The Texas Hill Country surrounding Burnet features a diverse range of camping environments within an hour's drive of town. Inks Lake State Park Campground, located directly in Burnet, serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation with waterfront sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park offers additional lakeside camping options with both primitive and developed sites. The region extends from Colorado Bend State Park to the north to Pedernales Falls State Park to the south, creating a network of public lands with varying levels of development and amenities. Most campgrounds in this area provide water access, with many sites situated along lakes or rivers that define the Hill Country landscape.
Reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds, particularly during spring wildflower season and summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. As one camper noted, "We had to drive 15 miles into Burnet to make a phone call with T-Mobile, while Verizon users had service at the campsite." Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with better reception typically available at developed sites. Summer heat brings mosquitoes and flies, especially after rainfall, while winter camping can experience dramatic temperature swings. The Texas State Parks Pass provides significant value for frequent visitors, offering discounts on camping fees and free day-use entry. Burn bans are common during dry periods, with restrictions sometimes implemented without advance notice.
Water features dominate the camping experience near Burnet, with Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake being particularly popular. According to a visitor, "It was a slippery climb in and out but a beautiful swim with people cliff jumping nearby and a view of some falls." Many campgrounds offer boat ramps, fishing docks, and swimming areas, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally. Sites range from secluded spots with hill country views to more developed areas with full hookups. The Burnet area's campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and fishing while showcasing the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently appearing in early mornings. Facilities vary widely, from primitive sites with minimal amenities to fully developed campgrounds with heated shower houses, camp stores, and ranger programs. Most state parks in the area maintain hiking trails that connect directly to camping areas.
$16 - $55 / night
"Park is close to another state park-Longhorn Cavern, which is also a great place to visit."
"Inks Lake SP Visited with many friends here. BIG campground! I like how you have easy access to the lake from many of the camp sites."
"It was really windy which seems to be normal in Texas! Beautiful pool and hot tub area. Laundry facility very clean. There was a free super bowl party in the community room. Tons of deer."
"Tucked away from busy roads. Cabins and other amenities on site. WiFi not the best at the spots near the water - but this made us slow down and enjoy the view. (WiFi better near the office.)"
$10 - $100 / night
"This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."
"This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit."
"The birding is great, and the lake is beautiful unless there has been a significant drought (we are talking Texas here)."
"If your ideal is to be surrounded by nature, but also want all the amenities that an RV with full hookups can afford, than this should be on your list."
$15 - $30 / night
"Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas. Not far from the old (and new!)"
"Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."
$13 - $75 / night
"This is a beautiful green park with tons of waterfalls, hiking trails, swimming, and nature. You can hire a rafting trip from nearby and join a ranger hike to the caves too."
"It is home to Gorman Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Texas, but even besides that the park is gorgeous with awesome bluffs, river, trails, swimming hole, kayaking, and views."
$15 - $600 / night
"They have excellent off road trails for stock trucks up to rock crawling rigs."
"HFAP is an off roaders enthusiast's oasis. With 9ver 2200 acres of full size offroad trails there is surely something there for every vehicle and skill level."
"I happily drive over three hours to camp here... Dogs are not allowed, but service dogs are. Just call them in advance and let them know. It is CASH ONLY. Also, be careful how far you venture."
"Cool, spring-fed water refreshed everyone on our group on a hot summer day in Texas"
"This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."
"We set up at site 15 it has an awesome view of the river/lake and it’s walking distance down to the waters edge. Great spot to fish for some bass or take a dip in the water."
$38 / night
"Beautiful Central Texas trees, hiking, large fire rings, ample wildlife, free firewood and more. We went hours after 1 1/2” of rain, so roads (all dirt) were interesting, but easily drivable."
"Private grounds with lake. There are several hookups by the lake, and a large bunks (or house is more accurate). Lots of exploring, swimming, fishing. 2 donkeys that rove the property."
