Just over an hour drive south from Austin city center, is a a small oasis that’s perfect for those who need an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Mystic Quarry is a modern campground that has something for every camping style.
Whether you want to go glamping in Texas or take your RV through Hill Country, this campground is a fun, friendly oasis.
The Mystic Quarry family were so kind to host my boyfriend and myself, plus our 70-pound Border Collie mix during their grand opening weekend. It was an irregularly chilly (for Texas!) weekend but the storms had moved on just in time for us to pack the car and drive south.
The cool weather meant we didn’t do some of the typical fun Canyon Lake activities like tubing and boating. Instead the three of us totally soaked up the peace and quiet of Hill Country while drinking wine and roasting marshmallows.
And I know that’s exactly what we all needed.
Live music at the Mystic Quarry Grand Opening Party Saturday night!
Some of Mystic Quarry’s tiny homes that comfortably sleep 2-6 people.
One of Mystic Quarry’s three tipis
Inside one of the tipis, relaxing, looking through social media and the interwebs, just for entertainment, no work!
During my weekend stay, I was in one of the campground’s modern and dog-friendly cottages. I was also told there are plans to add fenced-in yards under shady trees behind the cottages. Perfect if you need to leave your dog behind at Mystic Quarry to go shopping or on a winery tour.
The cottage was small but spacey and came with everything you might need: a bathroom, microwave, TV, full-size fridge, and a patio with two adirondack chairs.
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Seeking a Higher Campground
There’s a few cottages on the property that are some of the original buildings left from Jim and Courtney Trent’s renovation of the site. Last year, the couple bought a 21 acre campground to follow their combined passions for meeting new people and being outdoors.
Not too long ago, Mystic Quarry was Riverside Resort, an older campground that was in desperate need of much more than a facelift. Run down and needing some love the Trent’s preformed a miracle. They created a modern campground that appeals to every type of camper under the sun.
The Trent’s are some of the friendliest people around, and they truly want to ensure everyone has a great time camping or glamping with them in Canyon Lake.
Camping at Mystic Quarry
Located in Canyon Lake, Texas, Mystic Quarry is part secluded oasis and part basecamp for adventurers. That, plus the friendly staff and hip, modern amenities will make this place appealing for all.
Inside one of the Mystic Quarry’s Tipis
If you’re looking to take part in some relaxation and unwind, Mystic Quarry has more to do onsite than many of the other nearby campgrounds:
- pool
- gym
- chickens!
- bocce court
- two dog parks
- rooftop deck and bar area
- multiple grills and firepits
- hammocks and lounging areas
- 21 acres to hike, bike, and explore
Still being built is a veggie garden, hive (one of the Mystic Quarry maintenance workers is a beekeeper and all they’re waiting on are the honeybees!), pond, and theater out by the quarry.
Read This: Drink the Day Away in Beautiful Dripping Springs
RV’s, Primitive Sites, Tiny Houses, and Tipi Accommodations
Mystic Quarry campground knows that camping styles differ. I, myself prefer to have at least running water and a power outlet, and decent WiFi pleasee. (yes, I know I should disconnect and relax on vacation- it’s something I’m working on!) The campground is both for those “who camp, and those who don’t.”
Maybe you want to go glamping in a tipi, take the RV somewhere new, or relax in a roomy, modern tiny house. Even if you wish to ‘rough it’ with your tent, you have that option with Mystic Quarry!
Mystic Quarry has three tipis that are inspired by the Native American people of the Great Plains. Their tipis are a unique mix of modern comfort and nomad style. All of the tipis are 22 feet in diameter and have an open pointed roof at the top for stargazing.
If you’re like me and prefer a ‘cozy’ experience, camping a safe distance away from bugs and critters, :) , stay in one of Mystic Quarry’s tiny house cabins or cottages.
Both of the above options are fine examples of what it means to go glamping in Texas. Sizes range from perfect-for-couples to great-for-families
There’s also a RV Park behind the cabins that weaves through a shady grove of large oak trees. All sites offer full hook up with 20, 30 and 50 AMP service. Hopefully, one day I’ll be RV’ing around the states in my own luxurious, state-of-the-art camper. #goals
If you prefer to camp in a tent, Mystic Quarry has plenty of campsites that come standard with large oak trees, free of charge. In a secluded area at the back of the campground, you have easy access to our rock quarry and hiking trail. Additionally, you can enjoy close proximity to the freshly renovated bathhouse and laundry facilities.
Tips for Glamping at Mystic Quarry Campground:
- Even when you’re glamping in Texas, bug spray is a MUST (tbh, it’s pretty much required everywhere around these parts)
- You’re just a short drive from San Marcos, but you’re in a rural area. There are shops and stores nearby-ish, but do yourself a favor and just come with everything you need.
- You’ll want to bring plenty of food and eats unless you plan on driving to one of the surrounding towns for something local.
- Booze-wise, there’s plenty in the area, Hill Country is famous for its wine and spirits. Explore the area safely by booking a tour or getting a DD.
- Bring your bathing suit + water shoes, Canyon Lake is known for its water activities and you want to be up for anything!
- Mystic Quarry has pretty good Wifi and Cable TV, but resist that urge and take a break!
- Make time to enjoy the property, there is plenty to see such as the chickens or the rooftop deck and there’s even a rock quarry. Mystic Quarry is making their campground an adventure on its own.
- Finally, Mystic Quarry has you covered in their cabins and tiny homes so you won’t need to pack much: full-sized fridges, towels, coffee makers, and dishes.
What To Do in Texas Hill Country:
Mystic Quarry is in a perfect area to make ‘base’ for all the things to do in Texas Hill Country. There’s plenty of water activities (just a mile from Mystic Quarry campground is the Guadalupe River that flows with calm, cool water.), festivals, trails, shopping, and wineries, breweries, and distilleries nearby.
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Tubing & Boat Rentals
As the area becomes increasingly popular for water sports, there are tons of tubing and kayaking rental spots in Canyon Lake, Texas. However, Whitewater Sports and River Sports Tubes offer discounts to Mystic Quarry guests for transportation to and from their facility. Just call the front desk for more info or to book!
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Wine Tours
Hill Country is the second largest wine-producing region in the country. Winery tours in this area are a perfect excuse for a scenic drive through Texas Hill Country. Just ask the front desk for more information.
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Breweries & Distilleries
Since there’s over a dozen breweries and distilleries in the greater Dripping Springs area, so it’s hard to prioritize where to visit. Best advice is to visit what you like to drink, chances are it’s being distilled or brewed out in Hill Country!
Read This: What to Expect on a Guided Brewery Tour
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Fishing
The southernmost trout fishery in the United States, the Guadalupe River, is just a mile from the Texas Hill Country campground. One of the most popular fishing holes is Devil’s Playground.
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Festivals Year-Round
Similar to Austin, this area of Hill Country is known for its own long list of festivals. Nearby cities Driftwood, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Wimberley host events all year long.
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Hiking Trails
Canyon Lake is a paradise of hike and bike trails in Central Texas. The Madrone Trail, an 8-mile loop with beautiful views that peaks at 508 feet, is one of the more popular trails in the area. More easy-going hikers will like the Guadalupe Park Trail, a manageable 1.8 mile in-and-out hiking adventure.
Mystic Quarry’s stunning front entrance comes alive at night.
If you’re interested in booking a stay of your own for some glamping in Texas with Mystic Quarry, visit their site here.
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What’s your camping style? Glamping, RV’ing, or old-school primitive camping? Let me know in the comments!
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