Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Austin, TX

McKinney Falls State Park Campground and Austin Lone Star RV Community provide full pet accommodation across tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. Both parks maintain standard leash policies requiring dogs to be secured at all times when outside vehicles or camping units. Oak Forest RV Park features multiple dog park areas with separate enclosures for small and large breeds, while Pace Bend Park allows pets at both developed campgrounds and primitive sites along Lake Travis shoreline. The campgrounds typically include pet waste stations near common areas and trail access points. Most properties limit pets to two per site, though some permit three with additional fees. Showers and bathroom facilities at Pecan Grove RV Park are somewhat shabby according to visitors, but the pet-friendly policies remain consistent across all accommodation types.

Pedernales Falls State Park's extensive trail system allows leashed dogs throughout most hiking areas, providing excellent exercise opportunities for pets while camping. Several campgrounds connect directly to the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail system where visitors frequently walk dogs in the mornings and evenings. Austin East KOA maintains a fully-fenced exercise area with agility equipment specifically for camping dogs. During summer months, special attention to paw protection becomes necessary as ground temperatures on exposed campsites can exceed 120°F by midday. The centrally-located Emma Long Metropolitan Park offers waterfront camping with direct lake access where dogs can swim in designated areas. Several campgrounds recommend bringing portable pet fencing as some sites have limited natural boundaries between neighbors. All campgrounds strictly enforce quiet hours with special attention to barking dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Austin, Texas (189)

    1. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "If you're not able to drive far, McKinney Falls is a nice quiet getaway. It's a typical state park where you're pretty close to your neighbor, but there are a few good spots that give you space."

    "McKinney Falls is great because it is in such close striking distance from Austin. It's not a spectacularly huge park, but the falls are definitely worth the visit. Especially on a hot summer's day!"

    2. Austin Lone Star RV Community

    19 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 444-6322

    $58 - $80 / night

    "You can hear Highway noise but your only 5 miles from Austin. Pool was refreshing and sites were spacious and easy to get into. Laundry facility is clean and easy to use especially with the app."

    "Austin Lone Star offers a variety of amenities and recreational activities that are suitable for both families and pets

    I went with Papa's Scooperia"

    3. Pecan Grove RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 472-1067

    $80 / night

    "This is a cool urban RV park in the heart of Austin Texas. The park is located along Barton Springs road in the coolest part of town. It’s next to a brewery, food trucks, and great pubs."

    "It’s located in the middle of an urban oasis. Within walking distance to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, So. congress and downtown. Perfect place to stay and help keep Austin WEIRD"

    4. Oak Forest RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 697-4206

    "There’s multiple dog parks, hammock areas, common areas with fire pits and grills, gardens for the community, and a incredible coffee truck over by the welcome office (closed on Tuesdays)."

    "Two DOG parks, coffee cart on site, and lots of green for dog walking. Only con is non existent WIFI. They do have fiber for long term."

    5. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    19 miles
    Website

    $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!)"

    6. Austin East KOA

    9 Reviews
    Manor, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 732-2812

    $50 - $80 / night

    "if you have dogs this will probably be the biggest dog park at an rv resort that you have ever been to. everyone is very friendly everything is very clean. the office sells tons of goods that you may need"

    "Great spot to be outside of downtown Austin. Had our two dogs and it was a good spot. We have our RTT so didn’t need much."

    7. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

    7 Reviews
    West Lake Hills, TX
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 346-1831

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Great spot to camp outside of Austin. Tent spots are $10 and $10 per car. RVs are $25 on the water. Right on the river and definitely refreshing to jump in on a hot day."

    "It's quiet at night if you don't have any noisy sites near you. It's very serene being right on the lake."

    8. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 868-7304

    $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."

    9. Austonia RV

    7 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 222-9475

    $65 / night

    "Austonia RV, nestled near Austin, Texas, is a perfect getaway for those seeking both nature and culture."

    10. Walnut Drive

    2 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    4 miles
    +1 (512) 938-8997

    $25 - $45 / night

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Austin, TX

1018 Reviews of 189 Austin Campgrounds


  • Mike H.
    Nov. 18, 2023

    Krause Springs

    Scout

    Krause Springs: Temporarily closed till February 16, 2024. Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass

  • Jared S.
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    Quick getaway if you can book.

    Pedernales 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.

