Camping sites around Buchanan Dam sit at approximately 1,020 feet elevation in the Texas Hill Country, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through August. Winter overnight lows can drop below freezing during December and January, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for tent camping. Local granite formations and cedar-covered hills characterize the terrain surrounding Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River.
What to do
Hiking trails at Colorado Bend State Park: Located about 30 miles northwest of Buchanan Dam, the park offers over 35 miles of hiking trails. As one visitor noted, "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain."
Rope swing and natural swimming at Krause Springs: The natural springs provide cooling relief during hot Texas summers. A camper mentioned, "There's a rope swing for jumping into the water. Fun to watch the kids. The set up is grand. Picnic tables, nice restrooms, shady campsites, and gardens to explore near the owners' house where you check in."
Kayaking on the Colorado River: Sulphur Springs Camp offers river access for paddling adventures. According to a review, "Nestled right on the river, with a natural Sulphur Spring. A spring fed swimming pool cleaned weekly and cabins with all the amenities." Consider bringing your own kayak as rental options are limited in the immediate area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings are prime times for spotting local wildlife. One camper reported, "Saw some bald eagles, reptiles, fish, turtles, heard coyotes howling at night, and saw tracks of some larger animals." Bring binoculars for the best viewing experience.
What campers like
Digital detox opportunities: Several campgrounds offer a technology-free experience due to limited cell coverage. According to a visitor at Sulphur Springs Camp, "This place is quiet and out of the way. Down in the canyon there is no cell service so you can break away from the modern world."
Well-spaced campsites: Black Rock Park receives praise for its campsite layout. As one camper noted, "The campsites are well spaced and have full hookups and a nice table and fire ring. It has lake front, kayak rentals, and a mini golf course."
Yurt camping near Buchanan Dam: For those seeking comfort without sacrificing outdoor immersion, yurts provide an ideal option. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations with more protection from the elements than traditional tent sites. A visitor shared, "Pay to enter and for camping sites. You can backpack in to some of the primitive sites or stay in the HUGE camping spots. The sites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers."
Natural water features: Springs, falls, and river access create multiple water recreation options. One camper at Krause Springs shared, "I have tent camped here but they also have RV camping. There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below."
What you should know
Extreme weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in canyon areas. A camper warned, "Respect weather warnings!" Summer heat regularly exceeds 95°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Limited hiking at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer trail systems. A visitor at Black Rock Park reported, "It does not have trails for biking or hiking, or a good place to go running. For hiking, check out Inks Lake state park."
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A reviewer at Camp Creek Recreation Area noted, "First come first serve, pick your spot, fill out the card, put it and 25 bucks in a drop box and good to go. Very easy system. I do think 25 bucks for a place with no running water, no electric, and no actual bathroom is expensive."
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. One camper observed, "Doors on toilet stalls were only 5 feet tall." Another mentioned, "9 out 10 of the toilets are drop toilets (no flush, hole in the ground)." Check with individual campgrounds about their specific facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water shoes: Rocky terrain and slippery surfaces around water features require appropriate footwear. A camper advised, "The ladder down is super wonky and the beach area extremely slippery." Water shoes protect against cuts and provide traction.
Consider weekday visits: Weekend crowding affects popular swimming areas. A visitor reported, "Can get crowded on the weekends. Some events held here like fireworks & camping for 4th of July." Weekdays offer a more serene experience with fewer people.
Pack extra sun protection: The Texas sun is intense, especially during summer months. The limited shade at some lakefront campgrounds provides little relief. One camper at Black Rock Park noted it's "on a point on the lake, super windy, no protection from the wind."
Look for yurt options for families: Yurt camping near Buchanan Dam offers more comfort than tent camping while maintaining outdoor immersion. Texas Hill Country Camping provides "10 acres in the Texas hill country. Located minutes from Burnet and Lampasas. Highly wooded and secluded with great hill country views."
Tips from RVers
Watch for low-hanging branches: Tree canopies can damage larger RVs. One RVer cautioned about Krause Springs, "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage."
Expect uneven sites: Prepare leveling equipment. A reviewer at Black Rock Park mentioned, "Good condition asphalt site parking pad was uneven side-to-side as we noticed nearly all sites in that condition with all requiring leveling."
Multiple sewer connections at Black Rock Park: This unusual feature offers flexibility for different RV configurations. According to a camper, "Most sites had 2 sewer hookups." This allows easier positioning without extending sewer hoses.
Consider rustic alternatives to full hookups: Grelle - Lake Travis offers beautiful surroundings without electrical connections. A visitor shared, "Hiking, kayaking, tenting, hammocks, mountain biking, horseback riding are all available here. Clean & flat sites, water views, quiet, convenient facilities from every site."
