Tent camping near Copperas Cove, Texas offers access to riverfront camping along the Colorado River and Lake Travis shorelines. The region features limestone formations typical of Texas Hill Country, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,300 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for pitching a tent in the area.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, campers can launch kayaks into Lake Travis directly from the shoreline. "Great stay. 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 one camper, highlighting the easy water access.
Hiking the Goodwater Loop: The 26-mile trail around Lake Georgetown passes right by Tejas Park campground. A reviewer explains, "The Goodwater Loop is a 26 mile trail that will take you completely around the lake." For those not wanting to tackle the entire loop, "There are plenty of trails both improved and not," according to another camper.
Wildlife viewing: Campers at Colorado Bend State Park report frequent wildlife sightings along the trails and near the campgrounds. "We saw lots of animals at night!" reports one visitor to the park's primitive sites. Many campgrounds in the area are home to deer, armadillos, and various bird species.
What campers like
Secluded riverside camping: The primitive camping areas at North Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground provide direct river access. "Miles and miles of trails with some scenic spots. Numerous primitive camping spots along the river," says a reviewer who appreciated the natural setting.
Spacious tent pads: Tejas Park features well-designed tent sites. "The spots are spaced out and each has a large tent pad capable of firing multiple tents. Each spot has a table and fire pit," writes one camper who enjoyed the layout of the sites.
Swimming holes: The natural springs at Colorado Bend State Park create cool swimming opportunities. "At the end of our hike, we swam in the spring and played in a small waterfall. It was a good way to cool off after a day of hiking," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the refreshing waters.
Tree cover for hammock camping: Several campsites in the area provide good tree spacing for hammock setup. At Shaffer Bend, "The trees are great to set up a Hamic, which we did, which gave you an awesome view of the water and the sunrise in the mornings."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: While most campgrounds permit fires in designated rings, some enforce bans during dry periods. At Stillhouse, fires are prohibited year-round according to one camper: "What was even more so disturbing was that this site is not a camping site at all and is day use only, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with camping prohibited."
Water access can be limited: Despite being on lakes or rivers, shore access isn't universally good. At Shaffer Bend, "the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access."
Primitive means primitive: Many sites lack basic amenities. At Colorado Bend State Park, "There is a water spigot near the Park Host's trailer," but primitive sites have no water or toilets. Visitors should "be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it."
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking. For Colorado Bend, one visitor notes, "This park is becoming more and more popular, so it is recommended to reserve a site at least 3-4 weeks in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Check for hazards: At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, parents should watch for "stickers everywhere. Got one right between the toes," warns a camper. Proper footwear is essential, especially near shorelines.
Suitable for beginners: Tejas Park offers an accessible camping experience for first-timers. A father 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."
Wildlife education opportunities: Colorado Bend State Park provides excellent wildlife viewing chances. "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," reports one camper.
Store food properly: Raccoons are common visitors at several campgrounds. "Did have some issues with raccoons pawing through our stuff at night, but we had all of our food hanging in a storage bag from a tree," advises a camper at River Backpack Area.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most campgrounds near Copperas Cove prioritize tent camping with few RV-specific amenities. At Russell Park, "These are drive up campsites where you may park your car next to your assigned site. The campsites have a sun awning, picnic table, campfire pit/grill."
No hookups at most sites: Primitive camping is the norm in this region. Even at developed campgrounds, RVers should prepare to dry camp without water or electric connections.
Pack in/pack out: With limited facilities, RVers must plan for waste management. Several campgrounds have no dump stations, so plan trips accordingly.
Consider tent camping instead: Given the limited RV facilities, many visitors choose to tent camp even if they own an RV. The region's highlights are best accessed by tent camping at sites closer to trails and water features.
