The Dam Spot Introduce
Texans looking for a rustic, back-to-nature camping experience near the popular Lake Somerville area should consider **The Dam Spot**. Situated close to the Lake Somerville dam and featuring its own natural beaver dam, this unique, privately-owned property is a destination for those who prefer primitive tent camping over the structured environment of a typical RV park. It provides a spacious, secluded setting where campers can truly disconnect and enjoy the Central Texas outdoors.
The campground offers a large, private area for guests, including excellent tree cover for shade and a more open back portion perfect for family activities. Reviews consistently highlight the property owner's accommodating nature and the constant improvements being made to the site, such as the addition of electricity to some areas and pre-mounted tents. However, it is essential for visitors to understand that this is primarily a primitive camping destination, meaning you must arrive fully prepared with all necessary supplies, reflecting a traditional "roughing it" approach to camping.
⚠️ **Important Note Regarding Customer Experience:** Public customer reviews regarding this campground raise serious and critical concerns that prospective Texas visitors should be aware of before booking. Specifically, there are accounts alleging that the owner engaged in **disability discrimination** by illegally canceling a reservation after learning a guest was disabled and intended to bring a medical alert animal. The review suggests a direct and severe violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals in public accommodations, including campgrounds. While the facts of any dispute are complex, this information represents a significant risk factor for any Texas resident with a disability or service animal considering this location. **Visitors are strongly advised to seek legal guidance and contact local disability rights organizations if they encounter any issues regarding ADA compliance or discrimination at this, or any, private business.**
The Dam Spot is conveniently located off a major state highway, making it easy to reach from both Houston and Austin, and is centrally positioned near Brenham and College Station.
- **Address:** 13480 State Hwy 36 N, Brenham, TX 77833, USA.
- **Key Proximity:** The property is situated just south of the town of Somerville and is only a few minutes' drive from the shores of Lake Somerville, offering quick access to boating, fishing, and water activities.
- **Accessibility:** The site is right off State Highway 36, which, while convenient for travel, means there is **road noise** that campers should be prepared for, especially during the day. Access to the campsites is typically easy, and on-site parking is available. However, given the primitive nature of the setup, visitors should be prepared for typical uneven ground and the lack of paved pathways in the camping areas.
As a primitive camping area, the services at The Dam Spot focus on providing a secure space in nature, with limited amenities compared to commercial RV resorts.
- **Camping Type:** Primarily primitive tent camping. Guests must bring all their own supplies, including potable water, sanitation, and cooking equipment.
- **Electrical Access (Limited):** Some reviews indicate the owner has added limited access to electricity in certain areas, sometimes including the provision of a small AC unit with a mounted tent option, though this may vary by site and booking.
- **On-site Parking:** Vehicle parking is available at the property.
- **Fire Rings:** Designated areas are provided for campfires, and campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood.
- **Picnic Tables:** Some sites may include a picnic table.
- **Unique Offerings (Historical/Natural):** The property features an active beaver dam and a natural tree root bridge across a shallow creek, providing unique natural points of interest for exploration.
- **Reservation Status:** Note that the campground has not always been accepting bookings through major third-party platforms, which may indicate highly personalized or intermittent availability directly through the owner.
The key draw of The Dam Spot is its rustic setting, its proximity to Lake Somerville, and the private, spacious feel of the land.
- **Seclusion and Privacy:** The large size of the property allows for a great deal of separation between campsites, giving visitors a highly private outdoor experience, which is a significant highlight for many campers.
- **Nature Exploration:** Campers can explore the creek, observe the beaver dam, and walk the private land. Wildlife sightings, such as deer and various birds, are common.
- **Abundant Shade:** The main section of the campground boasts excellent tree cover, offering much-needed shade during hot Texas days.
- **Proximity to Lake Somerville:** Being just a short drive from Lake Somerville allows for easy day trips for boating, fishing, and using the lake's public boat ramps. Campers are encouraged to bring their boats, jet skis, and kayaks.
- **Close to Brenham and College Station:** For those seeking off-site activities, the site is a short drive to Brenham, home of the famous Blue Bell Creamery, as well as the cultural and university events in College Station.
- **Accommodating Owner Feedback (General):** Apart from the critical discrimination complaints, many general reviews praise the owner's communication, politeness, and willingness to accommodate reasonable requests.
As a small, private operation, contact information for The Dam Spot may be fluid and often managed through third-party booking sites or direct contact with the owner.
**Name:** The Dam Spot (Private Campground)
**Address:** 13480 State Hwy 36 N, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
**Phone:** Information not publicly available; contact typically established via online booking platforms or direct email.
The Dam Spot is uniquely worth choosing for a select subset of Texas outdoor enthusiasts: those who prioritize **seclusion and a truly primitive experience** over modern amenities. If your goal is to set up a tent in a large, private, wooded area with minimal interaction with other campers and you are fully self-sufficient (bringing your own water, portable toilet, etc.), this location offers a desirable level of privacy that state parks often cannot match. The property's natural features, like the creek and beaver dam, add a distinct charm for nature lovers and explorers. The unbeatable proximity to Lake Somerville for easy boating access is also a major selling point.
However, due to the severe and legally concerning customer reports about alleged disability discrimination, any prospective Texas camper, especially those with service animals or mobility needs, must weigh the attractive primitive setting against the very serious reported risks to civil rights and the possibility of a canceled reservation. For most Texans, transparency and legal compliance are non-negotiable standards, and these reports should strongly influence the decision to choose a different, fully-compliant campground, such as the nearby State Park units, unless the user confirms a clear resolution to these issues.
The Dam Spot Photos



The Dam Spot Location
The Dam Spot
13480 State Hwy 36 N, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
The Dam Spot Reviews
I will share photos of conversation. This woman illegally discriminated against me for being disabled, and canceled my booking once finding out I was disabled.I gave my ADA medical alert animals registration to her and that day she canceled my weeks old reservation and told me "whatever" when I let her know about the discrimination.
September 15 · Etasha C
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