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Best Dispersed Camping near Horseshoe Bay, TX

4 Reviews

Primitive camping options near Horseshoe Bay, Texas center around Lake Georgetown and the San Gabriel River Trail system, where backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts find several hike-in sites. The 26.2-mile trail that circles Lake Georgetown provides access to dispersed camping areas including Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and various spots along the San Gabriel River Trail. These sites require no permits and are free to use, though they offer minimal to no amenities. Most locations are accessible only by hiking several miles from trailheads or by boat, making them suitable for experienced campers seeking solitude rather than those wanting developed facilities.

Summer conditions present significant challenges for campers in this region. The trail system features limited shade with approximately 40% tree coverage and 60% exposed terrain, creating potentially uncomfortable hiking conditions during hot months. As one regular visitor notes, "In the summer, the combination of temperature and exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water, and stay in the shade all that you can." Water access requires planning despite proximity to Lake Georgetown, as reaching the water isn't always convenient from campsites or trails. Campers should carry at least two liters of water while hiking and bring filtration systems for extended stays.

Weekday visitors often experience relative solitude at these primitive sites, while weekends bring increased traffic from backpacking groups and scout troops. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, rated highly by users, features fire pits, picnic tables, and can be accessed by hiking from Russell Park (2 miles) or biking from Camp Tejas (4 miles). Some campers also arrive by canoe. According to camper Guillermo L., "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Good Water Trail to get to, which may result in more people at this site than others." The primitive nature of these sites requires adherence to Leave No Trace principles, including digging cat holes for waste and properly filtering lake water. Weather can change quickly, with thunderstorms creating slippery trail conditions, though most paths remain passable even during rain.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Horseshoe Bay, Texas (3)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Horseshoe Bay, TX

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Horseshoe Bay, TX

4 Reviews of 3 Horseshoe Bay Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Guillermo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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.

Guide to Horseshoe Bay

Primitive camping near Horseshoe Bay, Texas requires careful planning due to the rugged terrain and limited facilities. The area surrounding Lake Georgetown features limestone outcroppings and juniper-covered hills with elevations ranging from 791 to 1,096 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F between June and September, while spring often brings flash flooding risks along the San Gabriel River watershed.

What to do

Paddle camping access: Canoeing provides an alternative entry to Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, avoiding longer hiking routes. "There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves," notes camper Guillermo L., describing the diverse access methods used by fellow campers at this site.

Water-edge camping spots: Some campers opt for unofficial sites near Lake Georgetown rather than designated primitive areas. One visitor at Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites reports, "We ended up camping 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."

Storm watching: Thunderstorms create dramatic viewing opportunities for prepared campers. Guillermo L. mentions, "Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees," highlighting that while rain creates challenges, it also provides unique experiences for those with proper gear.

What campers like

Multiple access points: The San Gabriel River Trail system offers various entry points for hikers. "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," advises Troy W.

Weekday solitude: Visitors seeking quiet experiences should plan mid-week trips. According to Troy W., "The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person."

Diverse terrain: The landscape varies considerably throughout the trail system. Troy describes, "The trail passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries," providing campers with changing scenery throughout their journey.

What you should know

Tent selection considerations: Weather conditions can challenge equipment. At Sawyer Park, one camper experienced, "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."

Communication practices: Notify officials about overnight plans. "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," suggests an experienced camper.

Trail conditions during rain: Most paths remain usable despite precipitation. Alexandra from Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites notes, "The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection priority: Choose Walnut Springs for better facilities with children. "Large open area, four fire pits, four lamp hangers, four picnic tables, trees closer the trail and grassy areas closer to the water," describes Guillermo L., making this location more manageable for families than other primitive sites.

Distance planning: Select entry points based on children's hiking abilities. The Walnut Springs site "can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can be hiked from Russell Park 2 miles away," offering options for different age groups and experience levels.

Weather contingencies: Prepare children for rapid weather changes. One camper recommends bringing extra tarps and rain gear, as storms can develop quickly in this region, especially during spring and early summer months.

Tips from RVers

Base camp strategies: Park at developed campgrounds as a launching point for primitive camping excursions. Several campers mention leaving vehicles at trailheads while backpacking to primitive sites, creating a hybrid camping approach.

Water transport solutions: Bring collapsible containers for water carry. Troy W. emphasizes, "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," a concern particularly relevant for families and groups needing larger water supplies.

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 Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Horseshoe Bay, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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