Best Campgrounds near Buffalo Gap, TX

Campgrounds near Buffalo Gap, Texas span from established state parks to private recreation areas, with many offering direct access to nearby lakes and rivers. Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis and Pedernales Falls State Park represent popular camping destinations within driving distance, providing varied accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. McKinney Falls State Park Campground maintains well-rated facilities with electric and water hookups at most sites, while several privately managed campgrounds like Krause Springs offer additional amenities including swimming access in natural spring-fed waters.

Access to many campgrounds requires advance planning, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees. Most established campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though seasonal conditions affect visitor experience. Water levels at Lake Travis and other area reservoirs fluctuate based on rainfall patterns, potentially limiting boat access during drought periods. State parks including Pedernales Falls and McKinney Falls enforce capacity limits during peak weekends, making reservations essential. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with coverage generally stronger at developed campgrounds closer to Austin. A camper noted, "Pedernales Falls State Park has well-spaced and wooded sites with water and electricity. Each campsite has its own little section of the forest, and makes you feel like you're one of just a few people in an otherwise full campground."

Swimming and water recreation opportunities consistently earn high ratings from visitors to campgrounds near Buffalo Gap. Several developed campgrounds provide direct water access for activities like fishing, swimming, and paddling. Pace Bend Park features cliff diving spots and swimming areas along Lake Travis, while state parks like Pedernales Falls offer unique geological features and river access. Primitive camping options exist at parks like Sandy Creek with more limited amenities but greater seclusion. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Inks Lake State Park receives particular praise for its waterfront camping: "We found Inks Lake to be a quiet and relaxing camp area away from the hustle and bustle of the city." Most established campgrounds provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms with showers, while more remote sites require visitors to bring all necessary supplies.

Best Camping Sites Near Buffalo Gap, Texas (271)

    1. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    7 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas. Not far from the old (and new!)"

    "Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."

    2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

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

    $10 - $100 / night

    "This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."

    "This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit."

    3. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    4. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 236-7554

    "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."

    "Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"

    5. Arkansas Bend

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    1 mile
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "We have a pull behind. We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy. The wifi is decent."

    6. Windy Point Park

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-3337

    $10 - $15 / night

    "The big downside for me is that you are not allowed to drive your vehicle to your campsite."

    "The site has a great view of lake Travis. The park host is great and very help full."

    7. Pecan Grove RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    14 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"

    8. Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-9329

    $65 / night

    "This is a beautiful park located minutes away from the lake.  Sites are large so it doesn't have that "reach out and touch your neighbors RV" feeling. "

    "We've stayed here a few times, very convenient location for us while visiting in the area. It has recently been updated and is very nice now. Looking forward to coming back to just relax."

    9. Austin Lone Star RV Community

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

    $58 - $80 / night

    "Very easy access to downtown Austin, about a 15 minute drive. Full hookups. Extremely clean, well maintained and updated. Most spots are pull through, with a few back in spots on one side."

    "This is the third campground we’ve stayed at, and it’s conveniently located just 15 minutes from the city, with grocery stores and other essential shops nearby."

    10. La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages

    5 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-8001

    "Liquor store, gas/convince, couple restaurants within walking distance. Small brewery less than a mile down the road."

    "We stayed Friday and Saturday nights and the music venue across the road had a band playing outside from 8-11p."

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Recent Reviews near Buffalo Gap, TX

1122 Reviews of 271 Buffalo Gap Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Cranes Mill Park

    Beautiful COE Campground

    We spent two nights here and with our America the beautiful pass was only $35. Spaces are nicely far apart from each other and pavement pads and level. Bathhouse was clean and had good hot water. Dump station was able to utilize both coming and going into the park. Pretty view overlooking the lake. Excellent Verizon coverage as well.

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Cheap rent and Great location!

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area  it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Affordable and Secured

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area, it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    BEST MONTHLY RATE FOR RV LOT IN ELGIN

    I don't think anyone can beat their deal.

    $500/mo includes electric, water, sewer, wifi AND FREE LAUNDRY! 

    Gated, security camera, safe. LARGE SPACED OUT SITES.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    CHEAP, ALL UTILS INCLUDED, SUPER BIG SITES

    Colinas RV Park is a pretty simple place, nothing fancy, but it’s clean and quiet and the sites are very large. 

    The owners keep it up well. What I like most is that the sites are big with a lot of shade trees, which makes it comfortable in the summer. They’ve got free Wi-Fi that works surprisingly well and a laundry room on-site, which is convenient. 

    Right now they’re running a special at$500 a month with all bills included, guaranteed for a year, which is hard to beat in this area. It’s not a resort, but it’s a good spot if you’re working around Elgin, Taylor, or even commuting into Austin. Close to HEB and Walmart, and the BBQ nearby is some of the best in Texas.

  • B
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Rebecca Creek Campgrounds

    Avoid this place

    I'm serious....avoid this place if at all possible. My gosh the people that "run" this place absolute idiots..in capable and just plain don't care. I'll share a couple photos and you'll see.

  • Jacob F.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Great time!

    Great staff, felt like home the minute we pulled in. Big, level site, full hookups, and the manager was very accommodating.

  • Shay T.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Wonderful RV Park!

    Excellent Park!  Grounds are clean, staff is friendly and went out of their way to help us. We will definitely be back!

  • O
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sienna Ridge RV Park

    Sienna Ridge RV Park is clean and peaceful

    Sienna Ridge RV Park in Texas offers a peaceful and convenient spot for travelers. I enjoyed the clean facilities, friendly management, and well‑kept grounds. The spacious sites made parking easy, and the quiet atmosphere provided restful nights after long drives. Perfect for short stays or extended visits.


