--- title: "Tent Camping on the San Marcos River | Riverside BYO Tent & Bell Tent Sites — 20 Min from Downtown San Marcos, TX" description: "Tent camping on the San Marcos River at Son's River Ranch — BYO tent sites from $29, bell tents, fire pits and walk-to-river access. Just 20 minutes downstream from downtown San Marcos, TX. Same clear water, far less crowd." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's River Ranch", "alternateName": [ "Sons River Ranch", "SRR Kingsbury", "Son's River Ranch Kingsbury" ], "url": "https://sonsriverranch.com", "logo": "https://sonsriverranch.com/logo.png", "description": "Family-friendly riverside resort with private river access on the 72-degree spring-fed San Marcos River. Glamping, air-conditioned cabins, tubing and kayaking in Kingsbury, TX — 45 minutes from Austin and San Antonio.", "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Getaways", "url": "https://sonsgetaways.com" }, "knowsAbout": [ "San Marcos River tubing", "private river access glamping", "Kingsbury TX lodging", "72-degree spring-fed river", "family river getaways", "air-conditioned cabin glamping", "San Marcos River vs Guadalupe", "San Marcos River vs Comal" ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1400 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "telephone": "877-577-7667", "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/sonsriverranch", "https://www.instagram.com/sonsriverranch", "https://www.tiktok.com/@sonsriverranch", "https://www.bluerivercamp.com/", "https://sonsisland.com/", "https://www.sonsgeronimo.com/", "https://www.sonsriocibolo.com/", "https://www.sonsguadalupe.com/" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LodgingBusiness", "@id": "https://sonsriverranch.com/#lodging", "name": "Son's River Ranch", "url": "https://sonsriverranch.com/", "telephone": "+1-877-577-7667", "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1400 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 29.74303, "longitude": -97.77625 }, "amenityFeature": [ { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Spring-fed San Marcos River tubing and kayaking", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Shuttle service", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Private river beach access", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Riverside cabanas", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Glamping and safari cabins", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Fire pit at every cabin", "value": true } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sonsriverranch.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Camping", "item": "https://sonsriverranch.com/camping" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Campground", "name": "Son's River Ranch Camping", "description": "Bring-your-own-tent campsites and glamping cabin upgrades on the spring-fed San Marcos River near Kingsbury, Texas. Electric hookups, fire pits, BBQ grills, picnic tables, restroom trailers, and walk-to-river access on 168 acres.", "url": "https://sonsriverranch.com/camping", "telephone": "+1-877-577-7667", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1400 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "amenityFeature": [ { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Electric Hookups", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Fire Pit", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "BBQ Grill", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Picnic Table", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Restrooms", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "River Access", "value": true } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's included with a tent camping site at Son's River Ranch?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every BYO tent site includes electric hookups, a fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill, plus restroom trailers nearby and walk-to-river access on 168 acres of the spring-fed San Marcos River." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does tent camping cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Bring-your-own-tent sites at Son's River Ranch start at $29/night and run $29–$49 depending on day of week and season." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do tent sites have electric hookups?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — every campsite has electricity, a fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill, with restroom trailers a short walk away." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I have a campfire?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — every site has its own fire pit, plus a BBQ grill. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, subject to local burn-ban restrictions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the campground family-friendly?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — Son's River Ranch is a 168-acre family-oriented riverside campground on the spring-fed San Marcos. Kids 2 and under stay free, the river has small rapids and no dams, and pets are not permitted to keep things calm and safe for everyone." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I bring an RV or camper?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Son's River Ranch is tent-camping only. For RV and camper-friendly options, see our other Son's properties on the locations page." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What time is check-in and check-out?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Check-in is at 3:30 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM for both campsites and glamping cabins." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I add tubing or kayaking to my camping stay?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! Overnight camping guests can add the Ultimate River Fun Wristband for unlimited tubing and kayaking, and get 25% off cabana and kayak add-ons when booked with an overnight stay." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I don't want to set up a tent?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Upgrade to glamping — Bell Tents (sleep 3-5), Glamping Cabins (sleep 4), or Safari Cabins (sleep 9) all come with real beds, A/C, and cabin amenities, set up and ready when you arrive." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do the glamping cabins have air conditioning?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! All Safari Cabins, Glamping Cabins, and Bell Tents are fully air-conditioned and heated for year-round comfort." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between camping and glamping at Son's River Ranch?