Horseshoe Bay sits within Texas Hill Country at approximately 860 feet elevation where limestone cliffs and juniper forests create distinctive camping landscapes. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, while winters remain mild with occasional freezing nights. Several campgrounds near Horseshoe Bay offer yurt accommodations with canvas walls and wooden platforms that provide stable shelter during occasional Texas thunderstorms.
What to do
Swimming in spring-fed waters: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy natural swimming areas along the river. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" warns Faith S., highlighting the importance of weather awareness when planning water activities.
Mountain biking on park trails: Pace Bend Park offers trail systems suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. "Nice swimming, hiking, and biking, so there is a lot to do," notes J E., who appreciated the variety of recreational options in this Travis County park.
Cliff jumping for adventurous visitors: Several spots at Pace Bend provide designated jumping areas with deep water below. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," shares Aaron S., though safety precautions should be observed.
Bouldering along riverbanks: The limestone formations create natural climbing opportunities for non-technical scrambling. "You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," explains Emily M. about the Pedernales River area.
Geocaching adventures: The parks contain numerous hidden caches for technology-enhanced treasure hunting. "Camping, river play and over 20 geocaching sites make it a great place to wind down," mentions James G. about his experiences at Pedernales Falls State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Camp Creek Recreation Area offers campsites with adequate spacing for solitude. "Sites are nicely spaced out. River access for boating," notes Linette G., highlighting the balance between privacy and water access that many campers appreciate.
Star viewing opportunities: The reduced light pollution in certain campgrounds creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "Great view of the sunrise/sunset," Melissa P. shares about her experience at Grelle - Lake Travis, where she also enjoyed wildlife watching.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening hours bring opportunities to observe native Texas species. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," Melissa P. continues about her Grelle camping experience.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings enhance the camping experience. "Extremely clean restrooms/shower facility. Heated restrooms/shower facility (we camped the week after Christmas)," reports one Napunani about Black Rock Park, noting the year-round comfort provided.
Proximity to towns: Several campgrounds allow easy access to supplies and restaurants. "Being in town, there are plenty of good and services near by. While your there, visit the Redbud Cafe," suggests Gary F. about Blanco State Park's convenient location.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons from March through October. "Easy to book online and very inexpensive with our Texas State Parks pass," mentions Marnie G. about her Blanco State Park experience.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F. "Let me start by saying avoid July if possible... July is hot," advises R W. about their Pedernales Falls experience.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Travis and river levels can vary dramatically based on rainfall patterns. "When the water level was down, there was not a soul around. I considered it 'My park'," shares Jennifer J. about her experience at Grelle Recreation Area.
Campground size variations: Some parks offer limited sites while others provide extensive camping areas. "The campsites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers. You could fit a group of people all one one site with room to spare!" explains Shelly S. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Food storage practices: Proper storage prevents wildlife encounters. "Don't sleep with food in your tent," warns R W. from their Pedernales Falls camping experience, highlighting practical safety considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground for the kids and a volleyball court," notes Jennifer J. about Blanco State Park facilities, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Shallow water areas: Identify areas with gentle slopes for safer water entry with children. "Great swimming. Shaded campsites," Mylie A. says about Blanco State Park, where the river provides family-friendly water access points.
Multi-generational accommodation options: Ranch 3232 offers various lodging types including yurts near Horseshoe Bay. "You have the choice of camping at a tent site, park your RV, to glamp in a yurt or cabin, or even walk out to a more secluded 'TentRR' site," explains Rachel B., highlighting options that accommodate different comfort levels.
Educational opportunities: Many parks provide nature programs and informational displays about local ecosystems. "The staff was welcoming," shares a camper about their experience, indicating helpful personnel who can enhance educational experiences.
Safety precautions: Areas with water require vigilant supervision. "Watch out for cayotes and curious deer," advises Jimmy R. about his primitive camping experience, reminding families to maintain awareness of local wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring stabilization equipment. "Good condition asphalt site parking pad was uneven side-to-side as we noticed nearly all sites in that condition with all requiring leveling," notes Napunani about their Black Rock Park experience.
Low clearance warnings: Tree branches and narrow roads can create access challenges. "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage," warns Brandi W. about Krause Springs.
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer connections differ across locations. "Our group was camping in tents and hammocks so we found the campground a bit unusual. There were tent pads to set up tents and plenty of trees to hang some hammocks. In addition, there was a parking spot, water, electricity, open space, picnic table, sun awning and grill," explains Troy W. about the facilities at Blanco State Park.
Road quality considerations: Access roads vary in maintenance and width. "The drive down the hill to the campground is not user friendly especially at night as you are risking your life," cautions one reviewer about an approach road, emphasizing the importance of arriving during daylight hours.
