Best Campgrounds near Dripping Springs, TX
The Texas Hill Country surrounding Dripping Springs features a diverse range of camping experiences within an hour's drive. Pedernales Falls State Park, located 25 miles west, offers both developed campsites with water and electrical hookups as well as primitive camping areas with cliffside views overlooking the hill country. Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis provides waterfront camping with opportunities for swimming and cliff diving, while private RV parks like Sunset RV Park cater to long-term visitors with full hookups. State parks dominate the public camping landscape, with Blanco State Park and McKinney Falls State Park providing year-round access to riverside camping, hiking trails, and swimming areas.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable. As one camper noted, "Sites are level, most are shaded with full hooks. There are some low limbs so I advise caution for big rigs." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade a premium amenity at many sites. The Texas State Parks Pass offers significant value for frequent campers, with discounts on camping fees and free park entry. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Hill Country, with one reviewer reporting, "We were in shorts the first two days, then it snowed more than the area had seen in 20 years on our final day. Come prepared for anything."
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area's campgrounds. According to one visitor at a private campground near Dripping Springs, "We saw deer, wild turkey, longhorns, hummingbirds. The stars at night are breathtaking." Many campsites feature proximity to water, with the Pedernales River, Blanco River, and Lake Travis being popular destinations for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Campground amenities vary widely, from primitive sites with minimal facilities to developed campgrounds with showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi access. The region's camping options serve as convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions, including Hamilton Pool, Reimers Ranch, and the wineries and breweries that have made Dripping Springs a popular weekend destination for Austin residents.
