Kingsland sits at the confluence of the Llano and Colorado rivers in the Texas Hill Country, creating varied camping landscapes from rugged terrain to gentle riverbanks. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity, while winter evenings can drop below freezing. The area's limestone soil creates hard, rocky campsites that require sturdy tent stakes and appropriate footwear for comfort.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Travis: Pedernales Falls State Park offers diverse water-based recreation beyond standard swimming. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way," notes Emily M., highlighting the combination of water play and adventure opportunities.
Wildflower viewing: Spring transforms the landscape around Shaffer Bend Recreation Area with bluebonnets and other native flowers. Candice C. confirms this seasonal attraction: "This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy."
Wildlife observation: The parks around Kingsland provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Fort Mason City Park, Chelsea R. describes the experience: "Beautiful little park with both back in & pull through spots, full hookups, and deer everywhere!" Many campers report regular deer sightings throughout the area.
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Campers appreciate the thoughtful layout at many sites. At Pedernales Falls State Park, Kaitlyn M. notes: "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed."
Lake access options: The variety of water entry points suits different preferences. Steve L. at Shaffer Bend describes: "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."
Extensive trail systems: The interconnected trails provide recreational opportunities. Lisa B. at Grelle - Lake Travis explains: "Hiking, kayaking, tenting, hammocks, mountain biking, horseback riding are all available here. Clean & flat sites, water views, quiet, convenient facilities from every site."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in this region. Faith S. cautions about Pedernales Falls: "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!"
Site differences: Not all sites offer the same level of shade or privacy. At Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Mickie B. advises: "Pro-tip, avoid spot 8, 9 or 17 < those spots don't have shade."
Terrain challenges: The rocky ground can cause issues for both footwear and vehicles. Candice C. warns about Shaffer Bend: "Also it's Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake."
Seasonal water levels: Water access can vary dramatically with lake levels. Jennifer J. notes about Grelle: "When the water level was down, there was not a soul around. I considered it 'My park'."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Arkansas Bend, Lauren Z. shares: "We have enjoyed the hiking trails down by the water and the playground for our kids."
Spacious sites for group activities: Many campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. Shelly S. describes Pedernales Falls: "You can backpack in to some of the primitive sites or stay in the HUGE camping spots. The sites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers."
Equestrian facilities for horse-loving families: Beyond the horse campgrounds near Kingsland, Texas mentioned in the existing description, other parks accommodate riders. Whitney L. notes about Muleshoe Bend: "In the month of April the bluebonnets are incredible and every time I've been there there have been tons of deer, probably the name sake of this place."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RVers appreciate well-prepared grounds. Lauren Z. comments about Arkansas Bend: "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy."
Utility considerations: Knowing what hookups are available helps with planning. Amie M. explains at Fort Mason City Park: "They have full hookups and cost $30 a night. Free and amazing wifi."
Low clearance areas: Tree cover can create challenges for larger rigs. At Krause Springs, Brandi W. 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."
Dump station locations: Kurt Z. at Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort shares a practical tip: "We towed with an electric vehicle, on the last day they let us move to an empty site with hookups and charge from the 50 amp outlet, which opened up a better route home."
Ranger