ScoutQuiet place outside of town. Has Gated entrance and exit. Gravel roads. Has spring that runs in park with adequate elevation to prevent floods. Favorite spots are 1-3. My go to place visiting the area.
RangerWe choose this due to proximity to the airport where my wife needed to fly out (5 minute drive). Great spots that are well spaced. Loved the bike trails and hiking.
ScoutVery nice, quiet place, on the Colorado river. Tent camp sites have a great distance in between. Could be mowed a little better but overall very nice. Will definitely be back. T-mobile’s service was in “sos” the whole time (which we liked) but good wifi at the restroom/showers.
ScoutFull hookups, welcoming, helpful and friendly staff. Plenty of grassy dog walking areas. Easy access poop bags and trash. Close to hiking.
GuideThis anomaly of an RV park is right in the heart of Austin. Walking to downtown is just over a mile and the views on the bridge across the river is beautiful day and night. Don’t expect your average campground. It definitely has its own charm. Staff were very kind and accommodating! Bathrooms are decent enough, hot showers and a place to do laundry. The campground is also a gated community and we felt very safe. Only stayed 2 nights, but look forward to coming back as there is so much to do in Austin — we hit 2nd street, 6th street and South congress. Plus, there are restaurants, coffee shops, and a cute lil convenience store close by too.
Happy Exploring! 😊
TravelerBeautiful stunning place and campsite, if you like people
GuideWe have absolutely loved staying here! The Upper Falls are gorgeous — and the cactus, flowers and trees and bees are buzzing. Our campsite is spacious with electric and water hook up. Affordable stay. Bathrooms were always very clean & hot showers. The Onion Creek Trail is paved and easy to walk. Plus; if you’re wanting to go to downtown Austin, it’s only a 25 min drive away! We would love to come back to this little oasis.
Watch for gnats! And the only downside are the airplanes that fly over — they can be loud but that’s really it.
GuideQuiet, convenient location. Love that I can have water and electric at my site. Bathhouse is old but for the price that’s fine.
ScoutI’ve tent camped at River Ranch twice and visited for a day. Facilities were very clean and well maintained. The showers were nice and the composting toilets were the cleanest I’ve seen. Lots of trails, just be sure to get a map or use the online one to navigate. Trails are designated by letters. Bring plenty of water as trails have little shade. Homes are nearby and I heard dogs at night, as well as coyotes, so it can be noisy. This is a great place to get outdoors and I tested my gear here before backpacking. I’ll be back!
Camping in Burnet, Texas centers around Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River, which provide a diverse aquatic ecosystem at elevations between 900-1,300 feet. The terrain consists of limestone hills covered with juniper, oak, and mesquite trees. Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, creating challenging camping conditions depending on the season.
Cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole: This popular spot at Inks Lake State Park Campground draws visitors seeking water recreation. "Take a jump off the cliffs at Devil's Waterhole. Don't forget you fishing poles, as there are also lots of great fishing areas," notes Jennifer J., who recommends exploring the multiple water activities available.
Hiking varied terrain: The trails at Pedernales Falls State Park Campground offer both easy and challenging options. "Great hike down to the Pedernales Falls and cool little caves to explore. On the other end of the park, there are longer trails (roughly 4 Miles) with scenic overlooks of the Pedernales River," writes Kaitlyn M., highlighting the diverse hiking experiences.
Off-road adventures: Vehicle enthusiasts can explore over 2,200 acres of trails at Hidden Falls Adventure Park. "With over 2200 acres of full size offroad trails there is surely something there for every vehicle and skill level. From mild stock level all the way to extreme rock crawling," explains Chad L., detailing the range of trail difficulties available.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies in this region make for excellent astronomical viewing. "We were able to enjoy the dark sky at their observatory and then from our tent!" shares Nathan S. about Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park, which maintains a professional observatory with telescopes and staff astronomers.
Waterfront camping access: Many sites at Big Chief RV Resort provide direct lake views and water access. "We had a pull through water view which was great, the lake is gorgeous, park is super clean and staff was friendly," reports Charlie H., appreciating the combination of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities.
