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.

Best Camping Sites Near Horseshoe Bay, Texas (224)

    1. Inks Lake State Park Campground

    97 Reviews
    Buchanan Dam, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 793-2223

    $16 - $55 / night

    "An hour and a half away from Austin, we found Inks Lake to be a quiet and relaxing camp area away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

    There are several sites set up across the state park."

    "It was a small drive from our camp to the devil's waterhole. It was a slippery climb in and out but a beautiful swim with people cliff jumping nearby and a view of some falls."

    2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 868-7304

    $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."

    3. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 236-7554

    "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."

    "Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"

    4. May the Forest Be With You unique RV stay

    10 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 602-6166

    $90 - $110 / night

    5. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    22 miles
    Website

    $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."

    6. Hidden Falls Adventure Park

    9 Reviews
    Marble Falls, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 798-9820

    $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."

    7. Fishers of Men Ranch

    7 Reviews
    Marble Falls, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 934-7810

    $38 / night

    "Escape to Fishers of Men Ranch in Marble Falls, Texas! Nestled near Lake Buchanan, this 38-acre rustic retreat offers swimming, hiking, and unique natural features."

    "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."

    8. South Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground

    107 Reviews
    Bend, TX
    33 miles
    +1 (325) 628-3240

    $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."

    "This park has a variety of campsites available- hike in, walk in, and RV. Hike in sites are approximately a mile from parking and are primitive."

    9. Big Chief RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Buchanan Dam, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 793-4746

    "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.)"

    "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."

    10. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Horseshoe Bay, TX

1063 Reviews of 224 Horseshoe Bay 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    SKYE Texas Hill Country Resort

    Nice resort

    Large resort with options for RV and Pods or cabin rentals. Golf cart rentals. Very nice pool and club house.

  • 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.


Guide to Horseshoe Bay

Camping near Horseshoe Bay, Texas, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the well-maintained trails at Inks Lake State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The hiking trails are very well maintained, and there’s plenty of variety in difficulty level/length."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Pedernales Falls State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Fabulous fishing and great hiking" which highlights the dual appeal of this spot.
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the cool waters at Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "The water was running at a perfect flow for kayaking and swimming."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor at McKinney Falls State Park Campground said, "Awesome trails, wonderful waterfalls, and lots of birds!"
  • Spacious sites: Many appreciate the roomy campsites. A reviewer at Kerrville-Schreiner Park noted, "The tent sites are huge and spread apart."
  • Wildlife: Campers enjoy spotting local wildlife. One camper at Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown shared, "We saw a few deer run through our campsite during breakfast!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially on weekends. A visitor at Colorado Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "You need reservations for timed entry and weekends are way busier than weekdays."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Moss Lake Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, have minimal facilities. A reviewer noted, "There are no showers and the toilets are all compostable."
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for Texas heat, especially in summer. A camper at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area advised, "Wear sunscreen and bring water! The weekends get very busy with day hikers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. One family at Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis enjoyed, "Great drive-on beach area where you can swim or lay out."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. A visitor at Pedernales Falls State Park Campground shared, "We hiked to Jones Spring and also checked out the remnants of the Trammels house."
  • Pack snacks: Keep everyone energized with snacks during hikes. One camper at Inks Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campgrounds are right on the water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at McKinney Falls State Park Campground noted, "Easy in and out with our 27' travel trailer."
  • Use dump stations wisely: Arrive early to avoid long waits. A camper at Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds advised, "Make sure to get to the dump station early as it gets backed up since there is only one for the whole park."
  • Stay connected: Some areas have weak cell service. A visitor at Kerrville-Schreiner Park mentioned, "Cell service was quite weak to nonexistent unless you were out hiking."

Camping near Horseshoe Bay, Texas, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an RV resort in Horseshoe Bay?

Yes, there are RV resort options in and around the Horseshoe Bay area. Big Chief RV Resort near Burnet is one of the closest full-service RV resorts to Horseshoe Bay, offering spacious sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. It's big-rig friendly and provides lake access. Sienna Ridge RV Park is another excellent option in the Texas Hill Country, offering a relaxing atmosphere with full hookups and proximity to water recreation. Both resorts provide the amenities RV travelers expect, including WiFi, shower facilities, and laundry services. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends when the Horseshoe Bay area sees increased visitors.

Where can I camp near Horseshoe Bay?

The Texas Hill Country surrounding Horseshoe Bay offers several excellent camping options. Inks Lake State Park Campground is one of the closest options, about 20 minutes away, offering waterfront sites with modern amenities for both tents and RVs. The park provides a quiet retreat with designated swimming areas and multiple camping zones. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground is another popular choice within driving distance, featuring both developed sites and primitive camping with stunning Hill Country views. Both parks offer reservable sites, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. For the best experience, book well in advance during peak seasons (spring and fall) as these locations are popular weekend destinations.

Can I find camping near the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal?

For camping near the Horseshoe Bay area, Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis is a great option within reasonable driving distance. This park offers both developed and primitive camping areas along the shoreline of Lake Travis with opportunities for cliff jumping and swimming. Another option is Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, which provides beautiful Hill Country views and campsites situated near Lake Travis. Both locations offer water access and are clean, well-maintained options. While these campgrounds aren't immediately adjacent to any ferry terminal, they provide convenient access to the major water recreation areas in the region and are within reasonable driving distance of Horseshoe Bay.

Are there cabin rentals available in Horseshoe Bay?

While traditional campground cabins are limited directly in Horseshoe Bay, nearby options provide comfortable alternatives. Krause Springs near Spicewood offers rustic cabin rentals alongside their popular spring-fed swimming areas, providing a unique lodging experience about 30 minutes from Horseshoe Bay. For something more conventional, McKinney Falls State Park Campground offers cabin rentals with modern amenities, though it's a bit further away. Many visitors to the Horseshoe Bay area also consider vacation rentals through services like Airbnb and VRBO, which offer numerous cabin-style accommodations throughout the region. For the most comfortable experience, book cabins well in advance, especially during summer months and holiday weekends when demand peaks.