Johnson City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Johnson City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Johnson City and user-submitted reviews.
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$15 / night
"It seemed like part of the sitting area was literally on the trail for those walking to further sites out. However, I am still giving 5 stars because the fireflies were absolutely stunning."
"There was a bathroom a short walk away and a trail as well. Access to the river was a short walk past the parking area and the trail led to a loop of pull-up / drive-in camping sites."
"Within an hour’s drive of Austin, this area offers a quick getaway spot to get out into nature."
$30 / night
"The picturesque drive to Bankersmith, TX via old San Antonio Rd is worth the trip alone! Lovely wildflowers along the way. Once off old San Antonio the private road into the camp is crushed gravel."
GuideThis is not one of our favorites but we like to hike and the views are great. They have some drive thru campsites for anyone that’s new to backing an RV. There is not much shade and they have some repair areas. The swimming area is good for small children but not really that big. It’s far from Johnson City or Austin so it’s best to take supplies with you.
TravelerThe camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed. Extremely dog friendly! Has a good little spot with a picnic table for eating at camp. Also has a built in grill over the fire for cooking. The trails are the must for going to the park! Great hike down to the Pedernales Falls and cool little caves to explore. On the other end of the park, there are longer trails (roughly 4 Miles) with scenic overlooks of the Pedernales River. State Park is about 25 mins away from Johnson City (closest city) if any groceries are needed.
GuideShaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.
The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.
Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.
RangerType of Park: State
Check In: 2p Check Out: 1 p
💲 Cost per night $20+$5/person/day
Discounts:$5 with Texas State Parks Pass Total Cost$20
Site #13 Notes:
• Back In
• Water
• Max amp: 30
• Sewer (not at this site, but at others in the park)
• Wifi
• Fire Ring w/Grate
• Picnic Table: wood with metal legs, concrete base, metal roof
• Site Pad: level, asphalt, long enough for camper and truck and a little room to spare
👍🏻 Pros:
• Sites have a pad for a tent
👎🏻 Cons:
• I didn't bring my kayak! Dec 30- 81°- the Blanco River would have been perfect for kayaking
• No privacy between spots
Park Notes:
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Dump Station
• Trails
• Water access
• Day Use shelters
• Bigger pavilion for gatherings
Wildlife:
• Birds: multiple
• Squirrels
• A very thirsty, sweet cat- followed me during one of my walks. Gave him some milk and he lapped it all up and wanted more
💜 Highlights of this trip:
• Short drive to Johnson City to look at Christmas lights
• Proof and Cooper at The Lumberyard, Johnson City- we got in quickly, but they were busy and it was a long wait to order and get the food. Good though!
• Camping with a former Boondocker at my site
• Breakfast muffins from the InstaPot with air fryer lid- gonna have to get one of these!
More info at https://www.denisevajdak.com/2022/01/out-with-old-in-with-new.html
LegendPace 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. The entrance fee is $10 per car and the campsites are all first come first served. There are almost always campsites available, but the best campsites do get taken early. On the east side of the park there is easy beach access to the lakeshore and water. On the west side of the park there are a number of coves. Access to the water is possible by scrambling over and down rocks to the waters edge. Many people cliff jump off the cove cliffs, but be sure to test the depth of the water before jumping. Many people get injured every year jumping off the cliffs. Some of the campsites have developed pads to set up your tent. Other campsites just have clearing to set up your tent. There are ample trees available for hammock hanging. Because the park is located so close to the city many people visit the park for day use. The day time crowd can be a bit overwhelming and loud at times. At night the atmosphere generally calms down a bit. Many of the campsites have picnic tables and some have grills. A few have fire rings for campfires, but the park is removing many of the rings. Depending on the time of the year and the dryness, there is often a county fire banned in the area and park. My favorite campsites are along the west side of the park and the coves (N. Gracey Cove).
LegendI've camped at this campground a number of times while hiking around The Goodwater Trail.
There is a basic restroom with toilets. There is a water faucet near the Park Host's trailer. There is plenty of parking, a field with pad sites, a large open field and my favorite is the group campsite at the end of the large open field. The group campsite has a pad, but it also has plenty of trees and space to hang hammocks. It is also the more secluded of the campsites. There are fire rings at the campsites and it is possible to collect fallen wood for a fire if there is not a fire ban in effect.
Near the group campsite and through the tree line there is a small creek. Depending on the amount of recent rain or degree of draught the creek is deep enough to go for a wade or a swim. It is also fun to just explore the area around the creek.
The Goodwater trail is a loop trail that circles Lake Georgetown and runs about 28 miles. When backpacking the Goodwater Loop people typically start/park at either Tejas Park Trailhead, Jim Hogg Trailhead or Cedar Breaks Trailhead. If you are backpacking the loop parking and hiking are free. If you are using the park facilities just for the day, there is a day use fee.
RangerWe really enjoyed this park and lovely old Live Oaks. It was close to Anhalt Halle.
