! I will be back back as this was a great experience.
P
Patrick B.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Laura was amazing, very accommodating in the face of bad weather. The sites were very clean and put together, I’d recommend bringing a Thermacell device if you don’t already have one for the bugs. Very nice view and a great weekend getaway! The included paddle boards and kayaks were a big plus too.
J
Jack G.
2 reviews
This is a really beautiful property, but the owner completely ruined our weekend. There was an issue with adding day campers on the Hipcamp app that was not our fault and that we had pointed out to her before we arrived. She harassed us all weekend about it when we were making every effort to try to figure out how to pay her. At one point, she said ‘I wish you guys would just manage your own reservation so I don’t have to.’ She got in my face several times accusing me of writing a review that I did not write and of saying things that I had not said and a lot of this was in front of our kids. Again, great property, but the owner seems unstable at best.
B
Brooke A.
3 reviews
This place is absolutely gorgeous with epic swimming. You do need to haul your stuff pretty far and down/up hills, but it was just a good workout for some really great camping. 🤣 There were some hiccups with the app and check in, but everything turned out great. Don't forget to bring lonnnnnngggg extension cords to access the electricity at night.
Rebecca S.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
This is my favorite getaway whenever I need a break from city life. I love the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful waterfall, and the serene river. The host is always kind and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we have a perfect stay every time.
E
Ethan L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Had another great camping trip at the best dam spot. Great place for kids. Easy access to kayaks and swimming plus a trampoline. Added bonus was excellent fishing!
E
Emily T.
4 reviews
Laura has a beautiful spot with many treasures growing around the laek. We were able to paddle board for the afternoon and set up a peaceful camp near the ricer. We would definitely book here again.
K
Kaycie T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With kids ·
The Best Dam Spot
Beautiful place. Lots of great amenities. Watch for snakes
J
Joshua K.
3 reviews
Just what we needed. Great views, all the amenities you need, and the perfect amount of privacy. Laura was a great hostess and answered all of our questions immediately. Be on the lookout for water moccasins (we saw five!), but like most things in nature, leave them alone and they leave you alone.
L
Lance S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our stayed. It was so beautiful! It was hot and well the river really cooled us down. Would definitely love to come again!
C
Camila A.
1 year on Hipcamp
The site is beautiful and the host is helpful, knowledgeable, generous and accommodating.
The small amount of campgrounds are spaced enough apart that there doesn't feel to be any crowding when all sites are full, which they seem to be regularly and while i know they could be making more money by adding more sites to camp, i hope they don't change it.
The area has a sandbox, trampoline, several swings, which lend a homey feel and accommodates children when not swimming.
This is the place you wanted to grow up in.
O
Old G.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Beautiful gem and wonderful hosts. We wish we could live there!!!
C
Christina Q.
2 reviews
My family and I spent Mother’s Day weekend at this spot and we loved every minute of it. The host was super nice and accommodating. We look forward to going back.
K
Krystal S.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
Sooo amazing we extend our trip another day . The best Dam spot ever definitely coming again so relaxing clean and peaceful!! We love The Best Dam spot !!!!
Minerva M.
11 months on Hipcamp
Will be back real soon! So peaceful! Very friendly host. Easy to find
B
Brandi L.
10 months on Hipcamp
One of the best camping spots there is! I've been several times now and never want to leave. There are 4 great spots to choose from, they are all clean and have a picnic table/fire pit. The porta potty is not a far walk and always clean. It's perfect for adult only or family camping. Definitely take advantage of the paddleboards/kayaks and head upstream. Laura is a wonderful host and will make sure you are taken care of. Enjoy!!
B
Brittany B.
6 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
amazing place to camping!!!
very clean
a good place to swim and the people are very friendly there
A
Anna L.
7 months on Hipcamp
Quite literally the best spot I’ve been to so far. Theres a nice warm shower and porta potty, the sites are spaced out enough, that you can’t hear others. Theres water being in the background was lovely. Kayaked up the river and enjoyed the beautiful views. Definitely will be back!
D
Daniella C.
2 months on Hipcamp
We had an amazing time! The view was great and the camp sites are right on the river. We saw plenty of wildlife but were mindful of the slithery kind 🐍
We got to go kayaking and had plenty of fun with the swings. We would definitely book here again!
D
Donyala P.
2 months on Hipcamp
I had a fantastic experience at this camping spot, thanks to Laura’s exceptional hospitality. She was incredibly helpful, guiding me to the site with ease and personally showing me the available spot, which was nestled in a serene, picturesque setting.
The peaceful water and tranquil atmosphere were absolutely outstanding, perfect for unwinding. The shower and bathroom facilities were super clean, adding to the comfort.
I loved the convenience of provided wagons for moving gear, and the kayaks and paddleboards were easily accessible, making for a delightful time on the calm, scenic river.
Highly recommend this gem for a relaxing camping getaway!
Khanh T.
1 year on Hipcamp
We love this spot on the San Marcos so much we typically visit 2-3 times a year! Easy drive from Austin, amazing water, clean property, all well maintained by a great host family. Thank you Laura and Erin for sharing and see y’all soon!
A
Alex M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · Group trip ·
The Best Dam Spot
It was a fantastic weekend at The Best Dam Spot! Kids had a lot of fun! Laura and Donna were kind, responsive and accommodating. Thank you! We will be back:-)
K
Kinuthia N.
3 months on Hipcamp
We loved camping here, this place is AMAZING~
The girls enjoyed the time in the water, plus all the entertainment available (kayaks, swings, trampoline). We had a blast, we'd love to come back!
T
Tamara M.
3 months on Hipcamp
This is a beautiful site! Spent a long weekend here with a friend and we'll definitely be back! The site is described accurately on Hipcamp. The owners are great - they obviously love doing what they do. Very laid back and casual. The site is well cared for and everyone we met locally was very nice. Can't wait to come back!
R
Rita K.
4 months on Hipcamp
We took our four year old for his first camping trip and had such a wonderful time. Using the available paddle boards was a highlight, and the backdrop of the river is spectacular. Having access to a warm shower and a very clean porta potty was also great and convenient. Would come again!
K
Kelsey N.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
The Best Dam Spot
This place is terrific. The hosts were extremely kind and helpful in guiding us to the property as it was a slight challenge to find. We had a awesome evening paddle boarding up the river, and with our tent set up a mere 5 feet away from the river I would 10/10 recommend.
T
Taylor S.
3 months on Hipcamp
This is truly the best dam spot that I have ever camped at. The sound of the falls and the refreshing water. This place will certainly help you to reset. And the host was super nice and helpful. This magical place does not disappoint!! I will definitely be going back.
S
Shirley M.
14 reviews
The views were beautiful, host was amazing, and it’s perfect for low maintenance camping.
M
Malina P.
2 reviews
Location
Staples, Guadalupe, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Laura M.
Joined in July 2020Response rate: 100%
Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.