Best Campgrounds near Elgin, TX

Campgrounds near Elgin, Texas range from state parks to RV resorts, with options spanning from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities and cabin rentals. McKinney Falls State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes southwest of Elgin, offers water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings for both tent and RV campers. Bastrop State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southeast of Elgin, provides similar amenities along with cabin accommodations. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park features waterfront camping with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals in a lakeside setting.

Access to campgrounds in the region varies seasonally, with summer months typically seeing higher occupancy rates, especially at water-adjacent sites. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays. The Texas climate presents considerations for campers, with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is possible with mild daytime temperatures, though nights can occasionally drop below freezing. Many campgrounds in the area offer year-round access, though services may be limited during off-peak seasons. A camper noted, "McKinney Falls State Park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin. The sites are spacious and they all have electricity and water hookups."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Elgin area, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes and rivers. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park receives positive reviews for its lakeside amenities, including swimming areas, boat ramps, and water recreation opportunities. Campers frequently mention the shade coverage at many sites, an important consideration during Texas summers. State parks in the region typically offer more natural settings with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, while private RV parks provide additional amenities like full hookups, laundry facilities, and sometimes pools. One visitor remarked, "This campground is located a short distance away from the city of Austin. The park has car and RV campsites with water and electrical hook-ups which make it very convenient. There are typically plenty of trees for shade." Proximity to Austin allows campers to enjoy both natural settings and urban attractions within a short drive.

Best Camping Sites Near Elgin, Texas (193)

    1. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    2. Bastrop State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Bastrop, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 321-2101

    $15 - $850 / night

    "It has a little for everyone and is conveniently located about thirty minutes from Lockhart where you can get, in my opinion, some of the best BBQ in Texas."

    "We didn’t camp here since we live so close by, but stopped on our way to Lake Somerville State Park."

    3. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

    19 Reviews
    Bastrop, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 578-4816

    "This campground is located a short distance away from the city of Austin, Texas. The park is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)."

    "We we’re traveling and needed a spot near Austin, Texas and love Lake Bastrop. There’s two Campgrounds one South and one North."

    4. Oak Forest RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 697-4206

    "We had a pull through site close to pool and bathhouse. Small fitness center which I used. Laundry room clean. Biked around Lady Bird Lake- nice 10 mile path that goes by city."

    "It’s close to downtown Austin but still feels tucked away in nature. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet after a goalz work, convenient stay with solid facilities."

    5. Austin East KOA

    9 Reviews
    Manor, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 732-2812

    $50 - $80 / night

    "Step out the door, and explore."

    "Great spot to be outside of downtown Austin. Had our two dogs and it was a good spot. We have our RTT so didn’t need much."

    6. Sherwood Forest Faire Campground

    11 Reviews
    Bastrop, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 222-6680

    $11 - $19 / night

    7. River Forest Haven

    4 Reviews
    Manor, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 710-8751

    $23 - $60 / night

    "Super cool to get tucked into the woods. Some of the spots are secluded and others aren’t. I stayed here 2 nights."

    "This place was a convenient location near Austin and was on the Colorado River."

    8. Austonia RV

    7 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 222-9475

    $65 / night

    "Austonia RV, nestled near Austin, Texas, is a perfect getaway for those seeking both nature and culture."

    9. Colinas RV Park

    1 Review
    Elgin, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (737) 258-3778

    $75 / night

    "Colinas RV Park is a gem undergoing positive transformations."

    10. Pecan Grove RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 472-1067

    $80 / night

    "This is a cool urban RV park in the heart of Austin Texas. The park is located along Barton Springs road in the coolest part of town. It’s next to a brewery, food trucks, and great pubs."

    "It’s located in the middle of an urban oasis. Within walking distance to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, So. congress and downtown. Perfect place to stay and help keep Austin WEIRD"

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Recent Reviews near Elgin, TX

676 Reviews of 193 Elgin Campgrounds


  • c
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Fishers of Men Ranch

    This place sounds magical

    This place sounds magical—spacious wooded campsites with lake views, free firewood, homemade cookies& jam, wildlife sightings, and owners who truly look out for you. A hidden Hill Country gemPalabras

  • P
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Shady River RV Resort

    Excellent Location

    We stayed here for 1 weekend in early August. Great location. Very peaceful.

