River’s Edge Campground in Johnson City received a Park of the Year Award from the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) in the small park category for campgrounds with less than 125 sites, according to a press release.
The award was presented April 21 during TACO’s annual Spring Meeting and Convention at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, which draws hundreds of campground and RV park operators from across the Lone Star State.
The 57-site River’s Edge Campground, which opened in May of 2024, is located on the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country, between Austin and Fredericksburg. The 100-acre park features majestic oaks, wide open spaces, and a variety of camping options, including 45 spacious RV sites, 4 tent sites, 5 cabins and 3 covered wagons. Each space is unique and thoughtfully designed to fit into the surrounding hills and trees, maximizing privacy, views and a beautiful camping environment.
Amenities include a two-mile hike and bike trail; a 9-hole disc golf course; sports courts for sand volleyball, basketball, pickleball and cornhole; as well as a large playground with slides and a giant chess game. Other activities include fishing, swimming, tubing and kayaking on the Pedernales River.
River’s Edge was developed by Stuart and Alanya Berthiaume and their three children. The Berthiaumes have worked in real estate for many years and have also owned and operated Hill Country Lakes RV Campground in Spicewood for 17 years. They took their three children on RV trips across the U.S. and Canada as they were growing up and eventually decided to build their own campground when they couldn’t find one for sale that fit their vision.
“Our vision was to create the best of both worlds, an authentic, nature-focused camping experience with trails, space and trees, paired with resort-style amenities,” Alanya said.
The Berthiaumes built the campground from the ground up over four years, with the help of their children, Mitchell, 24, Weston, 26, and Tessa, 28. Tessa has since left the campground to join Campspot.com, a leading online reservation service provider, but Mitchell and Weston continue to work at the campground.
