River Forest Haven, Garfield, TX

Welcome to River Forest Haven, a truly enchanting campground nestled in the serene natural beauty of Del Valle, Texas. For Texans yearning for an escape from the city, a place where the sounds of nature replace urban clamor, and warm hospitality embraces every visitor, River Forest Haven is your idyllic retreat. Our haven offers a unique blend of seclusion and accessibility, providing a perfect setting for both adventure seekers and those simply looking to unwind by the river. Whether you're planning a family camping trip, a romantic getaway, or a fun-filled day on the water, you'll discover an unforgettable experience here.

From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the beautiful, peaceful surroundings and the genuine warmth of our hosts. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that feels like a true escape into nature, yet remains well-maintained and comfortable for all. Our commitment to providing everything you need for a great stay, including being "extremely helpful and responsive," sets us apart. River Forest Haven is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a destination where you can paddleboard, canoe, float the river, and make lasting memories, all while your furry friends have a ball. We're confident you'll love it so much, you'll want to come back!

River Forest Haven is conveniently located at 1300 Man O War Dr, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA. This prime address places our campground in a beautiful natural setting while offering remarkable accessibility to the vibrant heart of Central Texas. Del Valle provides an ideal balance, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside without sacrificing convenience.

For Texans traveling from the bustling cities, our location is a significant advantage. We are approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown Austin, making us an easily reachable destination for a quick escape from city life. This proximity means you can quickly transition from urban landscapes to the peaceful embrace of nature. Whether you're coming from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or other parts of the state, the routes to Del Valle are generally straightforward and well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle types, including RVs. While nestled in a natural area, it's worth noting that the campground is "nestled around a neighborhood," so while largely peaceful, it's not entirely remote, offering a comfortable blend of seclusion and connection. This strategic placement makes River Forest Haven an excellent choice for locals seeking a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience close to home.

River Forest Haven provides a range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, relaxing, and adventurous camping experience for all guests. Our focus is on offering natural recreation combined with essential conveniences.

Campsite Options: We offer various campsite options, including shaded and secluded areas for a true escape into nature, as well as sites with specific amenities. This includes primitive tent camping and RV sites, some with electrical hookups (details on specific amperage should be confirmed upon booking).
River Access & Activities: Our campground boasts nearly half a mile of exclusive Colorado River frontage. This allows for:
- Tubing: We are Travis County's only tubing destination, offering an hour-long float that can be easily repeated. Tube rentals are available.
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP): Our section of the river is ideal for SUPs due to its slow current. Rentals are available, or you can bring your own.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Canoes and kayaks can be rented for daily use or extended trips, including shuttle services for longer paddles (e.g., a 3-mile or 14-mile option).
- Swimming: Guests can enjoy swimming in the river.
- Fishing: Bank fishing is popular, and shuttle services can be arranged for upstream fishing trips.
Restrooms & Showers: Flushable toilets and outdoor showers (with hot water) are available, providing a comfortable level of hygiene, though their location may be on one side of the campground.
Pet-Friendly Environment: We warmly welcome dogs, understanding they are part of the family, and dogs "had a ball" during their stay. Pets must be kept under control at all times.
On-site General Store & Delivery: A handful of essential items like firewood, sunscreen, and bug spray are available for purchase and can be delivered directly to your campsite.
Fire Pits: Fire pits are included at all Forest Sites and meet county standards, allowing for fires even during some burn bans (always confirm current conditions).
Day Passes: For those not staying overnight, day passes are available to enjoy the river access and property.
Event & Group Party Planning: The venue can accommodate group parties and events, assisting with planning everything from tubing trips to longer canoe excursions.
Glamping Options: A glamping area is under development, offering future climate-controlled lodging alternatives.

