Best Dispersed Camping near Kingsland, TX
Dispersed camping near Kingsland, Texas centers around the San Gabriel River Trail system, which circles Lake Georgetown with approximately 26.2 miles of trail access to primitive campsites. Free camping is permitted at several designated primitive areas including Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and along sections of the San Gabriel River Trail itself. These sites are accessible only by hiking, walking, or in some cases, by boat. Campers must park their vehicles at trailheads and hike in to reach these primitive camping areas.
Access to these dispersed camping areas requires hiking several miles from parking areas. Sawyer Park is approximately 5 miles from either Tejas Campground or Cedar Breaks Campground, while Walnut Springs can be reached via a 4-mile hike from Camp Tejas or a 2-mile hike from Russell Park. The terrain varies through forests, grasslands, and over small hills. No facilities or amenities exist at these primitive sites. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, pack in all necessary water or filter from the lake, and be prepared to dig cat holes for waste disposal. Fire regulations allow campfires at designated spots, though visitors should check current fire restrictions.
The primitive camping experience provides opportunities for solitude and lake views. A review noted, "Large open area; fire pits, lamp hangers, picnic tables, trees closer to the trail and grass areas closer to the water." Camping patterns vary seasonally, with weekends sometimes seeing scout troops practicing backpacking skills, while weekdays offer more solitude. Summer conditions can be challenging due to heat and sun exposure. Approximately 60% of the trail lacks shade coverage, making water management critical. Dogs are permitted but should be kept leashed. The sites closest to trailheads typically see more traffic. According to one visitor, "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Good Water Trail to get to, which may result in more people at this site than others."
