Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Austin, TX has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Austin is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Austin, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$15 - $30 / night
"It is only a 40 minute drive from Austin, perfect for a weekend get away. They have big camping sites, great for large groups! The park ranger are awesome!"
"Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.
Not far from the old (and new!)"
$10 - $100 / night
"Pedernales is a classic Texas state park with a lot to offer and a short distance from Austin."
"This park has it all with very many miles of trails for good hiking, rugged mountain biking, and has the beautiful falls to explore. You can even swim in parts of the river."
$20 - $30 / night
"This is one of my favorite parts of Lake Travis. It is relatively untouched, and usually not too crowded. It offers primitive camping- so you have to bring your own water and things like that."
"The lake is pretty decent, there are a few small trails around the area, and you are close to a small town. Biggest issue? 30 bucks a night, plus 5 dollars per person for a day use fee."
"Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"
"We camp all the way down back next to the creek (which was stagnant). "
$25 / night
"This was only about an hour from Austin. There was only one campsite available and thankfully it was not on the 1-12 strip which apparently is really loud."
"Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water."
"Only there for one short night but it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."
"As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."
"Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking."
"This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."
"Lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run. In January no one is here, all by myself."
"There’s a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping. I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets."
"You will often see Tom (the owner) riding around on his cart cleaning up the place and greeting all the visitors. It's a beautiful gem and everyone that knows about it fights to keep it this way."
$10 - $60 / night
"Can’t get to the water from sites, but the views were amazing and the walk short!"
"The lake ramp is perfect for paddle boat or any large boat( platoons, etc) Spacious pavilion at every spot Water and electric connectors working perfectly."
ScoutKrause Springs: Temporarily closed till February 16, 2024. Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass
GuidePedernales is a classic Texas state park with a lot to offer and a short distance from Austin. It is often fully booked and your best chance to book a spot is far in advance or create a notification through the Texas State Parks site if a spot opens up. In the warm weather there's lots of swimming to be had, not in the falls themselves which are prone to flash flooding, but in another part of the park. Occasionally the water is home to poisonous algae which makes the water neither kid or dog friendly. Many of the sites have small shelters over their picnic tables.
RangerLarge, spaced out sites with nicely covered picnic tables, lantern hook, and fire pit. It was nice to not easily see your neighbor. This park has it all with very many miles of trails for good hiking, rugged mountain biking, and has the beautiful falls to explore. You can even swim in parts of the river. This place is a gem and is not very far away from Austin! Two downsides: no cell service in the campground and only one dump station for quite a few RVs.
TravelerThis was only about an hour from Austin. There was only one campsite available and thankfully it was not on the 1-12 strip which apparently is really loud. Our stay was pretty quite and there’s a decent amount of space between camp grounds. It was $25/night and included a charcoal grill, a fire pit, and a picnic table. My campsite was pretty shaded and the outhouse wasn’t too far of a walk. They have an outdoor shower at the entrance as well as a filtered water/ice machine.
GuideLove Pace Bend! It is only a 40 minute drive from Austin, perfect for a weekend get away. They have big camping sites, great for large groups! The park ranger are awesome! Going in the summer is a must, the water is the right tempter for swimming or boating. The only down side to this park is 9 out 10 of the toilets are drop toilets (no flush, hole in the ground)
Other then that, this park is a great fit for families, elderly people and even college groups.
ScoutBeen here a few times now. We camp all the way down back next to the creek (which was stagnant). It's definitely more peaceful and scenic than the other sites, but also places you as far away as you can be from any facilities if you need them. From the site you can walk to the swimming hole which is cool. The walk over is a bit uneven so if you're not balanced you gotta be a little careful. The swimming hole is cool but gets crowded on hot days, particularly weekends, and when crowded it isn't always super clean due to shitty people. They don't do reservations so you can just pull up early afternoon and camp for as long as you like. Overall, it's nice for a quick/last-minute escape from Austin, but I wouldn't make it a destination for a roadtrip or anything.
RangerPace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.
Not far from the old (and new!) Backyard (a great place to see live music in the live oak capital of Texas), Pace Bend is a quick drive away. A perfect spot to pitch a bunch of tents, jump off cliffs, swim and barbeque. Maybe 45 minutes from downtown Austin (without traffic).
I won't lie the cliff diving kinda freaks me out. Be careful is all I'm saying!
There are several primitive campsites throughout the park with picnic tables, grills and toilets. Additionally there are 20 RV hook-up type sites that offer running water, electricity, restrooms and showers.
GuideShaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.
The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.
Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.
GuidePace Bend is one of the few reliable parks in Central Texas and near Austin that will always have an available campsite, while all of the other prks require a reservation months in advance. You can even show up late and find a site.
Although, these sites are primitive, so not all of them have picnic tables or grills.
Also, there is great mountain biking trails, cliff jumping and swimming.
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Austin, TX is Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Austin, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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