Established in the mid-1800s by cotton farmers, Gruene, Texas sits on the north banks of the Guadalupe River, halfway between the towns of San Marcos and San Antonio. Today, Gruene's shopping and entertainment make it a popular destination for tourists. The nearby town of New Braunfels, located south of Greene, has several tourist attractions. The area has earned the title of the unofficial river tubing capital of Texas, and numerous campgrounds are located in the area.
Camping in Gruene
Gruene is home to a number of shopping venues as well as the very popular Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas that hosts live music every week. The town of Gruene is actually a very small community, and while there are a number of campgrounds nearby, none are actually within the city limits. Most, however, are only a few minutes away, situated on or near the Guadalupe River.
Camping With Tubing
Camp Huaco Springs, located two miles north of Gruene near the Guadalupe River's Huaco Falls and Slumber Falls rapids, is a popular location for RV owners, tent campers, and tubers. Affiliated with the Rockin' R Rive Rides, it offers full tubing services. KL Ranch Camp, a private campground three miles north of Gruene, offers secluded camp sites with tree-filled, serene views of the Guadalupe River.
Camping With Fishing
Rio Raft and Resort, located a short driving distance north near Canyon Lake, offers access to the Guadalupe for trout fishing. With fewer crowds, fishermen can find quieter spots to stake out, while still being close to Gruene's attractions when they are done. Cabins and cottages are also available for those who prefer not to use tents.
Camping During Holidays
During summer holidays, however, the lure of tubing on the Guadalupe in and around Gruene brings in thousands of college students and young people from across the region. Some campers, especially those with families, should be aware of possible large crowds of first-time campers that like to stay up late and drink, which can disrupt the peace of any campground.
Other Camping Options Near Gruene
If you would rather not camp on the Guadalupe in the middle of the "tubing action," there are several nearby campgrounds that are within a short driving distance to Gruene and its local attractions. North of Gruene, off Highway 306 near Canyon Lake, is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Hill Country. Heavily wooded with lots of amenities, this park has a family atmosphere and is a short distance from all the area attractions.
State Park Camping Options
Many campers prefer to use a Texas state park when camping, and Guadalupe River State Park is a good option. Located northwest of Gruene in Spring Branch off Highway 46, the park offers multiple camp sites with access to fishing, hiking, canoeing and tubing.
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