Tent camping near Killeen, Texas offers variable water availability across different seasons, with nearby lakes experiencing significant fluctuation levels. Lake Travis near Shaffer Bend Recreation Area features sandy beaches accessible to campers, while many primitive sites lack reliable cell service coverage. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: Shaffer Bend Recreation Area has waterfront sites with good fishing opportunities. "Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. There are fish if you're into that," notes Kyle G. The recreation area connects directly to the lake, making it convenient for anglers.
Trail hiking: Russell Park sits along the San Gabriel River Trail that circles Lake Georgetown. "The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries," explains Troy W. The trail system provides varied terrain with mixed shade coverage.
Wildlife viewing: North Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "There were so many animals that came to visit us at night! Owls, armadillos, raccoons, a couple wild hogs, gray foxes, deer, even saw a mountain lion at one point after our campsite got raided by the raccoons," shares Nina P. The riverside location attracts diverse wildlife.
What campers like
Tent-specific locations: Tejas Park caters particularly well to tent campers. "Tejas Park is perfect for those in the area looking for tent camping without wanting to be surrounded by RV's," says Mark S. The spacious tent pads accommodate multiple tents per site.
Secluded camping: Camp Creek Recreation Area offers a quieter experience away from crowds. "Free camping along the river. Sites are nicely spaced out," reports Linette G. This arrangement provides more privacy than many established campgrounds.
Swimming spots: Shaffer Bend Recreation Area features sandy beach access to Lake Travis. "The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of Lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carries up so it's a soft bedding for the evening," notes Steve L. The gradual lake entry makes it suitable for families.
What you should know
Water limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted water access. At Russell Park, "Men's restroom was decently clean, shower worked well. If you want a spotless bathroom, hike over to the underused day use area," advises David.
Tent pad variations: Site conditions differ significantly between campgrounds. At Tejas Park, "The spots are spaced out and each has a large tent pad capable of fitting multiple tents. Each spot has a table and fire pit," explains Mark S.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "At this point, you must have a reservation to camp here," notes David about Russell Park. Weekends fill quickly while weekdays remain more available.
Wildlife concerns: Owl Creek and other campgrounds have active wildlife. "I grew up going to owl creek, as a kid a lot of fond memories good fishing and swimming camping as well," shares MaNdy Dee A. Secure food storage is essential with raccoons and other wildlife common throughout camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping: Select waterfront sites with beach access. "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," recommends Steve L. about Shaffer Bend.
Shade importance: Choose sites with natural cover. "Lots of tree cover to help combat the sun. There is a table, a fire ring, and a grill at each site," notes Steve L. This protection makes summer camping more bearable.
Wagon requirements: For hike-in sites, bring transport assistance. "The hike to these primitive sites is a little under 1 mile, so be prepared to carry your gear," warns Troy W. about Colorado Bend State Park.
Kid-friendly sites: Some locations work better for children. "My 5 year old wanted to go camping for the first time. This location is close enough to be near civilization, but feels remote to get the primitive camping experience," Steve L. shares about Tejas Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate locations for RV camping. "Small RV plus tent for us," reports Robin about Shaffer Bend, noting that while primarily tent-focused, smaller RVs can access certain sites.
Wind considerations: Prepare for gusty conditions at some locations. "Very windy, so no bugs!" notes Robin at Shaffer Bend. This affects both tent stability and comfort levels.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Killeen offer primitive camping only. "The drive-up, walk-in and group sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, lantern post, water nearby and restrooms nearby. However, there are no RV hookups," explains Troy W. about Colorado Bend State Park.