Where the Colorado River winds through central Texas, this boat-in campground sits on an island accessible only by watercraft. Colorado River Camp Spot - Boy Scout Island requires paddlers or boaters to navigate river conditions to reach the site, making advance planning essential for gear transport and weather considerations.
The campground's island location places it directly along the river corridor, with creek access adding to the water-focused setting. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions and pack all necessary supplies, as the boat-in access means no vehicle-based resupply options. The site works well for experienced paddlers and boaters comfortable with watercraft-dependent camping, particularly those planning multi-day river trips or seeking a water-access basecamp for exploring this section of the Colorado River system.
Description
Several isles of gravel and silt mound up in the Colorado as it flows away from Austin and toward Bastrop. At 9 acres, so-called Boy Scout Island is particularly popular for paddling breaks and overnight campouts. But why the abundance of islands here? Look to the dams in Austin, just upstream. “When you dam up a river, the flow drops,” explains Melissa Parker, a river conservationist for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “The Colorado near Bastrop doesn’t have enough flow to flush the sediment”—the main ingredient in Texas’ river islands.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsColorado River Camp Spot is located in Texas near Smithville
Coordinates
30.0114298 N
97.24817336 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 44 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 25 min from College Station, TX
- 1 hr 28 min from Killeen, TX
- 1 hr 36 min from Victoria, TX
