The Best Camping Near Austin Texas

Introduction

Camping is the perfect family vacation in touch with nature, but it can be hard to decide where the best campgrounds are. In this article, we are going to look at the top 25 spots for best camping near Austin, Texas. All of the camping locations are within a two-hour drive of Austin.

Because of the mild winter camping can be done in Texas pretty much year-round. But finding a good place to go camping for your family vacation can be challenging because there are so many options out there. In

The solution is simple – we’ve made a list of what we think are some of the best campgrounds In the Austin, Texas area based on our own experiences and recommendations from friends who also enjoy spending time outdoors exploring new places.

These campsites have everything you need for a fantastic experience, including hiking trails, fishing spots, swimming holes, and more! All these sites will give you access to breathtaking views and fun activities that everyone in your family will love!

About Central Texas

Central Texas is the part of Texas that covers all or part of thirty-six counties in the central part of the state (nearly 90% of its land area). It is the second-largest of Texas’ five major regions and covers slightly more than one-fifth of its total land area. 

The major cities in the region are Austin, College Station, Killeen, Round Rock, Stephenville, Waco, and Temple. It is roughly coextensive with the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area.

Noted areas within it include portions of Hill Country to the west; Gulf Coastal Plains to the south; Blackland Prairie to the east; and Piney Woods, too much of the north.

Why is the Austin Area so Great for Camping?

The weather also makes it easy to get outdoors year-round since rain showers typically last less than an hour or two. Plus, there’s plenty of sunshine for long walks on spring days!

So what does this mean for you? If you’re looking to camp while visiting Austin, your options will be more plentiful and varied than they would be elsewhere because the weather allows you to enjoy camping at any time of year! You can go tent camping, R.V. camping, hike, camp, or even stay in a cabin.

Pro Tip:

Use CampgroundView.com to take a virtual tour of the campsite, check availability and book your stay.

#1. Fox Bottom Primitive Camping Area, Granger Lake

San Gabriel River severs an otherwise undeveloped Black Mountains prairie northeast of Taylor. The view from FM 1331 North over trees is an incredibly beautiful panorama from Austin, Texas. The river lies still hidden within pine forests while the stream goes east up Granger Lake.

The camp lies at the south riverbank, an unchallenged bend downstream in the western portions of The Valley. It is beautiful during Spring, so crappie fishing is great.

These fish spawn under the flooded willows sticking from beneath the shallow lakes below. Taylor Park is an easy and inexpensive way of accessing and interacting.

#2. Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a beautiful destination for a camping trip, and there are plenty of great campgrounds to choose from. There is everything from secluded primitive camping, glamping, RV parks, teepees, and treehouses.

There are more than 20 major areas to camp across different counties and state parks. Some of the Best areas include:

• Windy Point Park
• Pace Bend Park
• Muleshoe Bend Park
• Open Air Resort
• Camp Creek Recreation Area
• Shaffer BEnd Recreation Area
• Arkansas Bend Park
• Grelle Recreation
• Lake Austin
• Turkey Bend Recreation Area
• Planet Rock Glamping
• and more…

Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot by the water or want to be in the heart of the action, there’s a perfect campground waiting for you.

Lake Travis is a very beautiful lake. We write more extensively about in our article ” The 46 Best Lakes in Texas By Region (plus Map)”

#3. Bastrop State Park, North Shore Park

North Shore Park is a beautiful 1800 acre area that is ideal for family camping. It has campsites that offer water and electric hookups, primitive sites, Airstream campers, safari-style Tents for Glamping

The park also offers restrooms with showers, picnic tables, grills, swimming pools, and boat ramps.

In addition to the campsites themselves, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re staying at Bastrop State Park North Shore Park. Fishing, kayaking, jet skis, hiking, and biking to name a few.

Personally, I don’t think it gets much better than enjoying some peace and quiet at Lake Bastrop with the comforts of running water, air conditioning, and electricity for your RV!

My wife hates camping and she enjoys going here.

#4. Buescher State Park

Buescher State Park, which has some really nice campsites that range from full hook-ups with water and electricity, to primitive walk-in tent sites. There’s also a dump station on-site for those looking to stay awhile!

If you have kids or pets, this campground has plenty of activities for all ages including fishing in their stocked pond, hiking trails through the woods.

