Best Campgrounds near Lago Vista, TX
Lago Vista, Texas provides access to numerous established campgrounds along Lake Travis and the surrounding Hill Country. Pace Bend Park and Arkansas Bend offer both primitive sites and developed camping areas with views of Lake Travis. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes southwest, supports tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations. Most developed campgrounds near Lago Vista feature amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Travis County parks manage many of the campground options around Lago Vista, with varying levels of amenities and reservation requirements. Primitive camping spots can be found along lake shores and cliff edges, particularly at Pace Bend Park, which offers both improved and unimproved sites. During summer months, lakeside campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations, though summer heat can make camping challenging without adequate shade. Winter camping provides cooler temperatures and less crowded conditions, though some facilities may operate with reduced services. A camper described their experience: "Pace Bend is a great county park surrounded by water with over 300 primitive camping spots right outside of Austin."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Lago Vista area, with many campsites offering direct lake views or access. Pace Bend Park receives consistently positive reviews for its cliff-top camping areas that provide panoramic views over Lake Travis. According to one visitor, "The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night." Campgrounds in the region typically provide fire rings and picnic tables, with many offering electrical hookups and water access for RVs. Several sites within the Lago Vista area support mixed recreational use, combining camping with swimming, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. Reviews frequently mention the opportunity for cliff jumping at Pace Bend Park during periods of higher water levels, though this activity comes with safety concerns. For those seeking more amenities, developed campgrounds like McKinney Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park provide shower facilities and improved campsites within driving distance.
