You’re in luck if you’re looking for a place to camp near Austin, Texas. There are plenty of campsites within an hour or so of the city, and most of them are pretty nice. The only problem is that some of these tent sites can be a little crowded during peak season.
SEE ALSO: 19 Best Road Trips From Austin
If you want to avoid the crowds, try camping at one of the smaller campsites outside of Austin. They may not have all the amenities such as wifi, fire rings, or RV parking, but they’re usually less crowded and more peaceful. Whether you’re looking for something by a golf course, something upscale such as glamping and nice restrooms, or opt for a more rugged primitive camping. Regardless of your threshold for camping, there’s something for everyone in and around, Austin.
Table of Contents
Krause Springs
Located just 30 miles from the vibrant city of Austin, Krause Springs is a natural paradise that draws plenty of visitors every year. This recreation area is the perfect place to escape and unwind, with beautiful waterways and lush greenery providing the ideal setting for swimming, camping, and relaxing. Established in 1955, Krause Springs features primitive campsites as well as 24 RV sites with full hookups, making it a great option for travelers looking for an authentic camping experience near the city limits. The spring-fed pool stays a cool 68 degrees year-round, and cliff jumping is allowed (at your own risk). The 32-acre property also features 30+ campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. You can glamp and stay in one of their vintage Airstreams!
404 Krause Spring Rd, krausesprings.net
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Swimming Holes in Austin
Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Cedar Breaks Park
The Cedar Breaks Park is located on the south banks of Lake Georgetown, in the Hill Country of Texas, about 25 miles north of Austin. Cedar Breaks Park is small and quaint, but don’t let its size fool you– it boasts some of the best hiking trails around! Because it’s not too crowded like other parks, Cedar Breaks has been able to keep its lovely small-town feel. The park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The park also has several picnic areas, grills, tables, and a playground for the kids. The area hosts 64 fully equipped camping sites with hot water and a dump station.
2100 Cedar Breaks Rd, recreation.gov
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, you’ll find an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of Texas Hill Country. This recreation area offers primitive camping areas as well as RV camping, picnic tables abound and for those that are active miles of trails, both bike trails and for horseback riding. Whether you’re marveling at the sweeping views or relaxing on one of the sandy beaches along Lake Travis, this recreation area has it all.
Situated just 10 miles outside the city limits of Marble Falls, Shaffer Bend offers easy access to all the amenities and dining options of a bustling city. So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with all the comforts of home but none of the crowds, Shaffer Bend is the place for you. And as an added bonus, it’s also within easy reach of nearby cities like Austin and San Antonio, making it the perfect choice for those who want to take advantage of those vibrant city vibes without sacrificing time in nature’s playground. So if you’re ready for some rest, relaxation, and breathtaking views, look no further than Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
706 Co Rd 343A, Marble Falls, lcra.org
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
At Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, you will find abundant camping and hiking opportunities amidst the stunning Texas Hill Country. This park offers miles of scenic trails that are perfect for mountain biking and hiking, allowing you to immerse yourself in the varied landscape. Additionally, RV camping sites are available along the shore of Lake Travis, offering easy access to this beautiful waterway. For those looking for even more amenities, boat rentals are available on-site, providing the perfect way to explore all this scenic lake offers. Whether you spend your time camping, fishing, or simply taking in the gorgeous views, you will surely have a great time at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area.
2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669 lcra.org/parks
Photo credit: tpwd.texas.gov
Blanco State Park
At Blanco State Park, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities in a peaceful natural setting. Whether camping or picnicking, swimming or hiking, this scenic park offers something for everyone. With over 100 acres of rolling hills covered in lush cedar and pecan trees, there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature and wildlife on miles of trails. And with tent camping sites, boating access to the river, and even a viewing station for wildlife enthusiasts, it’s no wonder that Blanco State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the area.
101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606 tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Sommerville State Park & Trailway
Lake Sommerville State Park & Trailway is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. With 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails that wind through rolling terrain with beautiful wildflowers and opportunities for canoeing and other water activities, this park is the perfect destination for anyone who loves to get out and explore nature. Additionally, those who love to fish will find ample opportunity at the lake’s shores, while campers can choose from various best camping spots to set up their tents. Whether you want to go hiking on your own or enjoy a leisurely ride on horseback through stunning natural scenery, Lake Sommerville has something for everyone.
14222 Park Rd 57, tpwd.texas.gov
Sandy Creek Park
Located in the scenic basin area of Lake Travis, Sandy Creek Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and recreation enthusiasts alike. This scenic park offers something for everyone, with ample space for fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping areas. Sandy Creek Park has it all, whether you are seeking a quiet picnic spot or an exciting day launching off a boat ramp.
Located just outside the city limits of Austin, Sandy Creek Park is easily accessible from all corners of the region. So if you are looking for an ideal spot to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than this idyllic recreation area nestled into the heart of Lake Travis. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours or a full weekend enjoying nature at its finest, Sandy Creek Park is sure to delight you. In short, there’s no better place around Lake Travis than Sandy Creek Park!
