Field notes
The 12 Best Glamping Spots in New Braunfels, Texas
I packed three pairs of linen shorts and zero bug spray. That was my first mistake in the Colorado high country, where the mosquitoes treat exposed ankles like a buffet. My second was trusting a rented “luxury” canvas tent’s insulation against the alpine chill that descends the moment the sun dips behind the peaks. By evening, I was shivering in a fleece I’d meant only for campfires, swatting at my own legs and cursing the glossy website photos that showed no wind, no biting gnats, and definitely no goosebumps. That humbling night taught me something essential about glamping in New Braunfels—it’s not about avoiding discomfort; it’s about knowing exactly which discomforts to prep for.
The Comal River Corridor (Lazy Floats & Downtown)
2ND-XNG Camp
This place changed my mind about glamping near the Comal. Safari tents sit on elevated wooden platforms with real beds, rugs, and a porch with rocking chairs. The trick is booking one with a private hot tub—yes, in summer, a cold plunge is better, but the hot tub works for cool evenings. The real win: a private tube launch into the Comal, cutting the walk to the river to about 200 feet. I floated for two hours, walked back in my wet suit, and was in the AC within minutes. Avoid the tents without AC if you visit June-August; the canvas can’t handle direct sun. Rates run $180-$250/night.
GuadalupeRiverCamping.com
Despite the name, this spot sits on both the Guadalupe and the Comal—but the Guadalupe side is where the magic happens. Cabins with full kitchens, screened porches, and direct river access. What sets them apart: you can rent tubes on-site and they’ll shuttle you upriver, so you never need to drive. The cabins are basic but clean, with AC that works hard. I’d skip the tent sites unless you’re okay with 95°F nights. The best cabin is #7—closest to the river with a private deck. From $150/night.
CaP’s Crossing
More of a traditional campground with deluxe cabins, but the “glamping” cabins here have real beds, mini-fridges, and microwaves. The hook: right on the Comal River with a sandy beach area. I liked that they have a general store and tube rental, but the cabins are small—great for couples, tight for families. The real draw is location: you’re a 10-minute float from Schlitterbahn and 15 minutes from downtown. I’d only recommend this if you plan to spend all day on the river. From $100/night.
The Guadalupe River Canyon (Scenic & Cooler)
Texas Yurt Haus
Yurts in Texas? Yes, and they work. The thick canvas keeps the interior surprisingly cool—if you keep the windows open (and the AC on). They’re set on a hillside overlooking the Guadalupe, with a fire pit and picnic table. The best part: the property has a private river access point that’s less crowded than public spots. I floated the Guadalupe in October when the water was 65°F and it was perfect—no crowds. The yurts are fully furnished with kitchenettes and queen beds. From $175/night.
River Road Treehouses
My favorite splurge. Treehouses built into live oaks with full bathrooms, kitchens, and decks overlooking the Guadalupe. I stayed in “The Cypress”—a two-bedroom with a screened porch and an outdoor shower. The river access is a steep path down a bluff, but worth it for the privacy. The treehouses have AC and ceiling fans, and the elevation keeps them cooler than ground-level tents. Downside: no tube rental on-site, but you can drive 5 minutes to a livery. From $300/night.
Treehouse Lodge
Different vibe—cabins built on stilts in a wooded area near the Comal. More rustic than River Road, cheaper, and closer to Schlitterbahn. The treehouses have AC, mini-fridges, and microwaves, but the bathrooms are shared. I’d recommend this for budget-conscious glampers who want proximity to the water without sacrificing a bed. The shared bathrooms are clean but can get busy on weekends. From $120/night.
Hill Country Views & Resort Comfort
Treeside RV Resort
Don’t let the name fool you—this is a glamping resort with cabins, yurts, and safari tents under massive live oaks. The property has a pool, hot tub, and a catch-and-release pond. The cabins are fully equipped with kitchens and washer/dryer. I booked a “glamping tent” which turned out to be a canvas structure on a platform with AC that actually worked. The best feature: the pool is open 24/7, so you can cool off after midnight. From $200/night.
Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country
Massive resort with everything from RV sites to deluxe cabins. The deluxe cabins have full kitchens, living rooms, and private decks. The pool is huge and has a water playground—ideal for families. The downside: it’s not on the river—you’re a 10-minute drive from the Comal. But if you want a base camp with amenities, this is it. I’d skip the tent sites here; the cabins are the only way to go. From $180/night.
