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Best Dispersed Camping near Austin, TX

4 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas can be found within driving distance of Austin, Texas for those who prefer camping without facilities. Cedar Breaks Campground sits near Lake Georgetown and works well for backcountry camping if you're willing to bring everything you need - there are no amenities here, and you'll need to follow Leave No Trace practices. The San Gabriel River Trail has Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites that you can reach by hiking in or arriving by boat. Since these sites have no water or other facilities, you should pack all your supplies before heading out. Remember to set up your camp at least 200 feet from any water or trails to protect the environment. You can stay up to 14 days at most dispersed sites around Austin. Many of these camping areas require driving on rough roads, so a vehicle with good clearance helps, especially after rain. Check if fire bans are in effect before your trip, as restrictions change seasonally. Always take your trash with you when you leave and make sure any campfires are completely out to keep these wild areas in good shape.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Austin, Texas (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Austin, TX

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Austin, TX

4 Reviews of 3 Austin Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2019

    San Gabriel River Trail

    San Gabriel River Trail + Lake

    This is a review of the primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. 

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park attendants that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. 

    This is prmitive (dispersed) camping. There are no facilities or amenities are these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced. 

    There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock.  I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed. 

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters.

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person.

    Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2019

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park administers that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole. 

    Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters. 

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

  • Guillermo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    Tent camping recommended.

    I'm very last minute camping trip on a Sunday evening to Monday morning... There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; for fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water. Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away.

    No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize. This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others. This is the "first come, first serve" campground.

    Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees.

  • Alexandra
    Jan. 13, 2021

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Camped out of the campsite near the lake

    We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in. Rain started pretty heavily (and being close to the water probably didn’t help with humidity inside the tent) and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable. Overall great time here even though we weren’t at the official campsite.

Guide to Austin

Dispersed camping near Austin, Texas, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots are perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic views.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping near Austin

Hiking Adventures for Dispersed Campers

  • The San Gabriel River Trail offers a 26.2-mile loop that takes you through diverse terrains, perfect for hikers wanting to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Opportunities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • At the Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, anglers can enjoy fishing in the nearby waters, making it a great choice for those who want to combine camping with fishing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Austin?

Yes, free camping is available near Austin at Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites. These dispersed sites along the San Gabriel River Trail don't require camping fees. You can park for free near the trailhead and hike to your chosen spot. The campsites are located along Sawyer Campsite Road, with areas cleared for tents and makeshift fire pits, particularly along the shore. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Since they're free, expect minimal to no facilities or services, so come prepared with all necessary supplies and be ready to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Austin, TX?

Dispersed camping opportunities near Austin can be found along the San Gabriel River Trail. This area offers primitive camping sites where you'll need to park at a trailhead and hike in to your camping spot. Access points are available along the trail, and it's advisable to inform park attendants about your hiking plans or leave a note in your vehicle. The sites are undeveloped and require practicing Leave No Trace principles. Look for established campsites with makeshift fire rings that indicate previous use. Remember to pack all necessary supplies as there are no facilities or amenities available.

What should I know about boondocking in the Austin area?

When boondocking (off-grid camping) around Austin, you'll need to be completely self-sufficient. Bring all necessary water, as potable sources are limited. Proper waste management is essential—pack out everything you bring in. Most boondocking spots are accessible via hiking, biking, or even canoeing in, as seen at some riverside locations. Vehicle camping options are extremely limited, with most true boondocking requiring you to park at trailheads and hike to your site. Cell coverage varies by location but tends to be spotty in more remote areas. Always research land ownership before setting up camp to ensure you're on public land where boondocking is permitted, as much of the land around Austin is private property.

What's the difference between primitive camping and dispersed camping near Austin?

In the Austin area, the terms primitive camping and dispersed camping are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Primitive camping typically offers minimal designated sites with basic infrastructure like Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, which features some established fire pits, picnic tables, and lamp hangers despite being classified as primitive. The area has large open spaces with grassy areas near the water and trees closer to the trail. In contrast, true dispersed camping means camping anywhere on public lands outside of designated areas, with absolutely no facilities or services. Both require self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, but primitive sites may have slight amenities dispersed areas lack.

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