Feb 20, 2026 4 min read

This Secret River Camping Spot In Texas Charges Only $20 Per Night

Stella Raines

Editor-in-Chief

This Secret River Camping Spot In Texas Charges Only $20 Per Night

Camping has gotten expensive over the years.

Between reservation fees, equipment costs, and the price of campsites at popular destinations, a weekend in the woods can start to feel like a luxury vacation.

So when I hear about a spot where you can pitch a tent next to a beautiful river for around twenty dollars a night, my ears perk up.

There is a state park in the Texas Hill Country that offers exactly that—affordable camping along one of the prettiest rivers in the state, with swimming, hiking, and stargazing included.

Where Don’s Fish Camp Is Located

Guests float down the San Marcos River with easy access from Don’s Fish Camp, the ultimate tubing spot. Credit: Don's Fish Camp — *Guests float down the San Marcos River with easy access from Don’s Fish Camp, the ultimate tubing spot. Credit: Don’s Fish Camp*

Don’s Fish Camp sits in Martindale, a small community tucked between Austin and San Antonio, about ten minutes from downtown San Marcos.

The address is 105 Nelle Lane, though GPS sometimes struggles with the rural roads.

The property occupies riverfront land along the San Marcos River—spring-fed water that maintains a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, making it swimmable even in the brutal heat of August.

Don’s fleet of buses hauls guests to and from the river, keeping the tubing experience smooth and hassle-free. Credit: Don's Fish Camp — *Don’s fleet of buses hauls guests to and from the river, keeping the tubing experience smooth and hassle-free. Credit: Don’s Fish Camp*

The San Marcos River has become increasingly popular with tubers in recent years, but Don’s Fish Camp existed before the crowds discovered this stretch of water.

What Makes This Camping Spot Different

*Camping at Don’s Fish Camp means pitching your tent right next to the San Marcos River for a true outdoor escape. Credit: Russell Homeyer*

The camping setup at Don’s operates on a beautifully simple model: first-come, first-served, no designated sites, open camping.

You arrive, find a spot you like along the riverfront, set up your tent, and wait for someone to come around after 4:30 p.m. to collect payment.

Cash or card accepted. The rate runs about $20 per night per person, with children 12 and under staying free.

That’s a fraction of what you’d pay at nearby state parks—assuming you could even get a reservation.

There are no hookups, no luxury amenities, no glamping tents with air conditioning. Bathrooms exist on-site, but this is tent camping in the truest sense.

The tradeoff is freedom: camp where you want, stay as long as you like, swim, fish, and float without scheduled activities or mandatory checkout times.

The property includes picnic areas, a rope swing over the water, and a beach area for hanging out between floats.

The River Experience

*A scenic view of the San Marcos River from Don’s Fish Camp, where tube rentals make the adventure simple and fun. Credit: eddie gramma*

The San Marcos River float from Don’s Fish Camp runs approximately three to four hours, depending on current conditions and how many times you stop to swim or swing from rope swings along the way.

*Tons of river tubes at Don’s Fish Camp are ready to rent, ensuring everyone can join the float. Credit: eddie gramma*

Tube rental runs about $30, or $21 for just the shuttle pass if you bring your own tube.

The office sells dry sacks, phone pouches, ice, and other supplies you might have forgotten.

The front area of Don’s Fish Camp serves as the ticketing booth, where wristbands and reminders set you up for the day. Credit: Don's Fish Camp — *The front area of Don’s Fish Camp serves as the ticketing booth, where wristbands and reminders set you up for the day. Credit: Don’s Fish Camp*

They rent cooler tubes to keep your drinks floating alongside you. No glass or styrofoam allowed on the river—bring cans and proper coolers.

Fishing remains part of the experience, true to the “fish camp” name. The San Marcos holds catfish, sunfish, and bass.

*A girl catches a small fish at Don’s Fish Camp, proving the name lives up to its promise. Credit: Cody Sherwood*

Bring a rod and some bait if you want to try your luck, either from the bank or from a kayak floating the slower sections.

Planning Your Visit

*Campfires at Don’s Fish Camp make evenings cozy, adding warmth and fun to the riverside camping experience. Credit: Cameron Adams*

Don’s Fish Camp operates seasonally, roughly late spring through early fall, though hours and availability can vary.

The float operation typically runs from around 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (slightly earlier opening on weekends).

Call ahead at (512) 357-1285 or check the website at donsfishcamp.com to confirm current hours and camping availability, especially during shoulder season.

For camping, arrive early to claim the best riverfront spots, particularly on weekends. Bring everything you need—this isn’t the place to realize you forgot a tent stake or matches for your campfire.

Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water. The Texas heat is real, and while the spring-fed river provides relief, you’ll want to stay hydrated.

For more information about Don’s Fish Camp, including current rates and float conditions, visit donsfishcamp.com or call (512) 357-1285.

Use the map to explore riverside campsites, access points, and nearby stretches of the San Marcos River.

Where: 105 Nelle Ln, Martindale, TX 78655

The Last of the True Texas Fish Camps

Don’s Fish Camp isn’t just a cheap place to camp—it’s one of the last true Texas river fish camps, where you can sleep by the water, fish at sunrise, and float all afternoon without spending a fortune or fighting for reservations.

Stella Raines

Editor-in-Chief

Stella brings over a decade of storytelling experience to TX Headlines. With roots in West Texas and a love for road trips, she leads the editorial team with an eye for the hidden stories that make Texas unforgettable.