Best Tent Camping near Horseshoe Bay, TX

Tent campsites near Horseshoe Bay, Texas range from established campgrounds to primitive sites along Lake Travis and the Colorado River. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area offers tent camping with sites situated near the water's edge, while Camp Creek Recreation Area provides walk-in tent sites in Marble Falls. Both locations feature fire rings and picnic tables, with Shaffer Bend providing sandy beach access to Lake Travis for swimming and fishing.

Most tent camping areas include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and trash collection, though drinking water is limited at many sites. Shaffer Bend has vault toilets near the entrance, approximately three miles from the campsites, while Camp Creek offers toilets but no showers. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade a critical consideration when selecting a site. Campers should be prepared for stickers and thorny plants throughout the area, particularly at Shaffer Bend where one visitor noted, "The only negative is the amount of stickers everywhere." Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, as sites fill quickly during peak seasons.

The tent camping experience in the Horseshoe Bay area offers scenic views of the Texas Hill Country and water access at several locations. Sites at Shaffer Bend provide tree cover to help combat the sun, with easy walking distance to Lake Travis. A camper described it as having "ample spacing at the site with a fire ring, and a table provided and plenty of shade. The trees are great to set up a hammock." Walking trails at many campgrounds provide opportunities for short hikes, though they typically feature minimal elevation changes. Cedar Point Recreation Area and Turkey Bend offer additional tent camping options with similar amenities, though they may be more expensive for primitive sites without water or electric hookups. Most tent sites in the region allow pets and have designated parking areas a short distance from the camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Horseshoe Bay, Texas (26)

    1. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

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

    "The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it’s a soft bedding for the evening. Lots of tree cover to help combat the sun."

    "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."

    2. Camp Creek Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Marble Falls, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "Was planning on tent camping nearby and left a day early and all the hotel room were booked. Tried finding a tent site and no luck. Found this place online and figured I'd give it a shot."

    "Discover serene landscapes and exciting activities like Slope Unblocked, perfect for all ages. Whether you're RVing or camping, our amenities ensure a comfortable stay."

    3. Grelle - Lake Travis

    6 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 776-5272

    "Gorgeous trails with no end to photo ops. A pups happy place! Picnic tables and bbq grills provided. Friendly park host to answer all your questions."

    "As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."

    4. Moss Lake Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    28 Reviews
    Willow City, TX
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 685-3636

    $14 / night

    "Once you walk about 20 feet, you’ll be in complete darkness without a light."

    "You'll be walking on solid granite. During the summer the temperatures rise sharply and there is limited shade to rest under on the summit."

    5. Walnut Springs Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

    24 Reviews
    Willow City, TX
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 685-3636

    $14 / night

    "Drove 3.5hrs from Dickinson, TX with more than enough time to hike out to our camp site, set up and catch an unbelievable sunset from one of the scenic lookouts."

    "Tent camping is all they offer here I believe. I went on solo weekend camp out and really enjoyed it. The grounds are nice. You are not allowed to hang anything from trees which is a bummer."

    6. Turkey Bend

    4 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "Our first night was at a site very near the neighboring sites. It wasn’t very private or peaceful. The next morning we asked to move."

    "It's like the real-world version of Snow Rider 3D, but instead of virtual slopes, you're navigating the great outdoors."

    7. Muleshoe Bend - Lake Travis

    1 Review
    Spicewood, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 776-5272

    "Within an hour’s drive of Austin, this area offers a quick getaway spot to get out into nature."

    8. Grenwelge Park

    3 Reviews
    Llano, TX
    23 miles

    "We stayed here the evening of 2/16/20 thanks to location being shared by first reviewer. Great spot as described."

    9. Cedar Point Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Buchanan Dam, TX
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "The campsite was nice and clean with a fire ring and a charcoal grill. The water was a little low but if you plan on doing a lot of swimming, bring water shoes."

    "This is a small, quiet park w/ 9 total campsites all right on the lake. Sites 1-3 are larger and more secluded while 4-9 are closer together on a peninsula."

    10. North Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Bend, TX
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (325) 628-3240

    $13 - $35 / night

    "There are rivers, streams, water holes, trees, caves and plenty of hike and bike trails to explore. 

    This park offers drive-up, walk-in, hike-in primitive and group campsites. "

    "The walk-in campsites are beautiful. They are well spaced and quite close to the river. The have lattern post, a picnic bench and a fire ring."

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Horseshoe Bay, TX

905 Reviews of 26 Horseshoe Bay Campgrounds



Guide to Horseshoe Bay

Nestled near Horseshoe Bay, Texas, tent camping offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents.

Tent campers should check out Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

  • The Shaffer Bend Recreation Area features sites with stunning views of Lake Travis, perfect for fishing and swimming.
  • Enjoy the spacious sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • This area allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Grelle - Lake Travis, visitors can enjoy swimming and stargazing on warm summer nights, creating memorable family experiences.
  • The Camp Creek Recreation Area offers easy access to hiking trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Turkey Bend, where you can cast your line right from your campsite.

Some prices for tent camping range from $25 to $30

  • Camping at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is priced around $25 per night, providing a budget-friendly option for nature lovers.
  • The cost for a night at Turkey Bend is approximately $30, which includes access to beautiful waterfront sites.
  • For a unique experience, Cedar Point Recreation Area offers tent camping for about $25, with the added bonus of scenic lake views.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Horseshoe Bay, TX is Shaffer Bend Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Horseshoe Bay, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.