  • Dash G.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    Close to Austin

    If you're not able to drive far, McKinney Falls is a nice quiet getaway. It's a typical state park where you're pretty close to your neighbor, but there are a few good spots that give you space. The Airport is nearby so you'l get some of the air traffic noise, but other than that it's a nice quiet break away from Austin.

  • Timothy V.
    Dec. 12, 2018

    Inks Lake State Park Campground

    A Waterfront Camp Heaven

    An hour and a half away from Austin, we found Inks Lake to be a quiet and relaxing camp area away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    There are several sites set up across the state park. The more modern RV campgrounds nearest the designated safe swimming areas. And the more remote camp zones on the other side of the main entrance. We chose the more remote area, which was perfect! We were close to the water, it was dark and quiet, and the campsites are more spread out. We still had access to some very nice bathrooms a short walk away.

    Overall, close to civilization, yet far enough to enjoy nature.

  • Steve & Ashley  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Berry Springs Park & Preserve

    Hidden gem near Austin

    Nice park and campground very near Georgetown, Texas. Berry Springs is a local county park and preserve. The Park is located just north of Georgetown Texas about 1 mile off Interstate 35 the main highway between Dallas and Austin. It’s a Great location with loads of open space. They have basic sites with covered picnic tables, fire rings, and hooks for hanging items. The former ranch has a lot of history dating back to the Texas Pioneer days. The park is located next to clear spring fed river for swimming and fishing. This may be a great option for those looking for a location close to Austin or a local family weekend. The camp was nearly empty in October this year which is the peak season for camping in Texas. The sites are best suited for tent camper, vans, and smaller trailers.

  • Brett D.
    Mar. 1, 2023

    Austin Lone Star RV Community

    Nice campground

    Overall nice campground. You can hear Highway noise but your only 5 miles from Austin. Pool was refreshing and sites were spacious and easy to get into. Laundry facility is clean and easy to use especially with the app.

  • Sam D.
    Aug. 9, 2016

    McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    Nice for Day Trip

    McKinney Falls is great because it is in such close striking distance from Austin. It's not a spectacularly huge park, but the falls are definitely worth the visit. Especially on a hot summer's day! There are plenty of awesome shade trees to hang out under and catch a nap too.

  • Laura F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2021

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    Great sites and so much hiking!

    Large, 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.

  • Jeff
    Oct. 6, 2020

    Inks Lake State Park Campground

    Great getaway in Texas Hill Country - May 2018

    Catching up on my reviews…Inks Lake SP is a superb park about 40 minutes from Austin in the Texas Hill Country.  Great lake with a large no wake zone in one area that makes it very family friendly and paddler friendly.  There are sites away from the NWZ that allow you to ski/tube right from your campsite.  Great choice of flat, easy access spots.  Tent-only spots with only water are available as-well.   Decent hiking and easy biking around the park is available.  The area around Devil's Hole is great for floating about and jumping from the rocks.  Just wish that folks would clean up after themselves better.  Great camp store with lots of products.  Lake was lowered in 2019 to update the docks and boat ramps (very nice now), lake is back to normal seasonal levels.  ILSP is close to Austin, so it stays busy during the season, so reserve well ahead of time.  No Wifi at the campsites, but decent mobile reception (ATT).  30/50 amp and water at most sites.  Fire ring and table on concrete pads at all sites.  Tables are not covered, however.  I've been told that there is Wifi available at the camp store, but I cannot personally verify that.


Guide to Austin

Pedernales Falls State Park Campground offers over 20 miles of hiking trails through Texas hill country terrain at elevations between 800-1,100 feet. The park centers around the Pedernales River with its distinctive limestone formations and water features. Summer temperatures regularly reach 95-100°F with frequent thunderstorms creating flash flood conditions along water areas.

What to do

Rock formations exploration: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, visitors can explore the unique volcanic rock formations along the river. "They are working on restoring the visitor center from after the floods. Bluebonnets are amazing here in Spring. Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket," advises Emily M.

River activities: During summer months, the swimming areas provide relief from heat. "The sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," notes Kingrex49 M. about McKinney Falls State Park Campground, which features both upper and lower falls areas for water recreation.

Hiking and trail systems: The trails at many parks connect to larger systems. "We loved the water falls and the sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them," says Kingrex49 M. Many trails accommodate mountain biking with varying difficulty levels.

Cliff jumping: For adventure seekers, some parks offer cliff jumping opportunities. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," shares Aaron S. about the limestone cliff areas.

