Around Burnet, Texas, tent campers find sites between 800-1,200 feet elevation with limestone terrain and juniper woodlands. The Colorado River creates multiple camping zones with distinct microclimates. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing with occasional precipitation.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Cedar Point Recreation Area offers direct lake access with nine dedicated tent sites. "The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it's a soft bedding for the evening," notes a camper at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot armadillos, deer, and various bird species. At Grelle - Lake Travis, campers report, "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us."
Night sky observation: Areas further from Austin offer clearer views of stars. "If the moon is up you can go up on the rock and have a magical night," mentions a visitor to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Primitive sites typically provide darker skies than developed campgrounds.
What campers like
Spring swimming spots: The underground springs create refreshing swimming areas during hot months. One camper at Grelle notes, "As you walk into the lake you will find pockets of cooler water spouting up. It's kinda like stepping into a refrigerator but underwater."
Loop trail access: Tejas Park connects to the Goodwater Trail that circles Lake Georgetown. A reviewer states, "The Goodwater trail is a loop trail that circles Lake Georgetown and runs about 28 miles. When backpacking the Goodwater Loop people typically start/park at either Tejas Park Trailhead, Jim Hogg Trailhead or Cedar Breaks Trailhead."
Sandy beaches: Several lakeside campgrounds feature natural sand areas for relaxation. "Great stay. The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carried up so it's a soft bedding for the evening," according to a Shaffer Bend visitor.
What you should know
Restroom limitations: Most tent sites offer basic or no facilities. At Camp Creek Recreation Area, a camper reports, "Was planning on tent camping nearby and left a day early and all the hotel room were booked. Found this place online and figured I'd give it a shot. 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."
Water level variability: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. A Grelle camper notes, "I brought my family of four here for our first solo camping trip with two littles and we loved it! The drought caused the lake to be pretty dried up so our water front view didn't have much water!"
Wind exposure: Lakeside sites often experience strong gusts. A camper at Shaffer Bend observes, "Relaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water's edge and jumping in."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Tejas Park offers accessible tent sites for first-time campers. A visitor shares, "My 5 year old wanted to go camping for the first time. This location is close enough to be near civilization, but feels remote to get the primitive camping experience. The sites have a pad to set up your tent, along with fire rings and plenty of shade."
Trail difficulty ratings: Select appropriate hikes based on children's ages and abilities. A Colorado Bend State Park visitor mentions, "Beautiful springtime camping spot. Wildflowers were spectacular the whole drive to the park in early May. The walk-in campsites are a quick jaunt from the parking area. No need to rough it - lots of people were carrying air mattresses down the hill from the parking lot."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for overnight animal activity near water sources. A camper at Colorado Bend warns, "There were so many animals that came to visit us at night! Owls, armadillos, raccoons, a couple wild hogs, gray foxes, deer, even saw a mountain lion at one point after our campsite got raided by the raccoons."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Many tent-focused campgrounds near Burnet prohibit generators. At Turkey Bend, a camper notes, "Our first night was at a site very near the neighboring sites. It wasn't very private or peaceful. The next morning we asked to move. Around the corner, I think the sites were 25-29, they were better spaced very wooded."
Limited hookup options: Small RVs work best in this region where full hookups are scarce. A Muleshoe Bend visitor advises, "No electrical hook-ups, so bring your solar panels. The park has great opportunities for hiking, mtn biking, and horseback riding."
Parking considerations: Many campgrounds require separate parking away from tent sites. "The walk to our campsite wasn't far from parking, maybe about 150 feet, maybe a bit more," reports a Tejas Park camper.
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