Best Dispersed Camping near Cedar Park, TX
Dispersed camping near Cedar Park, Texas centers around the San Gabriel River Trail, which encircles Lake Georgetown. Three primitive camping areas are accessible via hiking: Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and dispersed sites along the San Gabriel River Trail. All three locations offer free, primitive camping with no facilities or established amenities. These areas follow true dispersed camping principles, requiring visitors to practice Leave No Trace ethics during their stay.
Access to these backcountry camping areas requires hiking in, as none permit vehicle access directly to the sites. Sawyer Park and Walnut Springs are approximately 5 miles from established trailheads, while San Gabriel River Trail sites are found at various points along the 26.2-mile trail that circles Lake Georgetown. Hikers should be prepared for varied terrain including forests, grasslands, hills, and water crossings. Summer conditions can be particularly challenging due to heat and sun exposure on largely unshaded portions of the trail. No drinking water is available at these primitive sites, and campers must carry sufficient water or filter from the lake.
The primitive camping experience in this area features lakeside views and natural settings. Campers can set up tents or hammocks in designated clearings or in suitable zones throughout the area. Picnic tables are available at Walnut Springs, but not at the other locations. Fires are permitted at all three sites, though visitors should check current fire restrictions. "The combination of temperature and exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike in summer. Take precautions, drink lots of water, and stay in the shade when possible," noted one visitor. Another camper observed that Walnut Springs "is possibly the easiest campground on the Goodwater Trail to get to, which may result in more people at this site than others."