We stay in one of their cabins which were nice. There are no restrooms in the camps but showers and restrooms are readily available at many locations through the park.#6. Cedar Breaks Park

#7. Lake Georgetown

Lake Georgetown in northern San Gabriel is similar in shape to its Georgetown River counterpart in Bartón water. Non-boaters can enjoy superb walked routes along steep river shorelines.

The 37-mile Goodwater Gorge passes around the reservoir and passes great bluffs, medieval villages, and natural springs. Avoid the areas adjacent to the lake because they are unguarded.

We stayed on the south side of Lake Georgetown at Cedar Breaks Park.

#8. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

The Lower Colorado River Authority provides a little forgotten kingdom filled with secrets and promises. Over 500 acres are in the vicinity, spanning pine, cactus, and densely planted grasslands. A habitat reserve.

A courtesy of riders, the LCRA also set up four-horse pad sites in the group campsites with ten miles of forestry trails allowing horses to explore and hike the park’s stretches.

#9. Pedernales Falls State Park

It’s over 5,200 acres are the largest wilderness area near a state-run city. Try primitive campsites on the high lands on Mescal Creek. Some of the finest unfortunate campsites on the hill. It’s packed with deer and turkey, along with other animal species such as raccoons.

Check out charming semi-secret pools along Bee Creek, located about 20 km from Seattle’s most important metropolis of Portland along the Pedernales River. There’s also 20 km of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities.

#10. Krause Springs

Almost 50 campground sites were opened at this time. Fourth of July fireworks displays provide great alternatives for the crowd at Auditorium Shores.

The butterfly gardens vibrate in peace with the huge winds of chiming. It also has its own 115 acres of pools a short distance from downtown Austin, TX. I am not a swimming enthusiast so getting to know one place for the day can be a good way to relax.

Read more about Krause Springs and the City of Spicewood here in this article.

#11. Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Palestine, near Sulphur Springs and Rusk, Texas. The park offers many recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping.

There are also cabins for rent as well as RV sites with water and electricity hookups available throughout the year. Palmetto State Park features several groomed trails that can be used for hiking or biking.

The 3-mile trail around Lake Palmetto is a popular destination among visitors to this park because it has beautiful views of the lake from all angles. This trail is great for bird watchers too because there are lots of different species living around the lake area.

The trail around the lake features beautiful views of the lake from all angles so it is highly recommended for bird watchers to take a look at all of the wildlife in the area.

#12. McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is located about 30 miles southeast of downtown Austin, making it the closest park on the list. The park offers tent camping with water nearby and trails for hiking – including a path to Upper McKinney Falls, which is only a quarter-mile away!

The area has plenty of scenic locations for picture taking – like the cave and the falls themselves. For those who prefer more amenities, cabins are available, in addition to R.V. spots with electricity.

#13. Lake Somerville State Park

Lake Somerville State Park is an excellent place to camp and enjoys nature in Texas. The park offers many amenities for camping, including tent sites, R.V. spaces, and cabins that can accommodate up to six people.

Two fishing lakes are available for guests who want to fish or relax by the water. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay at Lake Sommerville, there are plenty of campsites with electric hookups available, as well as primitive camping options without any utilities whatsoever.

#14. Lockhart State Park

Lockhart State Park is a beautiful place to camp. It’s located in the heart of Texas and has many amenities for the whole family to enjoy. There are tent sites with easy access to waterfalls and trails, cabins, R.V. spaces, and even tent sites!

Lockhart State Park offers plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, or boating on Lake LBJ. Three large pavilions can be reserved by groups of 15 people at a time. The park has four nature-themed playgrounds with swing sets and slides for children 12 years old or younger. 

#15. Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park was built on top of old limestone mines where people used to mine karst limestone, which was used mainly as roadstone before. There are still some old mining remnants to see, including the remains of lime kilns that were used to burn limestone into quicklime. 

If you want to camp here, there are several areas where you can stay overnight in tents or R.V.s with full hookups. You can choose from standard tent sites or group camping, including electrical outlets for lights.

#16. South Llano River State Park

If you like camping and other outdoor activities, then South Llano River State Park is the place for you! This park has over 20 campsites with amenities such as pull-through R.V. sites, tent sites, cabins, and even yurts. 

