Best Campgrounds near Horseshoe Bay, TX
Camping near Horseshoe Bay, Texas encompasses a range of lakeside and Hill Country experiences within the scenic Texas Highland Lakes region. The area features several state parks, recreation areas, and private campgrounds with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Inks Lake State Park, located about 15 miles northwest of Horseshoe Bay, provides year-round camping with waterfront sites and access to swimming areas including the popular Devil's Waterhole. Nearby Pedernales Falls State Park offers well-spaced wooded sites with views of the Texas Hill Country. Krause Springs in Spicewood provides a mix of camping options with natural swimming areas, while Lake Travis recreation areas like Pace Bend Park feature both primitive and developed sites with lake access.
Most campgrounds in the area are open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is possible with occasional cold fronts bringing temperatures below freezing. Reservations are essential, particularly for weekends and holidays, with many state parks booking up to six months in advance. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months. Cell service varies by location but is generally reliable at developed campgrounds. The Texas State Parks Pass provides value for frequent visitors, offering discounted camping rates and free day-use entry.
The camping experience varies significantly between locations. State parks like Inks Lake offer more natural settings with hiking trails and water recreation. According to reviews, "Inks Lake is a quiet and relaxing camp area with more modern RV campgrounds nearest the designated swimming areas and more remote camp zones on the other side of the main entrance." Private RV resorts like Big Chief RV Resort in Burnet provide full hookups and amenities for longer stays. Hidden Falls Adventure Park combines camping with off-road vehicle trails. Primitive camping options at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area near Marble Falls provide more secluded experiences but with limited facilities. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with visitors reporting deer, armadillos, and occasionally rattlesnakes.