Type of Park: Private-owned
Check In: 11a Check Out: 11a
Cost per night$44
Discounts: Good Sam$4/night
Site#10- Pull-Thru
Water 20/30/50 amp Sewer Picnic Table Site Pad: Asphalt
👍🏻 Pros: Shade from Live Oaks Close to showers, restrooms, laundry There’s a little room in the same building with coffee, table, books(Botanical Room)
👎🏻 Cons: The front area is a little close to Hwy 281 so there’s a little road noise but not bad No fire ring No grill at the sites
📝 Park Notes: Lot of people live here full time Good Live Oak shade trees, but watch them above and on the side of your rig
Wifi
Propane sold onsite
Laundry facilities
Club house for larger gatherings- built of native stone
Dog Park
Basketball court
Chapel, church services on Sunday
Nature Trail
Headquarters has limited supply of RV parts(or there's a Walmart and Tractor Supply nearby)\
Billiards, Ping Pong, Horseshoes, Shuffleboard
RV Storage area
Mini storage buildings
Rental Guest Suites available
Frog/Koi pond/fountain
Quiet hours 9pm to 7 am
🐦 Wildlife: Birds: Lots of happy singing ones, hummingbirds Squirrels
More info at https://www.denisevajdak.com/2021/04/anhalt-western-roundup.html
RangerNote: This is NOT the Guadalupe STATE Park!
Check In: 1p Check Out: 12p
⛺ Site#34- Back-In| Pull-Thru
💲45 per night (Pull-thru sites not along the river are $5 cheaper)
• Water
• 20/30/50 amp- 2 poles, one on each side of site
• Sewer
• Fire Ring
• Picnic Table
• Site Pad: Asphalt/gravel
👍🏻 Pros:
• Next to the restrooms/showers
• Discount for going to Anhalt Hall events
👎🏻 Cons:
• NOT very level. Slopes a lot front to back. Could be a pull-thru
• Lots of carpet burrs. Don't go barefoot and watch fur babies
📝 Park Notes:
• Dump Station
• Select items for sale in the office
• Restrooms/ Bath House (looks better from the inside)
• Tent sites are available along the river
• Good place for tubing, Rvers have a parking lot down by the river
• Laundry
• Cabins
• Propane
• Winery across the street
• Bring tubes or kayaks
• There are some RVs and equipment parked near the office so it's not the best looking campground
• Some long-time residents. RVs need to be cleaned.
• There is a cave on site, but it was closed for some construction at the time we were there
❗ Lots of deer on the roads and in the park this time of year- drive with caution after dark
🐦 Wildlife:
• Birds: ducks, hawks
• Deer
More info on my website at https://denisevajdak.com
TravelerSpent 3 nights at Inks Lake from 8/3-8/6. Got there right before dark on the first night and found the late check in process a bit confusing. Right now, Texas state parks don't assign or let you choose spots when you reserve so it's first come....When I got to Inks at about 730 pm, there was a sign in the lobby of the park headquarters that listed all the sites and said to pick any site that wasn't crossed off. Problem was, the sign was on the other side of the glass so folks couldn't cross off the site they chose. Wild goose chase led me to two sites that were already chosen. I finally picked an open site that I came upon and settled in. All the lake view spots were, of course, taken, so this shady spot was just fine. Site 72. Nice and level. Water and 20/30/50 amp power. The water didn't work. The faucet was broken and spewed everywhere. I turned it way down, filled my fresh water tank, and turned it off.
Each site has an asphalt pad, water, electric. A picnic table, a lantern/garbage hook, and a grill/fire pit combo. The park has a general store where you can rent kayaks and paddle boats as well as borrow (for free) fishing gear. There is a very nice fishing pier and a cleaning house for those that wish to clean their catch. There is a boat launch by the store also. There's plenty of room for everyone in the lake to do whatever you like. There's even a swimming area called "Devils Watering Hole" where you can jump from the cliff into the lake. The park also has tent sites, adorable cabins and lots of day use space. Playgrounds keep the kids from causing misery back at the camp sites.
The patrons of the park were pleasant and well behaved. No rowdies after quiet hour. Friendly and helpful folks. The park staff was also peasNt and helpful. When I went up in the morning to do my check in (you go before 9am id[f you did a late check in), I told them about the faucet. By the time I got back to my site, the maintenance guys were there to fix it.
There is plenty of wild life to enjoy. Several trails to keep you occupied when you are tired of the water. Right down the road is Longhorn Caverns state park. Their general tour is 90 minutes of blissfully cool and very interesting cave tour. They also have an extreme tour that requires helmets and knee pads (they provide).
There are two wineries nearby for liesurely wine tastings. I enjoyed an excursion from Inks Lake to Longhorn Caverns and then stopped at one of the wineries on the way back.
The park, in general, was very clean and well maintained. Plenty of dumpsters and recycling bins for cans. My reason for subtracting a star is the state of the restroom/shower facilities. Ewwwwww! Now I know this park has heavy use. But with heavy use comes more money to spend on help. Clean those bathrooms, Texas! And while you are at it, toilet paper would be a nice touch. The showers were all out NASTY! Do not forget your shower flip flops, people. And do not drop anything on the floor while you are showering....gonna need a flame thrower to sterilize that nastiness!
in general, a fabulous long weekend and I will definitely go again. Can't wait for Texas to allow site specific booking starting in October of this year. Hint: #48.
oh. Wait. I forgot to mention....ants. Be prepared. They have the nasty varieties that show up suddenly, out of nowhere, and devour your dogs dinner before Fido can even whiff it with that finely tuned nose. And the fire ants at Inks are stealth. That's right. Stealth fire ants. No tell-tale mounds for these little bastards. No. You can't even find one if you looked all day. But suddenly, you are standing there and, POOF!, you are the next victim. I always say..."Texas will kill you" (but it's worth it). Btw, no snakes appeared during my stay.
Tent camping near Johnson City, Texas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. With a variety of campgrounds featuring unique amenities and activities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
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