Lake Travis offers glamping in Buffalo Gap, Texas approximately 30 minutes from Austin with elevation changes between 681-1,245 feet. The region features limestone formations and juniper trees common to the Texas Hill Country. Fall through spring offers milder temperatures ranging from 40-80°F while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with higher humidity.
What to do
Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: Pace Bend Park provides designated spots for cliff jumping into deep water. "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," notes one visitor to Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis.
Hiking through varied terrain: Several parks offer trail systems with different difficulty levels. "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," according to a camper at Pedernales Falls.
Rock climbing: The limestone formations provide natural climbing surfaces. "We stay at Pace Bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," shares a regular visitor.
Water activities beyond swimming: Kayaking and fishing are popular at several locations. "This is a great county park surrounded by water with over 300 primitive camping spots right outside of Austin," explains a visitor about Pace Bend's water access points.
What campers like
Natural swimming holes: The limestone-filtered springs create clear swimming areas. "There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below. There's a small cave behind it," describes a visitor to Krause Springs.
Private camping areas: Many sites offer seclusion despite proximity to Austin. "The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," notes a regular visitor to Pace Bend.
Stargazing opportunities: Low light pollution allows for excellent night sky viewing. "Stayed here on Monday, December 21 (winter solstice) 2020. There were only four other campsites taken. It was very quiet," reports a winter visitor appreciating the clear night skies.
Diverse camping options: From primitive sites to luxury accommodations. "On The Rocks Glamping Resort offers amazing views, perfect for stargazing. Make this your next destination whether it's a couples retreat or a family getaway. Private with gated access," mentions a recent visitor describing the On The Rocks Glamping Resort options.
What you should know
Flash flooding awareness: The Hill Country topography creates flood risk during storms. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" advises a camper at Pedernales Falls State Park.
Slippery water access points: Natural stone surfaces become slick when wet. "The ladder down is super wonky and the beach area extremely slippery," cautions a visitor about Krause Springs.
Boil water notices: Some campgrounds experience temporary water issues. "Please note that they are currently under a boil water notice. No one mentioned this when we checked in," warns a camper about temporary conditions.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between locations. "Flush toilets and shower are locked and you get the access number when you register," explains a camper about Pace Bend's facilities, while another notes, "Only down side to this park is 9 out of 10 of the toilets are drop toilets (no flush, hole in the ground)."
Cash-only policies: Some privately owned campgrounds require cash payment. "It is CASH ONLY," emphasizes a visitor about Krause Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming for various ages: Look for graduated entry points. "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," notes a visitor to McKinney Falls State Park.
Spacious campsite selection: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. "The campsites are huge camping spots. You could fit a group of people all on one site with room to spare! Well kept. Bring your hiking boots and swimming suit," suggests a frequent camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. "Super clean park, had a great time out here. There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," describes a visitor to Grelle Recreation Area.
Multiple activity options: Parks offering varied terrain keep children engaged. "Wonderful summer time spot, plenty of drive-up tent sites (don't settle for the first you see unless it's a busy weekend) great cliff jumping and deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking. Also great swimming/fishing holes. Hiking is short but nice."
Tips from RVers
Tree clearance awareness: Some areas have low-hanging branches. "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," cautions a visitor to Krause Springs.
Site levelness considerations: Hill Country terrain affects campsite grading. "The spots are gravel (a little unlevel due to the slight hills) but perfectly spaced with full hook up," notes a camper about site conditions.
Urban proximity advantages: RV parks near Austin offer metropolitan access. "This rv resort plays up the RESORT aspect. It's near perfect. Right off the highway, safe (gated entry), well kept, pretty," shares an RVer about amenities.
Reservation importance: During peak seasons, advanced booking is essential. "We were scheduled to have a back in site but none of them had much shade so we upgraded to a pull through which had a tree. Sites are medium size, level with tables and pads."
