Gilligan's Campground

For Texans eager to experience the classic river camping adventure, Gilligan's Campground in New Braunfels offers a straightforward and often sought-after spot right on the banks of the famous Guadalupe River. Known for its prime location and direct river access, this campground provides a traditional camping experience for those who love to be immersed in the natural beauty and vibrant river culture of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you're planning a tubing trip with friends, a family weekend by the water, or simply a shaded retreat, Gilligan's Campground aims to provide the essentials for an enjoyable outdoor escape.

Gilligan's Campground is often chosen for its direct connection to the Guadalupe River, which is a major draw for Texans during the warmer months. The ability to set up camp and easily walk to the river for a refreshing dip or to launch a tube is a significant convenience. While feedback on various aspects of the campground can vary, its fundamental offering of riverside camping makes it a popular choice for many seeking that quintessential New Braunfels river experience. The campground focuses on providing the core amenities needed for a fun and relaxed time outdoors.

Under what appears to be new ownership, there's a noted effort to enhance the guest experience, with reports of accommodating staff going "above and beyond" to ensure smooth trips. This commitment to service, combined with the strategic location, means that Gilligan's Campground remains a go-to spot for many Texans looking for an authentic Guadalupe River camping adventure. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the camaraderie of fellow campers define the experience.

Gilligan's Campground is perfectly situated at 9360 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, USA. This address places it directly on the famed River Road, a scenic stretch known for its immediate access points to the Guadalupe River. For Texans, this location is incredibly desirable, offering the ultimate convenience for river-centric activities. The campground boasts direct river access, meaning campers can easily walk from their shaded tent sites right down to the water for swimming, floating, or simply relaxing by the current.

The accessibility of Gilligan's Campground from major Texas cities like San Antonio and Austin is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations without extensive travel. River Road itself is a well-known artery for outdoor enthusiasts, leading directly to various tubing outfitters, other campgrounds, and local attractions in the New Braunfels area.

Being on River Road, guests have relatively easy access to the numerous businesses and services that cater to river-goers. While specific details on proximity to grocery stores or restaurants within walking distance are not extensively provided, the general area of River Road in New Braunfels is well-equipped with amenities for campers and tubers. The primary draw remains the unhindered access to the Guadalupe River, allowing for maximum enjoyment of this iconic Texas waterway. This strategic location truly defines the appeal of Gilligan's Campground for local Texans.

• Tent Sites: Gilligan's Campground offers tent sites, specifically noted as being "nice and shaded," providing a comfortable environment for traditional camping.
• Direct River Access: A key service is the direct access to the Guadalupe River from the campsites, allowing guests to easily enjoy swimming, wading, or launching their tubes.
• Electricity at Tent Sites: Unlike many primitive campgrounds, Gilligan's provides electricity at its tent sites (110 amp service), which is a significant convenience for charging devices or powering small appliances.
• Restrooms with Showers: The campground offers restroom facilities equipped with showers for guest use. While cleanliness feedback can vary, these facilities are available.
• Tube Rentals On-Site: Guests have the convenience of renting tubes directly at the campground, making it easy to get onto the river for a float. Note that a minimum charge per person may apply regardless of owning a tube.
• Shuttle Service to Tubing Drop-Off: The campground provides shuttle services to transport guests to the tubing drop-off points along the river, simplifying the logistics of a river float.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Charcoal Grills: Sites also include a charcoal grill, allowing for outdoor cooking.
• Firepits: Campers can enjoy campfires at their sites, as firepits are provided.

• Prime Riverside Location: The most significant highlight is Gilligan's Campground's direct access to the Guadalupe River. This allows campers to literally step from their site to the water, offering unparalleled convenience for tubing, swimming, and enjoying the river.
• Shaded Tent Sites: The tent sites are noted for being "nice and shaded," providing a welcome respite from the Texas sun, which is a major advantage during warmer months.
• Electricity at Sites: The provision of electricity at tent sites (110 amp service) is a notable feature, allowing campers to power small devices or lights, enhancing comfort beyond traditional primitive camping.
• Convenient Tube and Shuttle Services: The availability of on-site tube rentals and a shuttle service to river drop-off points significantly streamlines the tubing experience for guests, eliminating the need to arrange external transportation.
• Supportive New Management (as per some reviews): Positive reviews highlight "new owners" and specific staff members like Christina who were "very accommodating" and went "above and beyond" to ensure a smooth trip, indicating a potential focus on improved customer service.
• Traditional Camping Experience: For those who prefer a more classic camping atmosphere, with campfires, outdoor cooking, and direct nature immersion, Gilligan's offers that experience.
• Established River Road Presence: Being a known entity on River Road, Gilligan's Campground is a familiar name for many Texans planning a Guadalupe River trip.

Based on the provided customer reviews, explicit details about ongoing promotions or special offers at Gilligan's Campground are not available. However, a common practice for campgrounds, especially those in popular river destinations like New Braunfels, is to offer various deals throughout the year to attract guests.

It is possible that Gilligan's Campground may provide:

• Group discounts for larger parties planning a river trip and camping together.
• Off-season rates during cooler months when river activity is lower, encouraging a more serene camping experience.
• Packages that bundle camping fees with tube rentals and shuttle services, potentially offering a better value than purchasing each separately.

Given the competitive nature of the Guadalupe River outfitter and camping market, it would be beneficial for potential visitors to directly contact Gilligan's Campground to inquire about any current promotions, special rates, or package deals they might be offering. Their phone numbers are the best way to get the most up-to-date information directly from the source and confirm pricing for both camping and river activities.

To plan your camping trip or inquire about tube rentals and shuttle services at Gilligan's Campground, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 9360 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, USA

Phone: (830) 964-2456

Mobile Phone: +1 830-964-2456

It is highly recommended to call them directly, especially for reservations or to confirm current pricing and policies, including any minimum charges for river access or tube rentals.

For Texans, Gilligan's Campground offers a classic and highly accessible gateway to the quintessential Guadalupe River experience. Its prime location directly on River Road in New Braunfels, with immediate access to the water, is an undeniable draw. This means locals can easily transition from their campsite to a refreshing dip in the river or a leisurely float, embodying the very essence of a Texas summer. The convenience of having shaded tent sites with electricity, a significant upgrade from basic primitive camping, allows for a more comfortable and connected outdoor stay without sacrificing the natural environment.

The on-site services, including tube rentals and a shuttle to the drop-off points, streamline the entire river adventure. For Texans planning a group outing or a family trip to the Guadalupe, these integrated services simplify logistics, allowing more time for fun and less time worrying about transportation. While guest experiences with staff and facilities can vary, the core offering of direct river access and fundamental camping amenities remains a strong appeal for many.

Gilligan's Campground taps into the long-standing tradition of river camping in the Hill Country. It provides a straightforward and often lively atmosphere for those who seek to immerse themselves in the famous "river scene." For any Texan looking for a no-frills, direct-access camping experience centered around the Guadalupe River, Gilligan's Campground offers a suitable and historically popular choice to enjoy one of the state's most beloved natural playgrounds.