River Forest Haven boasts a collection of unique features and highlights that create a truly memorable camping experience for Texans seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Secluded & Shaded Campsites: Guests rave about the campsites being "shaded & secluded enough to feel like a true escape into nature." This emphasis on natural canopies and privacy sets us apart from more open, less natural campgrounds.
Exceptional Hosts & Hospitality: The "warm hospitality of the hosts" is consistently highlighted. They are described as "extremely helpful and responsive," going above and beyond to ensure guests have everything they need for a great stay.
Direct Colorado River Access & Activities: With nearly half a mile of riverfront, this is a prime feature. Guests can actively participate in tubing (our most popular activity), paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. This diverse range of water activities ensures there's "a lot to do."
Pet-Friendly Paradise: The campground is explicitly welcoming to dogs, with reviews noting that pets "had a ball," making it an ideal spot for Texans who love to travel with their furry companions.
Relaxing Getaway from the City: For Austin-area locals, it's the "perfect spot" for a "relaxing getaway from the city," offering a convenient escape without long travel times.
Scenic Nature: The beautiful surroundings, with lush trees and the gentle flow of the river, provide a picturesque backdrop for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
Well-Maintained & Comfortable: Despite the secluded feel, the campground is "well-maintained and comfortable," ensuring essential amenities are clean and functional, including flushable toilets and hot outdoor showers.
Unique Tubing Experience: Being Travis County's only tubing destination and offering an easy-to-repeat float makes it a standout for river enthusiasts.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of River Forest Haven as a truly special place for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Central Texas.

At River Forest Haven, we strive to offer transparent pricing and various options to ensure every Texan can enjoy our unique camping and river experiences. While specific, flash promotions may vary, our pricing structure is designed to provide value for both short visits and extended stays, particularly when you factor in the included river access and amenities.

Flexible Site Options & Pricing: Camping options range from basic "Forest Sites" which offer the most privacy (average price $40/night, with options as low as $20) to "River Sites" situated along the banks (from $41/night), and premium "River PLUS Sites" that include private floating docks (from $53/night). These variations allow you to choose a spot that fits your budget and desired level of amenities.
Day Passes: For those who wish to enjoy the river and property without an overnight stay, day passes are available, allowing you to bring your own kayak, swim, or simply hang out at the beach.
Watercraft Rentals: While not a "promotion" per se, the availability of tube, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals on-site adds immense value and convenience to your stay, eliminating the need to bring your own or find off-site rentals.
Firewood Delivery: For a modest fee ($15 as noted in one review), dry firewood can be delivered directly to your campsite, enhancing your camping experience without the hassle of sourcing wood.
Group & Event Packages: As a versatile venue, River Forest Haven can accommodate group parties and even weddings, with various packages available that bundle services and amenities. Wedding reception starting site fees range from $250 (off-peak) to $500 (peak), while ceremony fees start from $1,500 (off-peak) to $3,000 (peak).

For the most current pricing, specific site availability, or details on booking group events, it is highly recommended to visit our official website or contact us directly. Our friendly team can guide you through the options and help you secure your perfect spot at River Forest Haven.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or to learn more about planning your adventure at River Forest Haven, our dedicated and friendly team is ready to assist you. We are committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring your experience with us is seamless from beginning to end.

Address: 1300 Man O War Dr, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA

Phone: (512) 710-8751

Mobile Phone: +1 512-710-8751

We recommend calling us during business hours to speak directly with our team. You can also visit our official website or check reputable camping booking platforms (like Hipcamp or The Dyrt) for more detailed information on specific site features, real-time availability, and online booking options. We look forward to helping you plan your unforgettable escape to River Forest Haven!

River Forest Haven is an ideal choice for Texans seeking a camping experience that truly offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and genuine hospitality. What makes it particularly suitable for locals is its highly convenient location in Del Valle, just a short drive from Austin. This proximity means Texans can easily escape the city for a quick weekend getaway without the hassle of long-distance travel, allowing for more time to relax and enjoy.

The emphasis on "shaded & secluded" campsites resonates deeply with those seeking a true escape into nature, providing privacy and a sense of wilderness often hard to find so close to a major metropolitan area. The direct access to the Colorado River, complete with rentals for tubing, paddleboarding, and canoeing, caters to beloved Texas outdoor pastimes, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to create summer memories. Furthermore, the "warm hospitality of the hosts" and their responsiveness cultivate a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the best of Texas's friendly spirit. For any Texan looking for a clean, comfortable, pet-friendly, and activity-rich campground that offers a true respite from the everyday, River Forest Haven in Del Valle provides an unmatched local destination for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.