Guide to Buffalo Gap

Camping sites near Buffalo Gap, Texas are scattered throughout hilly terrain with elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. The climate features hot summers and mild winters, with nighttime temperature drops of 20-30 degrees even during summer months. Spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions with highs in the 70s-80s, though weather patterns can change rapidly.

What to do

Cliff jumping into Lake Travis: At Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis, visitors can leap from limestone cliffs into the deep waters below. "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," writes Aaron S. The park features multiple jumping spots of varying heights along the cliff edges.

Hiking along volcanic formations: Explore the unique geological features at McKinney Falls State Park where volcanic rock creates interesting trail formations. "There's an extinct volcano nearby called Pilot Knob. That accounts for the flat rock near the main falls," notes Emily M. The hiking trails wind through these formations with varying difficulty levels.

Scuba diving opportunities: Windy Point Park offers specialized facilities for divers. "The highlight is the lake and the facilities for scuba divers. They have ladders leading down to the lake with underwater statues, sunken boats, and training platforms for scuba training," explains Steve & Ashley G. The park maintains an air tank refill station and provides carts for hauling dive gear.

Mountain biking trails: Winter months offer excellent conditions for trail riding at Pace Bend Park. "Stayed here on Monday, December 21 (winter solstice) 2020. We went mountain biking in shorts the first day and a backpack training hike the next. Nice trails," shares Rick. Most trails are moderate difficulty with some technical sections.

What campers like

Spacious, private campsites: Pedernales Falls State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout. "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed. Extremely dog friendly!" comments Kaitlyn M. Most sites include a built-in grill over the fire pit for cooking.

Natural swimming holes: Water features are a major draw at many campgrounds. "The sites are far apart with trees and shrubs surrounding them. We loved the water falls," writes Kingrex49 M. about McKinney Falls State Park Campground. The upper and lower falls create natural pools for swimming during warmer months.

Cliff-edge camping spots: Sites along Lake Travis offer dramatic views. "Was absolutely stunning, it's on a cliff top so your 'backyard' is a small trail to a gorgeous overlook of the lake and adjacent cliffs," notes Juliet S. about Pace Bend Park. These premium sites typically fill first during reservation periods.

Urban proximity with nature access: For those wanting both wilderness and city access, several options exist. "This is a great park! Great hiking trails, two swimming holes, well spaced out camping sites with electricity and water. We stayed here because it was close to the airport and had a flight to catch. It was only a 9 min drive," shares Eat·See·RV L. about staying near Austin.

What you should know

Flash flood risk: Central Texas weather patterns can create dangerous water conditions. "This park has always been a favorite central texas spot to go to. Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" cautions Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park. During rain events, water levels can rise several feet within minutes.

Swimming safety concerns: Some swimming areas require caution. "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here," warns Emily M. about McKinney Falls. Natural water features lack lifeguards and can have hidden currents.

Noise considerations: Campgrounds near urban areas or music venues may experience noise. "Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. We stayed Friday and Saturday nights and the music venue across the road had a band playing outside from 8-11p," advises Benjamin B. about staying at La Hacienda RV Resort.

Rocky swimming conditions: Be prepared for natural surfaces. "The swimming area was very rocky so take swim shoes," suggests Will B. about Windy Point Park. Most natural water access points feature limestone bottoms that can be slippery and sharp.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water activities: Krause Springs offers options for different swimming abilities. "Kids can jump off the small Cliffside or fly on the rope swing. If you like nature this is a dream spot," shares Brandi W. The site includes both a manmade pool and natural spring swimming areas with varying depths.

Playground access: Look for campgrounds with built-in play areas. "The facilities are super clean and very nice. Great playground for the kids and several miles of hiking trails," notes Jacob C. about Arkansas Bend, making it suitable for families with young children.

Security considerations: Gated campgrounds provide additional peace of mind. "It is quiet and secure. Office staff were very nice and accommodating. Sites are cement with fire pit and picnic table. Every night they have something going on and they send a text each day with activities," explains Roxanna L. Some resorts offer daily programming specifically for children.

Heat management: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. "July is hot. The trails to the back country camping are just service roads, a big disappointment. No fires, but this should be expected," warns R W. about summer camping at Pedernales Falls. Consider water-accessible campgrounds during summer months for cooling options.

Tips from RVers

Site selection priorities: Austin Lone Star RV Community offers varied experiences based on site location. "It's located along the freeway, so there is some road noise. However, at night it was pretty quiet," shares Marnie G. Interior sites typically provide more protection from highway sounds but less privacy between neighbors.

Low clearance challenges: Tree management varies between parks. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," advises Dan H. about navigating larger RVs through wooded campgrounds. Sites farther from main entrance roads often have more vegetation to navigate.

Utility considerations: Water pressure fluctuates seasonally. "Stayed 2 weeks at the end of February. Very clean, well maintained, didn't feel too crowded on neighbors. Mix of full/long timers and some of us Nomads," reports Gordon D. Hook-up reliability typically improves at parks with more permanent residents due to ongoing maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buffalo Gap, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buffalo Gap, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 271 campgrounds and RV parks near Buffalo Gap, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buffalo Gap, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buffalo Gap, TX is Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buffalo Gap, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Buffalo Gap, TX.

What parks are near Buffalo Gap, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Buffalo Gap, TX that allow camping, notably Georgetown Lake and Canyon Lake.