Private, spacious sites: Campers value the size and separation between camping spots. "The sites were mostly level with hookups and privacy. The sites were mostly shaded and generously spaced," notes Catherine about Canyon of the Eagles, emphasizing the balance of amenities and seclusion.
Updated facilities: Modern bathrooms and shower facilities make extended stays more comfortable. "Newly renovated bathrooms are also a nice touch," mentions Riggin A. about Inks Lake State Park, while another camper praises the "clean shower houses" at the same location.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Hill Country provides frequent animal sightings. "First 20 minutes at this park we had deer walking through our camp site," reports Andrea P. about Colorado Bend State Park, where armadillos and other wildlife are commonly spotted.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. "Do be aware the cell service is pretty much nonexistent down at the campsites," warns Price T. about Colorado Bend State Park Campground, while another reviewer notes, "Forget about cell service. Doesn't look like they keep up on the maintenance of this place either."
Reservation requirements: Secure your spot in advance, especially for water-adjacent sites. "This is an awesome park. Quiet and clean. One of our all time favorites so far," shares Annette about Canyon of the Eagles, where sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Weather preparation: Summer heat and winter cold require different camping strategies. "We stayed in February 2021 for 6 nights in site 13 on the RV Loop. Access to the lake from the site (short walk), wooded area that blocks the wind but you get sun during the day," explains Erin A., noting the benefits of selecting sites with natural wind protection.
Road access considerations: Some parks have challenging access roads. "Getting to this park takes a while, going through lots of back roads. Once you get to the park, you have to drive miles in to get to the headquarters. The camp roads are tight, so be careful getting to your site," advises James S. about Colorado Bend State Park.
Water recreation options: Pace Bend Park offers swimming and cliff jumping opportunities. "Wonderful summer time spot, plenty of drive-up tent sites (don't settle for the first you see unless it's a busy weekend) great cliff jumping and deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking. Also great swimming/fishing holes," recommends Kadyn D.
Educational activities: Look for parks with ranger programs and guided experiences. "The naturalist on staff gave fishing lessons to the kids, had a craft for them to do and talked about the native flowers," shares Stephanie B. about Canyon of the Eagles, which offers multiple educational activities for children.
Campsite selection for privacy: Choose sites away from main gathering areas. "We were on a small loop that allowed our kids (8 and 6) to have some room to roam, and we were just a 50 yard walk from the fishing dock and one of Texas State Parks newly renovated bathrooms," explains Chris H. about his experience at Inks Lake State Park.
Multi-generational activities: Select parks with varying difficulty levels for activities. "This park has great hiking trails, campsites, and water activities. Grab a kayak and paddle up and down Inks Lake," suggests Jennifer J., highlighting options that work for different ages and abilities.
Site leveling challenges: Many Hill Country campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Sites were level and very clean. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The only down side it there are not many shady sites," notes Tim M. about Cedar Bend RV Park, emphasizing the importance of checking site specifications.
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited in some parks. "All of the sites have at least water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. There are also sites you can reserve that have shelters. They also have many places for RVs," explains Brian V. about the range of options at Inks Lake State Park.
Camping with tow vehicles: Interior roads can be challenging to navigate. "The campsite provides level and spacious sites, which is important for RVs to ensure stability and ease of setup," explains Alley R. about Cedar Bend RV Park, highlighting the significance of adequate space for larger rigs.
Weather protection considerations: Select sites with natural windbreaks when possible. "We had a natural split level site with a clearing towards the lake that allowed us a great spot for me to set up our Bonfire Solo Stove," shares Chris H. about his lakeside site at Inks Lake State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Burnet, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Burnet, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 203 campgrounds and RV parks near Burnet, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Burnet, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burnet, TX is Inks Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 98 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burnet, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Burnet, TX.
What parks are near Burnet, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Burnet, TX that allow camping, notably Georgetown Lake and Cordell Hull Lake.
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