The Best Dam Spot

99%

499 reviews

· Staples, Guadalupe, Texas · 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.

4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop car camping. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. No pets. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, picnic table, a semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water 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. *Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is required for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. **No tent A/C’s** -small fan is recommended. *Canopy/umbrella is recommended for additional shade at site. *Feel free to BYO watertoys (kayaks, SUPs, etc.). Floats/tubes not provided. *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. *No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign a Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *All children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Includes kayak and paddle board use. Please add them to your reservation. -Total headcount of adults and children on property has to match your reservation. Water level above the dam: approx. 10-20ft. Water level below the dam is ankle deep to approx. 10ft. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** To book property for events, please reach out for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop car camping. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. No pets. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, picnic table, semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water 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. *Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is required for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. Headlamps/flashlights recommended. **No tent A/C’s** (small fans are recommended) *Canopy/umbrella is recommended for additional shade at site. *Feel free to BYO watertoys (kayaks, SUPs, tubes/floats, etc.). Tubes/floats not provided. *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. *No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign a Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *All children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Includes kayak and paddle board use. Please add them to your reservation. -Total headcount of adults and children on property has to match your reservation. Water level above the dam: approx. 10-20ft Water level below the dam: ankle deep to approx. 10ft. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** To book property for events, please reach out for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!

What to expect

Tent site

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

6 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firepit. Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. All fires must be supervised at all times and completely extinguished before leaving. Campers are responsible for bringing firewood.

Toilet available

Portable toilet. There is a Port-a-potty located on property for bathroom use. No personal/composting toilets allowed.

No pets

No pets allowed on property.

Potable water available

Tap, hose. Waterhose on site.

Showers available

Hot water , cold water only. Semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water. The outdoor shower is shared with other campers staying on the property. Please shower in a swimsuit. No nudity allowed. This is a family-friendly property.

Bins available

Trash bin. Please bring trash bags with you. There is a dumpster located next to the parking lot for your trash.

Picnic table present

Each site has a picnic table

Wifi available

SpectrumSetup-73 ladderstable240

Playground available

Boat sandbox with toys, trampoline, seesaw and volleyball net.

Cooking equipment absent

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Short walk

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Children 5 and under are free!experience

$0.00

Please add each child 5 and under here for each night. For example, 1 child staying for three nights, select 3. Please message us with questions!

Reviews

99% Recommend611 ratings · 499 reviews

The Best Dam Spot offers a serene camping experience with a beautiful riverside location, complete with a waterfall that adds to the tranquil ambiance. Guests frequently praise the well-maintained amenities and the warm hospitality of the host, Laura, who makes sure everyone feels at home. The site's offerings like paddleboards and kayaks, along with the options for fishing and swimming, are popular highlights. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the peaceful environment, a couple of guests mentioned minor signage confusion upon arrival but found it quickly resolved.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Antonio G.

1 review

Recommends

· March 2025

Camping on the river!

Tent

Land was beautiful, tent right on the river is the best white noise you could imagine. The kayaks and paddle boards made available were exactly what we were looking for. Plenty of activities, access to electricity, and close to town for your choice of purely camping or making a visit to San Marcos. Really is the best dam spot.

Joel P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Epic!

Tent · With kids

Epic! We're coming back! Kids age 4 and 7 wife and i loved it!

Natalie A.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Really is the best damn spot!

Tent · Group trip

I loved camping at this location! It’s beautiful & private. The amenities are fantastic. The bathroom was extremely clean & the outdoor shower was excellent. The kayaks and life vests are in excellent condition & the property was very clean. I’m definitely coming back!

Rob W.

1 review

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · With kids

First campout with my daughters and we had a blast. Great staff, very clean and well maintained property.

Kimberly D.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · With kids

We loved our time here! The mornings and the evenings especially are magic. I brought my 2 kids solo so my biggest concern was safety. I felt completely comfortable the entire time - the hosts and the other campers were so friendly and helpful. Bring fishing gear - we caught lots of bass. I’d also recommend a shade pop-up for the heat of the day. The campsite has white lights strung and an electric outlet for each site that turn on at dusk which was really appreciated. We slept like babies listening to the sound of the river. It was great!

Amy H.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Great Damn Spot!

Tent

This is such a beautiful relaxing place! It’s clean, well taken care of, an a great location. There’s canoes, a shower, swings, fire rings, picnic tables, and a family of ducks for you to enjoy! Erin was such a sweet host as well.

Location

Staples, Guadalupe, Texas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Jumanos, Coahuiltecan, Sana, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), and Tonkawa First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking