Lake Travis primitive camping options range from cliff-side sites with water views to secluded spots in cedar groves. The area sits in Texas Hill Country at elevations between 600-1,200 feet with hot summers reaching 95°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access with limestone shorelines suitable for fishing or swimming.
What to do
Cliff jumping: Pace Bend Park provides multiple cliff jumping spots into Lake Travis. "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," notes Aaron S. The park features designated jumping areas with varying heights for different skill levels.
Mountain biking: Cedar Breaks Park offers trails suitable for cyclists with some technical sections. "I honestly forget that I'm in Central Texas when I stay here. Lake Georgetown is beautiful, and the cedar groves are amazing as well," shares Brent F. The Good Water Loop trail runs through the park and circles the entire lake.
Spring swimming: Krause Springs features natural springs flowing into man-made and natural swimming areas. A visitor explains, "This was my first time swimming in a spring. As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you don't want to get bitten) you will find pockets of cooler water spouting up. It's kinda like stepping into a refrigerator but underwater."
What campers like
Private campsites: Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis offers campsites with significant privacy. "The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," says Katie B. The park includes over 300 primitive camping spots around its peninsula.
Spacious sites: Pedernales Falls State Park Campground features large camping spots. "They have big camping sites, great for large groups! The park ranger are awesome!" reports Ruth P. Sites include tent pads and level areas for larger setups.
Wildlife viewing: Grelle - Lake Travis attracts various wildlife. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," mentions Melissa P. Visitors may also encounter wild hogs, porcupines, and other wildlife throughout the park.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels change seasonally, affecting swimming areas and boat ramps. "When the water level was down, there was not a soul around. I considered it 'My park,'" shares Jennifer J. about Grelle Recreation Area. Call ahead to confirm current conditions.
Bathroom accessibility: Some parks limit bathroom access at night. At Austin Lone Star RV Community, "showers and bathrooms are private and very clean. There are plenty, so there always seems to be at least one available no matter what time of day," notes Carlyne F.
Flash flood risk: McKinney Falls State Park Campground sits near waterways prone to flooding. "Respect weather warnings!" cautions Faith S. who stayed at another nearby park. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here." Monitor weather forecasts closely during rainy seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming holes with graduated entry: Pedernales Falls has accessible water areas. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way," advises Emily M.
Choose sites with shade: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. At Cedar Breaks Park, "spots are fairly close together with tent and RV spots near each other. Clean bathrooms and nice lakefront view. The coverings over the tables are thick wood and very large on a concrete pad," says Amy H.
Find parks with playgrounds: Austin Lone Star RV Community has family amenities. "Each site feels spacious and comes with its own picnic table and full hook-ups... There is a nice laundry room, children's playground and pool for guests to enjoy as well," mentions Carlyne F.
Tips from RVers
Watch for low-hanging branches: Many parks have tree canopies that can damage tall vehicles. At Krause Springs, one visitor cautions, "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."
Check site levelness: Some campsites require significant leveling. "The sites along the outside of the loop have lake views and are level. The sites along the inside are scary unlevel!" warns Karen H. about Cedar Breaks Park. "Saw a lady break her ankle stepping out of her camper. Be prepared to level your camper!"
Reserve premium sites early: Leander-NW Austin KOA offers both standard and premium sites. "We were scheduled to have a back in site but none of them had much shade so we upgraded to a pull through which had a tree. Sites are medium size, level with tables and pads," notes Karen B.
