Camping options near Buchanan Dam extend around Lake Buchanan at an elevation of approximately 1,020 feet in the Texas Hill Country. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds around Lake Buchanan feature crushed granite or caliche soil sites, which drain well during occasional heavy rains.
What to do
Hiking trails: Colorado Bend State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities with diverse terrain. "Lots of hiking and walking. Quiet and clean. One of our all time favorites so far," notes Annette from Colorado Bend State Park. The park includes trails that follow the river with scenic views.
Water activities: Rent kayaks for exploring Lake Buchanan. "Grab a kayak and paddle up and down Inks Lake. Set up your tent near hiking trails and lake access. Take a jump off the cliffs at Devil's Waterhole," suggests Jennifer J. at Inks Lake State Park Campground.
Cave exploration: Visit the caves at Colorado Bend State Park. "Cave exploring. Nothing else needs to be said. So much fun. Over came fear of daddy long legs, and little creepy crawlers," says Andrea P. from Colorado Bend. The park offers both guided cave tours and self-guided cave options.
Fishing: Multiple locations offer fishing access along Lake Buchanan shorelines. "I really enjoyed fishing from the banks," mentions Eddie R. when describing his stay at Big Chief RV Resort, adding that most sites are "leveled dirt sites with full hook ups."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Canyon of the Eagles provides well-spaced campsites. "The sites were mostly level with hookups and privacy. The sites were mostly shaded and generously spaced," reports Catherine from Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park.
Waterfront access: Cedar Point Recreation Area offers direct lake access. "This is a small, quiet park with 9 total campsites all right on the lake. Sites 1-3 are larger and more secluded while 4-9 are closer together on a peninsula," explains Kelli B. from Cedar Point Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently spot native Texas wildlife. "First 20 minutes at this park we had deer walking through our camp site," writes Andrea P. about Colorado Bend State Park. Other campers report seeing armadillos, raccoons, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Evening activities: Star gazing opportunities abound with limited light pollution. "We were able to enjoy the dark sky at their observatory and then from our tent," notes Nathan S. about Canyon of the Eagles, which features a professional observatory with telescopes and an astronomer providing lessons.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no reception. "Cell service was non-existent down at the campsites," reports Price T. from South Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near office areas only.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities range from primitive to well-maintained. "Extremely clean restrooms/shower facility. Heated restrooms/shower facility (we camped the week after Christmas)," reports Napunani about Black Rock Park, while other campgrounds offer only composting toilets.