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Camping = bring your own tent on a powered site with a fire pit and river access from $29/night. Glamping = we set up a Bell Tent, Glamping Cabin, or Safari Cabin for you with real beds, A/C, kitchenette, and cabin comforts. Same river, same property — different level of comfort." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "TouristDestination", "name": "Tent camping on the San Marcos River at Son's River Ranch", "description": "Tent camping, bell tents and BYO tent sites on a private downstream stretch of the spring-fed San Marcos River — 20 minutes from downtown San Marcos, TX.", "url": "https://sonsriverranch.com/campingsanmarcos", "touristType": "Family campers, couples, groups, San Marcos locals & weekend travelers", "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 29.74303, "longitude": -97.77625 }, "containedInPlace": { "@type": "City", "name": "San Marcos", "addressRegion": "TX", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is Son's River Ranch from downtown San Marcos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Just about 20 minutes downstream from downtown San Marcos in Kingsbury, TX — same spring-fed San Marcos River, far less crowded." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does tent camping on the San Marcos River cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "BYO Tent sites start at $29/night weekdays and $49/night weekends — one of the most affordable ways to camp on the San Marcos River." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the river the same one that runs through downtown San Marcos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — same crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River, just downstream from town with a private 168-acre stretch and fewer crowds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I have a campfire on my San Marcos River tent site?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — every tent site has a fire pit, picnic table and BBQ pit. Firewood bundles are available on-site (when burn bans aren't in effect)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is this better than camping at the city tubing put-ins?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you want to actually sleep, yes. The downtown San Marcos put-ins get loud and crowded; our property is private and family-friendly with reserved tent sites and walk-to-river access on a calmer stretch." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I tube and kayak from the campsite?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — add the Ultimate River Fun Wristband for unlimited tubing and kayaking, plus 25% off cabana and kayak add-ons when booked with your stay." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are pets allowed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Son's River Ranch is a pet-free property to keep things calm and family-friendly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I upgrade from a tent site to a Bell Tent or Glamping Cabin?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — Bell Tents, Glamping Cabins and Safari Cabins are all on the same property if the forecast turns or you want A/C." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sonsriverranch.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Camping", "item": "https://sonsriverranch.com/camping" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "San Marcos River Camping", "item": "https://sonsriverranch.com/campingsanmarcos" } ] } ] --- [![Son's River Ranch](/assets/logo-cpd7QRHR.png)A Texas River Paradise ](/) [877-577-7667](tel:877-577-7667)Book Now ![Riverside tent camping on the spring-fed San Marcos River at Son's River Ranch in Kingsbury, TX](/assets/camping-hero-Bql5fcxE.jpg) # Tent Camping on the San Marcos River ## Tent camping on the San Marcos River — BYO tent sites, bell tents and riverside campsites on the spring-fed San Marcos River, 20 minutes downstream from downtown San Marcos in Kingsbury, Texas. Just 20 minutes downstream from downtown — same crystal-clear river, far less crowd. BYO Tent sites from $29. ## Where the Locals Go to Enjoy the San Marcos River Same crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River — just 20 minutes downstream from downtown San Marcos. Reserved tent sites, fire pits, picnic tables, BBQ pits and 168 acres of private river-front to actually relax on, not the crowded city put-ins. Don't want to set up a tent? Upgrade to a Bell Tent, Glamping Cabin, or Safari Cabin — same river, same fire pit vibe, with real beds and A/C waiting for you when you arrive. ![Tent camping near Austin on the San Marcos River](/assets/tent-camping-CSKVbQ3z.webp)![Tent under trees at Son's River Ranch campground](/assets/tent-camping-1-DT4_wWQw.webp)![BYO tent campsite with fire pit](/assets/tent-camping-2-B7RIvEL-.webp)![Multiple tents at riverside campsite](/assets/tent-camping-3-ChV_2by-.webp)![Family tent camping near the river](/assets/tent-camping-4-DIPl8929.webp)![Child enjoying tent camping](/assets/tent-camping-5-sYxfBPmy.webp) ## Bring Your Own Tent Classic Tent Camping at Son's River Ranch — From $29/Night Pitch your tent on a spacious, family-friendly site with electric hookups, your own fire pit, picnic table, and BBQ grill. Restroom trailers are a short walk away, and the spring-fed San Marcos River — small rapids, no dams, 72°F year-round — is just steps from your campsite. 168 acres of Texas Hill Country, no crowds, no chaos. ### Tent Camping Rates Starting at $29 - $49 a night Check Availability & Pricing ## Want to Upgrade? Try Glamping Skip the tent setup — air-conditioned cabins and bell tents with real beds, just steps from your campsite. [ Most Popular ![Safari glamping cabin with hammock](/assets/safari-cabin-7-DFlwJRAs.webp) ### Safari Cabins Sleeps 9 · Full Kitchenette · A/C · Large Deck Our largest glamping cabins. 4 Full beds, futon couch, full kitchenette, and a covered deck. From $69/night ](#safari-cabins)[ Best Value ![Glamping cabin at night with fire pit](/assets/glamping-1-2aRpos93.webp) ### Glamping Cabins Sleeps 4 · Kitchenette · A/C · Fire Pit The whole front wall opens to the outdoors. Cozy with 2 queen beds and your own fire pit. From $49/night ](#glamping-cabins)[ ![Bell tent glamping riverside](/assets/bell-tent-riverside-CupRQ8IO.webp) ### Bell Tents Sleeps 5 · Furnished · A/C · Fire Pit Real beds, electricity, and A/C — sleeping under canvas. We set it all up for you. From $39/night ](#bell-tents) \* All glamping rentals include water, electricity, firepit, BBQ grill & Picnic Table. ## Ready to Book Your Riverside Camping Trip? Your family's perfect riverside escape is waiting. Check Availability SRR ### Son's River Ranch Paradise in Texas 168 acres of family-friendly river paradise on the San Marcos River. Float, grill, relax — then fall asleep to the sound of the river. 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