Top Free Dispersed Camping near Horseshoe Bay, TX

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Horseshoe Bay? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Horseshoe Bay's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Horseshoe Bay, TX (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    1. Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    24 Reviews
    64 Photos
    17 Saves

    Moss Lake (eight sites) and Walnut Springs (12 sites) are a 1 to 3 mile hike over rugged terrain. We charge an excess vehicle fee of $6 per car, per night, for each vehicle over two per campsite. No ash-producing fires are permitted in this area. You may use containerized fuel stoves that can be turned off for cooking. Minors (under 17) who are not camping with a sponsored group must provide a written consent form to stay overnight. No hammocks allowed in primitive camping areas.

    Magical, Mystical, Enchanted Climb the ancient dome for amazing Hill Country views.

    The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

    Things to Do You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird, study nature, geocache and stargaze. (You cannot swim here or ride bikes on the trails.)

    Hiking Explore nearly 11 miles of hiking trails. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.

    All trails close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail. The Summit Trail may close in wet weather. Check our trail status here or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed. Rock Climbing Rock climbers must check in at park headquarters. You can pick up route maps there and read the climbing rules. Read through our Climbing Information before you come.

    Pets To protect this Natural Area, pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail (pets are not allowed on any other trail). Don't leave pets unattended, including in vehicles and at campsites, and keep them on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

    Shopping Our park store carries some gift items. You can buy wood for campfires at the park. Please bring your own drinking water, as it is in short supply due to the ongoing drought.

    Get involved Enchanted Rock needs your help! We will match your abilities to our many needs. You might guide a group to the summit, lead a tour of the loop trail, provide information to park visitors, or help maintain park facilities. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.

    Join or donate to the Friends of Enchanted Rock.

    Outfitters and guide services The following guides lead rock climbing tours at Enchanted Rock:

    Austin Ascents, austinascents@gmail.com Outpost Wilderness Adventure, info@owa.com Rock-About Climbing Adventures, Adam@Rock-About.com Texas Climbing Adventures, info@texasclimbingadventures.com Ranger Programs Enjoy a star party or a nature hike led by a park ranger, or contact the park for special tours for your group.

    Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Guide and borrow an explorer pack. Email us to schedule a school or youth group tour. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Area Attractions Visit Fredericksburg for a taste of German culture in the Texas Hill Country. There you can shop, dine, visit museums and find outdoor activities. Stop by Llano, known as the “Deer Capital of Texas,” for museums, music and more.

    President Lyndon B. Johnson was born near Johnson City. Learn about this colorful Texan at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Tour the Texas White House and Johnson’s boyhood home. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and the Sauer-Beckmann living history farm are nearby.

    Drive the Peach Loop, one of TPWD’s Great Texas Wildlife Trails. It will lead you to some of the best wildlife observation points in this area.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    2. River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    3 Reviews
    55 Photos
    11 Saves

    This is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.

    • Tents

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    3. Windmill Backback Area — Colorado Bend State Park

    2 Reviews
    14 Photos
    7 Saves

    This is a backcountry wilderness, low-impact, limited footprint camping area. It is not a group camp area. All tents must be in the boundary of the sites, with only four people per site. Camping outside the designated area is prohibited. Campsites are one mile from the Windmill Trailhead, but you can park at any trailhead in the park to customize your hike. The Windmill Backpack Area is five miles from the river and the main campground. No water or toilets are available in this area. No open fires are allowed, but you may use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it properly.

    • Tents

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    5. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    39 Saves

    Primitive camping. Please be prepared to filter water, make a cathole and camp without ammenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail

    6. San Gabriel River Trail

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    37 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Horseshoe Bay

4 Reviews of 6 Horseshoe Bay Campgrounds


  • Guillermo L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Springs Primitive Campground
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    Tent camping recommended.

    I'm very last minute camping trip on a Sunday evening to Monday morning... There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; for fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water. Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away.

    No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize. This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others. This is the "first come, first serve" campground.

    Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees.

  • Alexandra
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Jan. 13, 2021

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Camped out of the campsite near the lake

    We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in. Rain started pretty heavily (and being close to the water probably didn’t help with humidity inside the tent) and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable. Overall great time here even though we weren’t at the official campsite.

  • Troy W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites
    Oct. 1, 2019

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park administers that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole. 

    Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters. 

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

  • Troy W.
    Camper-submitted photo from San Gabriel River Trail
    Oct. 1, 2019

    San Gabriel River Trail

    San Gabriel River Trail + Lake

    This is a review of the primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. 

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park attendants that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. 

    This is prmitive (dispersed) camping. There are no facilities or amenities are these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced. 

    There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock.  I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed. 

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters.

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person.

    Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Horseshoe Bay, TX?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Horseshoe Bay, TX is Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Horseshoe Bay, TX?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Horseshoe Bay, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.