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The Best Dam Spot

99%
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· Staples, Guadalupe, Texas
3 acres hosted by Laura M.
4 tent sites
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Laura is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Best in Texas: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only. **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are permitted) *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs (pop-ups), RV or car camping is allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, picnic table, semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water, rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No composting and/or personal toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. *50ft-100ft extension cord is recommended for electrical access at sites. (extension cords not provided). **No tent A/C’s** *Small fans are recommended *Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) and outdoor patio are private. For reserved parties only. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *Children 5 and under are free! When booking, add children in this age group under “Extras” *For children 6 and up, please add them as “adults” to your reservation. *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!
Activities
Fishing
Paddling
Swimming
Wildlife watching
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Waterfall
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99%
468 ratings · 388 reviews
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Rachel W.recommends
April 30, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
A true gem
River access as a Texan is important, and we all know how dealing with crowded public spaces is a nightmare. This little spot is such a dream and doesn't ever feel crowded even when fully booked. There were a lot of thoughtful small things that made staying there even better. Our group loved every bit of our trip and we definitely will be back!
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Cody M.recommends
April 27, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Great camping spot!
I have loved camping at Laura’s property. When we arrived, we were given a tour of the property and our camping spot right in front of the water, which seemed like they picked which site would be best for each camper! They provided kayaks (one single and one double), and paddle boards. There are also big floating platforms before the waterfall and after the waterfall. And wow! The waterfall seriously 😳 ridiculously beautiful. Thank you Laura for sharing your property with fellow campers and providing an amazing experience!
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Parisa H.recommends
April 24, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Best Dam Camping Place Ever!!!
Laura was amazing! I wanted to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday by booking a place to stay, but unfortunately, the place was already booked for Saturday. However, Laura was kind enough to let us book and squeeze us into a schedule for Saturday. On the first night, we experienced a little rain, which made the weather cool and refreshing which is great for weather in April. Laura was accommodating and let us stay longer than the checkout time. We had an amazing time kayaking with the provided kayak. The water was really clean and clear, although a bit cold but again perfect or HOT Texas sun. We're already planning our next trip, but to be honest, we want to keep this place a secret and preserve its beauty. It was the best camping experience we've ever had, thanks to the location and our awesome host, Laura.
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Kathy M.recommends
April 19, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Fabulous site.
The location really is exceptional on the San Marcos river and besides the dam. Beautiful clean water to swim in with use of the canoes and paddle boards upriver and fabulous birds and swimming down river where the camping is. Laura has a gem in the spot aptly named "Best Dam spot"!! However on the Saturday night Laura had , in my and other campers opinions over booked the site which was overcrowded. We were told we would have a picnic table and did not have one as all taken up. Sunday night was empty and blissful !
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Jennifer R.recommends
April 17, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Great place very relaxing and beautiful. Good spot for fishing and swimming. Will definitely be back.
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Megan M.recommends
April 16, 2024
The Best Dam Spot
Amazing Campsite
We had a great weekend camping. We were 3 families with 3 young children total and had a relaxing and fun time. The water access is amazing and the amenities offered were such an added bonus. The kayaks and paddle boards with life jackets made it so easy to explore the river with our little ones. The sound of the water over the dam was the perfect sound machine for falling asleep. The sites were all full but we never felt too crowded. Such a great escape from the city for a few nights. Thank you for everything!
Location
Staples, Guadalupe, Texas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Jumanos, Coahuiltecan, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), Tonkawa, and Sana First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Laura M.Joined in July 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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