Best Dispersed Camping near Burnet, TX
Dispersed camping near Burnet, Texas centers around the San Gabriel River Trail area, where three primitive camping locations provide free backcountry options. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, and San Gabriel River Trail all offer hike-in or walk-in access with minimal amenities. These sites are part of the trail system circling Lake Georgetown, requiring campers to park at trailheads and hike to their camping locations. No permits are required for these primitive sites, though following Leave No Trace principles is essential for preserving the natural environment.
Access to these dispersed camping areas requires preparation for primitive conditions. All three locations are accessible only by hiking or, in some cases, by boat. Sawyer Park is approximately 5 miles from established campgrounds, while Walnut Springs can be reached by hiking 2 miles from Russell Park or biking 4 miles from Camp Tejas. The 26.2-mile San Gabriel River Trail passes through forests, grasslands, and small hills, with camping allowed in designated areas with tent pads or in zones where setting up is permitted. Fire rings exist at some locations, and fires are generally allowed, but no facilities for water, trash, or restrooms are available.
The primitive camping experience around Burnet provides opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. The terrain varies from forested areas to open grasslands, with approximately 40% of the trail offering tree coverage. One camper noted, "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Good Water Trail to get to, which may result in more people at this site than others." Summer conditions can be challenging due to heat and sun exposure, with limited shade in many areas. Visitors should carry at least 2 liters of water while hiking and be prepared to filter lake water for drinking. Weekdays typically offer more solitude, while weekends may bring encounters with other hikers and backpacking groups. The sites accommodate tent camping, with some areas featuring picnic tables and makeshift fire pits near the shoreline.