  • A
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Fishers of Men Ranch

    nice

    A peaceful private ranch with hookups, tree-shaded sites, and warm hospitality—complete with homemade cookies, wild‑grape jam, and a beautiful lake to explore. A hidden Hill Country gem! Astrocartography

  • D
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    Spacious Skies Bear Den Review

    Camp Creek sounds idyllic! A true escape from the digital world. Imagine trading your phone for a fishing rod, and the constant notifications for the sound of the river. It's like the real-world version of Snow Rider 3D, but instead of virtual slopes, you're navigating the great outdoors. The simplicity and the views alone seem worth the trip, a perfect recharge for the soul. Just remember to bring everything you need to fully embrace the off-grid experience!

  • Morgan B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    spacious, comfortable & lovely campsite!

    We were seeking a free campsite for us and our dogs when traveling from San Antonio to Austin, Texas and landed here for one night! It was a "self check-in" process and we did not research the price or see a direct sign, so left $5 due to the "entrance fee" - oops! We found out later it was $25 for the overnight camping. Not free, but worth it. 

    I enjoyed the spaciousness of this campsite. It felt private, although there were large groups of campers all around. We walked down to the Colorado River where the dogs enjoyed swimming. Perfect for paddle boards, kayaking, or picnicking on the small beach.

  • Dale K.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    New guy Jack is great 👍

    We've stayed here a few times, very convenient location for us while visiting in the area. It has recently been updated and is very nice now. Looking forward to coming back to just relax.

  • M
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Krause Springs

    Eggy Car

    This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip. It's good to know about the uneven paths though, thanks for the heads up. Makes me think twice about bringing my low-rider, Eggy Car, since it might not handle the terrain. Maybe next time I'll need to borrow a friend's truck for the weekend. Definitely adding Krause Springs to my list!

  • V
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Austin Lone Star RV Community

    Great Camping Experience with Dogs Near Austin

    My little dog and I just had a memorable camping trip near Austin, TX! This article was really helpful in finding dog-friendly places. We chose a recommended campground and were completely satisfied. The space was spacious, the nature was beautiful, and most importantly, my dog was free to run around. Austin not only has great camping spots but also many other outdoor activities to explore. Will definitely come back here next time!


Guide to Elgin

Camping near Elgin, TX, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at McKinney Falls State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "All the park rangers were super friendly and helpful. Well maintained campsites clearly marked with restroom and hot showers close by."
  • Swimming: Check out the swimming areas at Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis. A camper noted, "Great drive on beach area where you can swim or lay out. If you are feeling adventurous you can go cliff jumping and rock climbing."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Bastrop North Shore Park for some fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice little place to go fishing at night."

What campers like:

  • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings at Palmetto State Park Campground. A visitor described it as "nestled in a wooded river area with lush vegetation."
  • Wildlife: Many enjoy the wildlife sightings at Bastrop State Park Campground. One camper said, "We saw a few deer run through our campsite during breakfast!"
  • Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Buescher State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "It is clean and spacious with nice bathrooms/showers."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds, like Krause Springs, do not take reservations. A camper mentioned, "They don't do reservations so you can just pull up early afternoon and camp for as long as you like."
  • Grounds maintenance: At Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, some campers noted that the grounds could use better upkeep. One said, "Huge fire ant mounds everywhere. Grass was pretty tall, making it very difficult to watch for ant mounds."
  • Cell service: Be prepared for limited cell service at places like Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown. A visitor shared, "2 bar AT&T."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Cedar Breaks Park. A camper noted, "The sites are fair sized and most have decent privacy with lots of trees."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as hiking and swimming, to keep kids entertained. One family at McKinney Falls State Park Campground enjoyed the "great trails and beautiful waterfalls."
  • Pack snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids while exploring. A camper at Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis mentioned, "The best part about this park is the seclusiveness."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Buescher State Park Campground mentioned, "Wooded RV sites with paved pads."
  • Look for hookups: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups, like Palmetto State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Great staff and spots are really nice."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Bastrop State Park Campground said, "The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of a lot of street noise outside the park."

Camping near Elgin, TX, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elgin, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elgin, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 193 campgrounds and RV parks near Elgin, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elgin, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elgin, TX is McKinney Falls State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 81 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elgin, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Elgin, TX.

What parks are near Elgin, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Elgin, TX that allow camping, notably Granger Lake and Georgetown Lake.