Georgetown Lake sits at approximately 791 feet above sea level in central Texas, with summertime temperatures often reaching above 100°F during peak months. Campers should prepare for limited cell service throughout portions of the area, especially at some of the more remote sites along the water's edge. The limestone terrain creates unique camping conditions with rocky outcroppings that can affect tent setup.
What to do
Hiking options: The San Gabriel River Trail connects to the Goodwater Loop, offering a complete 26.2-mile circuit around Georgetown Lake. At Russell Park, "The trail circles Lake Georgetown and passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed," notes Troy W.
Fishing spots: At Grelle - Lake Travis, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Great spot to fish for some bass or take a dip in the water," reports Steve L. about his experience at nearby waterfront sites. During drought periods, access points may change as water levels fluctuate.
Water recreation: Kayaking options abound at multiple access points. "Looks like you can also have a fire out in the sand as we found some charred wood out there," mentions Steve L. about beach areas near the water. Paddleboarding is possible at several calm inlets, particularly during morning hours when winds are typically calmer.
What campers like
Secluded atmosphere: At Tejas Park, weekday visitors often find remarkable solitude. "The campground is sparsely populated during the week and can be found completely empty regularly," notes Mark S. This contrasts with busier weekend patterns when reservations become essential.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw plenty of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," says Melissa P. about her stay at Grelle - Lake Travis. Dawn and dusk provide the best viewing times for local wildlife.
Night sky access: Despite some light pollution from nearby Georgetown and Austin, stars remain visible at most lakeside campgrounds. "At night, the stars were out," notes Jesse L. who camped at Tejas Park. The most unobstructed views typically come from waterfront sites away from tree cover.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: All established campgrounds around Georgetown Lake require advance booking through Recreation.gov, with no first-come, first-served options. "At this point, you must have a reservation to camp here," confirms David about Russell Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects trail comfort significantly. "In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure makes this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can," advises Troy W. about hiking near Russell Park.
Campsite spacing: Site proximity varies considerably between campgrounds. "The spots are spaced out and each has a large tent pad capable of firing multiple tents," describes Mark S. about Tejas Park. However, some campers note that sites at certain campgrounds can feel crowded during peak periods.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Shaffer Bend Recreation Area provides gentle introduction to camping for children. "Great spot to fish for some bass or take a dip in the water. Looks like you can also have a fire out in the sand," notes Steve L. The area features shorter walking distances from parking to campsites.
Trail difficulty levels: For families with younger children, select the eastern portions of trails where terrain is less challenging. "Trails are easy," reports Candice C. about the pathways at Shaffer Bend, making them appropriate for less experienced hikers.
Swimming access points: Sandy beach areas provide safer swimming conditions for children compared to rocky shorelines. "Great stay. The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis," explains Steve L., highlighting the family-friendly water access at Shaffer Bend.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most tent camping areas at Georgetown Lake accommodate only smaller RVs. "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," notes Steve L. about Turkey Bend, where tent camping and small RVs share the same areas.
Generator restrictions: Noise regulations affect generator use at most campgrounds. "Our first night was at a site very near the neighboring sites. It wasn't very private or peaceful," reports Cassandra C. about Turkey Bend, emphasizing the importance of respecting quiet hours in shared camping areas.
Water/electric hookups: Limited utility connections exist at most tent camping-focused areas. "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. Russell Park has 27 tent-only sites with no utilities," explains Troy W., highlighting the primitive nature of many sites.
