Colorado Bend State Park offers primitive camping sites near Bend, Texas, along with several private campgrounds that provide camping options along the Colorado River. The park sits at an elevation of about 1,100 feet in the Texas Hill Country, where limestone cliffs and rugged terrain create a distinctive landscape. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, affecting water availability at primitive sites.
What to do
Cave exploration: Colorado Bend State Park offers cave tours where visitors can explore underground formations. As one camper noted, "They offer a guided cave tour. And they also have one cave that you can explore by yourself" at the South Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground.
Waterfall hikes: Take the 3-mile round trip hike to Gorman Falls, which requires careful footing on the final descent. A visitor to Windmill Backback Area reports: "We started our trip by going to Gorman Falls. Hike is pretty steep on the way down - it would probably be hard to do this with little kids. Super beautiful."
River activities: The Colorado River provides opportunities for paddling, swimming and fishing. "Between the swimming hole and Gorman Falls you have some great views and amazing hiking! Saw some deer and hogs while out hiking on this property," according to a camper at South Area Colorado Bend State Park Campground.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "We were able to enjoy the dark sky at their observatory and then from our tent!" shared a visitor to Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife that frequently visits campsites. A camper at North Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground shared, "There were a variety of birds at play in the trees; and there were prints and other evidence of wildlife."
Disconnect from technology: The remote location forces a digital detox. "There is no cell service or Internet/wifi! All cabins have your basics - beds/stove/fridge/bathroom/kitchen," mentions a visitor to Sulphur Springs Camp.
Swimming holes: Natural swimming areas provide relief from summer heat. "Cold dip in Spicewood Springs topped off the trip," reports a North Area camper.
Riverside camping: Many sites offer direct river access. "Beautiful springtime camping spot. Wildflowers were spectacular the whole drive to the park in early May. The walk-in campsites are a quick jaunt from the parking lot," notes a visitor to North Area Colorado Bend State Park.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many sites lack amenities common at developed campgrounds. A camper at South Area Colorado Bend State Park warned: "No electrical, no water, no Wi-Fi, no TV signal, no phone signal. Doesn't look like they keep up on the maintenance of this place either."
Site spacing: Campsite layouts vary significantly between areas. "In this gorgeous area, why put all the sites around a treeless field? Mountain biking and hiking was exceptional," observed a South Area visitor.
Water availability: Access to drinking water can be limited at primitive sites. "The water for the walk-in sites are on the top of the stairs, so be sure to have something to lug water down to your campsite," advises a North Area camper.
Weather considerations: Temperature extremes affect camping comfort year-round. "We slept in this humid area just listening to the wind wishing we stayed at another park instead," reported a camper at River Backpack Area.
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible sites: Some walk-in sites require minimal hiking. "The walk-in campsites are a quick jaunt from the parking lot. No need to rough it - lots of people were carrying air mattresses down the hill from the parking lot," reports a North Area camper.
Trail difficulty: Match hiking routes to children's abilities. "The hike on the awesome Spicewood Springs trail alone was worth the drive out to the park. My 3.5 year old kiddo was able to do the ~3 mile hike just fine with a little help," shares a North Area visitor.
Wildlife education: Ranger programs provide educational opportunities. "The naturalist on staff gave fishing lessons to the kids, had a craft for them to do and talked about the native flowers," notes a Canyon of the Eagles visitor.
Supply planning: Remote location requires bringing all necessities. "This site is remote so be sure to bring everything you will need...cash or checks only for firewood," advises a River Backpack Area camper.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Road conditions can challenge larger vehicles. "The camp roads are tight, so be careful getting to your site," warns a South Area Colorado Bend camper.
Site selection: Different loops offer varying levels of shade. "We were in the RV loop and the sites were mostly level with hookups and privacy. The sites were mostly shaded and generously spaced," reports a Canyon of the Eagles camper.
Utilities: Electric service reliability varies by campground. "For this trip I knew that we had to hike to our campsite for a little under a mile. Under no circumstances would I ever carry a cooler into a backcountry site," shares a North Area visitor discussing equipment transportation.
Weather preparation: Seasonal temperatures affect comfort in RVs. "Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, requiring adequate cooling capacity, while winter nights may necessitate supplemental heating," advises a frequent camper.