Check out one of the swimming beaches that are perfect for cooling off after a long day outside in the Texas heat! With so much to offer visitors of all ages, it’s no wonder that South Llano River State Park is a perfect camping spot for Central Texas!

#17. Longhorn Cavern State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is a perfect destination for all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s diverse terrain offers something for everyone, from the casual hiker to the experienced mountain climber. 

There are also plenty of places for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. There are many routes to explore with more than 20 miles of trails!

#18. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is one of four state parks in the Texas Hill Country that offer river-based camping on the Frio River. Primitive camping sites are available near the park entrance at Hickory Creek Crossing along nearby Cibolo Creek.

These sites have no amenities other than vault toilets, but they provide easy access to both rivers and popular hiking and mountain biking trails.

While no reservations are required, there is a three-night limit at river sites to allow all guests to enjoy a camping experience.

Campsites closer to the South Entrance Station are more expensive but include picnic tables, drinking water, showers, and restroom facilities. 

#19. Pedernales State Park

Camping at Pedernales State Park is a great way to enjoy nature, with many different options for your stay. Campsites are available for tents, R.V.s, and even cabins. There is also the option of camping in one of the park’s scenic overlooks or by waterfalls like Adams Falls.

Hikers will love that there are over 50 miles of trails to explore and a birdwatching area where you can spot some species that don’t often come this far south!

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, try backpacking on the 30-mile long Devil’s Backbone trail, which offers stunning views from atop the ridgeline. If you want to relax after all your fun adventures, stop by the Pedernales Falls Spa for a massage or other treatment.

#20. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly camping experience or someplace with all of the amenities, Central Texas has many options that will suit your needs!

There is something for everyone, from easy access to waterfalls and trails to cabins, R.V. spaces, and even tent sites. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg offers visitors an opportunity to camp in one of their 40 campsites. 

Read more about the Texas Hill Country Vacations here in our article “Best Family Vacations in Texas on a Budget.”

#21. Old Tunnel State Park

With more than 500 acres of land, Old Tunnel State Park has plenty to offer campers. The park provides easy access to many waterfalls and trails for hiking enthusiasts. There are also cabins, R.V. spaces, tent sites, and even a two-bedroom house rented for overnight stays.

Drag out your old sleeping bag or air mattress! As if all that weren’t enough, there’s an onsite restaurant/grill with delicious food available at reasonable prices–definitely not what you’d expect from a state park!

#22. Hamilton Pool Preserve State Park

Known as a “natural spring formed swimming pool,” Hamilton Pool is a beautiful place to camp. The park offers tent and R.V. camping spaces and cabins available for rent year-round. There are different areas of the preserve with varying degrees of accessibility–campers looking for an easy hike can visit the south side.

At the same time, more adventurous visitors may want to explore the northern section, which is less trafficked and more strenuous to get through. With so much to do, from hiking trails and waterfalls to swimming in the natural pool, you won’t want to leave once you come here!

#23. Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe River State Park is an excellent place to camp and experience nature. The park is full of things to do for all people, from the adventurous to the more relaxed.

Guadalupe State Park also offers visitors year-round activities such as bird watching in the spring, fishing during the summer months, and hunting in the fall. If you’re looking for a great campsite nestled near Austin, look no further than Guadalupe State Park!

#24. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a great place to camp just minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the nation and offers campsites, picnic areas, cabins, swimming pools, fishing ponds, and boat docks.

Campsites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis but they’re limited so make sure you call ahead. They have primitive tent camping, waterfront campsites with water and electricity. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking trails and you are just a short drive from Austin.

#25. River Ranch County Park

This park provides a wide range of camping opportunities from primitive tent camping to RV hookups with water and electric services. There are also cabins available as well as group campsites that can accommodate up to 100 people. These sites have picnic tables, fire rings, grills, restrooms, and showers available on site.

River Ranch County Park has plenty of activities for those who want something more than just sitting around their campsite all day such as fishing in the Brazos River or hiking down along the river’s edge where you will find beautiful views of the sunset over the Brazo River Valley.

Conclusion

Central Texas offers an abundance of camping opportunities, making it hard to choose one or even ten. However, we did the work for you and rounded up a list of some of the best state parks in Central Texas so you can get your trip started sooner!

Our experts spent many hours researching family-friendly attractions near each park and amenities offered at each location, so you don’t have to think about a thing beforehand. This is just another way we try to go above and beyond for our customers at