What campers like

Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the balance of nature with urban access. "This Texas State Park is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown Austin. It is only a 5 minute drive from the Austin airport," notes Troy W. about McKinney Falls State Park.

Spacious camping areas: The camping spots throughout Austin-area parks tend to be generously sized. "There are full-timers but also plenty of travelers passing through. Sites are fairly close together. The amenities were great--nice pool, fitness center, and sparkling clean bathrooms," reports Marnie G.

Natural shade coverage: Most campgrounds feature mature tree coverage providing natural cooling. "The park has lots of forest trails to hike as well as some interesting rock formations around the creek and water holes," explains Troy W.

Private bathroom facilities: Several Austin Lone Star RV Community visitors mention the bathroom amenities. "The showers and bathrooms are private and very clean. There are plenty, so there always seems to be at least one available no matter what time of day," notes Carlyne F.

What you should know

Flash flood awareness: Due to the region's geography, flash flooding presents a serious risk. "Respect weather warnings!" emphasizes Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park Campground. River areas can rise rapidly during storms.

Summer heat precautions: Summer camping requires heat management strategies. "In July is hot. The trails to the back country camping are just service roads, a big disappointment. No fires, but this should be expected," advises R W.

Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife requires appropriate precautions. "You might see deer, raccoons, armadillos and occasionally snakes. All of the wildlife should be left undisturbed. Except for the fish," explains Troy W.

Reservation requirements: Most popular sites require advance booking. "Pay to enter and for camping sites. You can backpack in to some of the primitive sites or stay in the HUGE camping spots," notes Shelly S.

Tips for camping with families

Water safety measures: When camping near water features with children, safety comes first. "There have been several drownings here. The ruins of the homestead are definitely worth checking out if the creek is passable," cautions Emily M.

Kid-friendly swimming spots: Several locations feature swimming areas suitable for various ages. "The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," shares Steph C. about Emma Long Metropolitan Park.

Family hiking trails: Many trails accommodate younger hikers. "My family and I took a camping trip out here when I was in grad school back in 2016 around the time of Thanksgiving. We took our dogs and camped in a group campsite," recounts Michael C.

Group campsites: For larger family gatherings, dedicated group areas provide ideal setups. "Really nice group campgrounds if that's your vibe. We made a mini-Thanksgiving meal here at our campsite and got to hike the trails with our dogs," continues Michael C.

Tips for RVers

RV site specifics: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Austin offer dedicated RV amenities. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs. Plenty of space between sites. Park, sites, and road all well maintained," advises Dan H.

Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "The RV spots do have water and electric. Be aware that some are 30 amp and some are 20 amp," notes Kenneth H. about Pace Bend Park.

Pet exercise areas: Many Austin-area campgrounds feature dedicated pet spaces. "Oak Forest RV Park features multiple dog park areas with separate enclosures for small and large breeds," reports Troy W., making it a standout among dog-friendly camping options near Austin.

Weather considerations: RV campers should prepare for Texas weather patterns. "We experienced the Austin winter storm 2021 and although we were without water hookup for 1 week we never lost power," shares Tammee P.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pet policies at campgrounds around Austin?

Most Austin-area campgrounds allow pets with standard restrictions. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground permits pets but requires them to be leashed (maximum 6-foot leash) at all times and not left unattended. Inks Lake State Park Campground follows similar rules and prohibits pets in park buildings, designated swimming areas, and on certain trails. Generally, all state parks require proof of rabies vaccination, proper waste disposal, and keeping pets from disturbing wildlife or other campers. Private campgrounds may have additional breed restrictions or pet fees, so it's best to verify specific policies when making reservations.

Are there any free pet-friendly camping options near Austin?

While truly free camping near Austin is limited, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area offers affordable pet-friendly camping about an hour from the city at $25 per night. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis provides primitive camping areas where pets are welcome for a modest fee. For those willing to drive a bit further, some public land managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) allows camping with pets at minimal cost. Always verify current pet policies and fees before heading out, as regulations can change seasonally.

What pet-friendly campgrounds are available in Austin, TX?

Austin offers several pet-friendly camping options. McKinney Falls State Park Campground is located within city limits, making it a convenient choice for pet owners who want to stay close to urban amenities while enjoying nature. Austin Lone Star RV Community welcomes pets and is just 5 miles from downtown Austin with spacious sites. Other pet-friendly options include Emma Long Metropolitan Park and Pecan Grove RV Park, both located within Austin proper. Remember to keep pets leashed and clean up after them at all these locations.