9500 Lime Creek Road Leander, parks.traviscountytx.gov
Photo credit: tpwd.texas.gov
McKinney Falls State Park
About 15 miles from downtown Austin lies McKinney Falls State Park. The park gets its name from the Lower Falls on Onion Creek, which flow over granite outcrops into a deep pool. The Upper Falls are located just upstream and are about 25 feet tall. Hiking trails wind through the park, and visitors can also fish, swim, camp, and mountain bike. The LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) Austin hosts summer camps for kids here.
5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, tpwd.texas.gov
Pedernales Falls State Park
Located in the Hill Country, about an hour’s drive west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature. The park’s highlight is the Pedernales River, which flows over a series of limestone slabs, creating a series of small waterfalls and pools. Hiking trails wind through the park, and visitors can also swim, camp, and mountain bike.
2585 Park Rd 6026, tpwd.texas.gov
Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend Park is located on the shores of Lake Travis, about 30 miles northwest of Austin. It is is one of the most popular and well-loved RV parks and tent camping sites in central Texas. Ideally located only a short drive from Austin, this beautiful park boasts a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The park features stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. There are also several campgrounds in the park, as well as picnic areas and a playground.
The area offers 20 improved campsites all located on the east side of the park, Pace Bend offers plenty of space for RV campers of all kinds. Each RV site has electric hookups, full access to bathroom facilities, and nearby access to amazing hiking trails that wind through the gorgeous natural landscape. For those looking for a more primitive experience, there are also plenty of designated areas for tent camping at Pace Bend Park. These sites offer stunning views of Lake Travis and all the peace and quiet you could hope for in nature.
18900 Pace Bend Rd N, tpwd.texas.gov
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Campsites
Enchanted Rock is a massive pink granite dome located in the Hill Country of Texas, about 90 miles northwest of Austin. The rock is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. There are several campgrounds for walk-ins, primitive camping for hike-ins, and primitive campground for groups located around the base of the rock, as well as picnic areas and a playground.
16710 Ranch Rd 965, http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock/campsites
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is a great place to camp if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. The park is located on Inks Lake, which doesn’t experience the droughts that other parts of Texas do and stays at a constant level, making it perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and scuba diving. The park rents paddle boats, canoes, 1 – 2 person kayaks, life vests, and paddles. Entrance fees are $7 with a $5 overnight charge, and ages 12 and under are free. Backpack primitive campsites are $11, sites with water are $16, sites with water and electricity are $21, sites with water and 50-amp electric hookups are $23, and cabins are available for $55.
If camping isn’t your thing, the park also has cabins available for rent. The cabins are in a secluded area of the park and come with all the amenities you need, including air conditioning, a kitchenette, and a porch with a sitting area.
If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Austin that offers plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, Inks Lake State Park is definitely worth checking out.
3630 Park Rd 4 W, tpwd.texas.gov
Photo credit: tpwd.texas.gov
Lockhart State Park
At Lockhart State Park, you will find endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you are interested in golfing, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, or simply playing on the park’s amazing playground, there is something for everyone here. The park’s short trails interconnect with each other, allowing you to easily explore a larger area of the park and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And if you are looking to relax by the water, the calm waters of Lake Lockhart provide a perfect spot to unwind and recharge. With ample parking and tons of great amenities, Lockhart State Park is truly an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Head over to their website to reserve a campsite with water and electricity or full hookups.
2012 State Park Rd, tpwd.texas.gov
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park is a 176-acre park located in Austin, Texas. The park offers a variety of activities, including canoeing, fishing, and swimming. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park, providing hikers with a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty. The park also has Osprey Point Hall, which can fit up to 120 people and includes air conditioning, heat, a catering kitchen, a fireplace, and a large smoker grill. The park also offers camping options, including sites with full hookups, primitive sites, and cabins.
375 S Shore Rd, lcra.org
Bastrop State Park
Bastrop State Park is a great place to camp if you’re looking to get away from the city. The park offers primitive areas and hook-up sites, as well as 14 historic cabins that are perfect for larger groups. You can also rent kayaks and canoes nearby, and there’s a swimming pool on site for when you need a break from the sun. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, the park has 7 miles of hiking trails to explore.
100 Park Road 1A, tpwd.state.tx.us
RELATED: 21 Top Things To Do in Fredericksburg, TX
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is Austin’s favorite park, and for a good reason. The park offers beautiful views of Lake Austin, as well as plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. These include three sand volleyball courts, a half-court basketball area, swimming areas, showers, and more. The park also offers campsites, which range in price from $10 to $25. Primitive campsites are less expensive but do not offer the same amenities as more expensive sites.
1600 City Park Rd, https://austintexas.gov/department/emma-long-metropolitan-park
RELATED: 14 Top Things To Do In Gruene Texas