Unique Stays & Hidden Gems
2ND-XNG Camp
Yes, I mentioned it before, but they also have a “glamping suite” with a king bed, AC, and private bathroom—separate from the safari tents. The most comfortable option on the Comal side. Book early—these sell out months in advance.
Texas Yurt Haus
They also have a larger yurt called “The Sultan” that sleeps 5, with a loft bed kids love. The view from the loft at sunset? Spectacular.
River Road Treehouses
They have a treehouse called “The Nest”—a studio with a clawfoot tub on the deck. Perfect for a romantic weekend.
How to Choose: Comal vs Guadalupe
The Comal River stays a constant 72°F year-round and is the most popular tubing destination. Shorter, more crowded—especially on weekends. The Guadalupe is colder (often in the 60s), longer, and has more rapids. For glamping, I prefer the Guadalupe for scenery and cooler water, but the Comal for convenience. If you’re here for a single weekend, pick the Comal—less driving, more floating. If you want to escape the crowds, go Guadalupe.
Summer Heat Reality
Let me be blunt: Texas summers are brutal. If you’re glamping in a tent without AC, you will be miserable from 11 AM to 7 PM. The only way to survive is to be in the water. I always book a spot with AC and a pool or river access. Don’t rely on fans alone—the humidity is relentless. Also: bring a cooler with ice, a sun shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun here is no joke.
Winter Glamping
Winter is underrated. January temps can drop below freezing, but the crowds vanish. I stayed at Texas Yurt Haus in February and had the river to myself. The yurt’s propane heater kept it cozy. The key: layered bedding and a fire pit. The Guadalupe is too cold for tubing, but the Comal still flows—wear a wetsuit if you want to float.
Pro Tips
- Book at least 2 months ahead for summer weekends. Everything sells out.
- Check if the property provides tubes or has a launch—some charge extra.
- Avoid tents without AC during June-August. Trust me.
- For the best value, go midweek. Rates drop significantly.
Whether you’re here for the river or the Hill Country views, New Braunfels glamping is about balancing comfort with nature. My advice: skip the tent, get a cabin or yurt with AC, and spend your days on the water. Your future self will thank you.
For more options, browse all glamping stays here or check out other glamping in Texas. And if you’re new to glamping, start here to learn what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Which river is better for tubing: Comal or Guadalupe?
The Comal is shorter (2.5 miles), warmer, and more beginner-friendly, with consistent current year-round. The Guadalupe has longer floats (3-9 miles), colder water from Canyon Lake dam release, and more rapids. For glamping, pick the Comal if you want lazy floats and proximity to downtown; pick the Guadalupe for scenic canyon views and a more rugged experience.
What’s the best glamping for avoiding summer heat?
Look for properties with AC, shade, and water access. Treeside RV Resort has massive live oaks and a pool. River Road Treehouses are elevated with forest canopy. Texas Yurt Haus has heavy canvas and AC that keeps yurts cool. Avoid open-field tents unless you plan to be in the river all day.
Are there glamping spots with private hot tubs?
Yes. 2ND-XNG Camp has private hot tubs on several sites. River Road Treehouses also has some treehouses with hot tubs on the deck. Treehouse Lodge offers private hot tubs in some units. Always confirm when booking.
Can I glamp and still go tubing without a car?
A few spots are walkable to tube outfitters. 2ND-XNG Camp is adjacent to a tube rental. GuadalupeRiverCamping.com sits right on the river with their own launch. Most others require a short drive—New Braunfels is very car-dependent.
What’s the best glamping for large groups?
Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country has cabins and RV sites that can accommodate large groups, plus a pool and playground. Treeside RV Resort also has group-friendly cabins. 2ND-XNG Camp offers safari tents that sleep up to 6.
Do you recommend glamping in New Braunfels in winter?
Yes, but bring layers. Safari tents at 2ND-XNG Camp have propane heaters but can get chilly under 40F. Treehouses at River Road Treehouses are better insulated. Many properties offer fire pits. The Guadalupe River is often too cold for winter tubing unless you wear a wetsuit.
Which glamping spot is closest to Schlitterbahn?
Treehouse Lodge is about 5 minutes by car. Treeside RV Resort is also close—about 10 minutes. For walking distance, there’s no glamping directly adjacent, but those two are your best bets.