Rustic camping near Lago Vista, Texas centers on Lake Georgetown's perimeter, with most primitive sites requiring hikers to backpack their gear over varied terrain. The limestone soil in this region affects drainage, making some areas prone to becoming slippery after rainfall. Minimal shade in many sections means temperatures frequently exceed 95°F during summer months, requiring careful preparation and timing.
What to do
Water activities at the lake: Campers at Walnut Springs Primitive Campground can access the lake shoreline for swimming and fishing. "Large open area; four fire pits, four lamp hangers, four picnic tables, trees closer the trail and grassy areas closer to the water," notes camper Guillermo L., who also mentioned groups canoeing into this site.
Night hiking opportunities: The San Gabriel River Trail offers opportunities for evening hikes when temperatures cool. The trail passes through sections of oak and juniper woodland, creating unique stargazing clearings. Trail markers are reflective but bring a headlamp and map.
Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, armadillo, and numerous bird species. Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times, particularly near water access points. Bring binoculars and maintain appropriate distance from all wildlife.
What campers like
Accessibility options: Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites can be reached from multiple trailheads, giving hikers flexibility. One camper shared, "We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before."
Solitude during weekdays: The primitive sites typically see lower usage midweek, offering a more secluded experience. "During the weekdays you may not see a single person," according to a review, creating opportunities for peaceful immersion in nature without crowds.
Natural swimming areas: Several unofficial swimming spots exist along the shoreline near established campsites. These natural swimming holes provide cooling relief during hot months, though water levels fluctuate seasonally and access requires careful navigation over uneven terrain.
What you should know
Water management crucial: Despite camping near a lake, accessing water for filtering isn't always convenient. "While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters," advises a camper on the San Gabriel River Trail.
Trail popularity varies: Weekend usage has increased in recent years, particularly with organized groups. "On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking," notes Troy W., which may impact site availability at established camping areas.
Terrain challenges: The trail includes limestone outcroppings and occasional water crossings that can become slippery. "The rain started pretty heavily... A couple slippery spots but very doable," noted Alexandra after camping near Sawyer Park, highlighting the importance of appropriate footwear and trekking poles.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Walnut Springs offers the easiest access for families with children. "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Goodwater trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others," notes Guillermo L., who reached the site after a 2-mile hike from Russell Park.
Test with shorter trips: For families new to primitive camping, consider a single overnight at closer sites before attempting the full trail. Pack extra water and lightweight backup supplies for children.
Pet considerations: Dogs are allowed on trails and at campsites but should remain leashed. Bring portable water bowls and check paws regularly for cactus spines or thorns common in the area.
Tips from RVers
Parking restrictions: RV owners should note that parking at trailheads is limited to designated areas only. Larger vehicles may have difficulty at some access points, particularly during peak weekend periods.
Supply staging: Since these sites require hiking in, RV campers often use their vehicle as a base camp at trailheads, hiking to sites with minimal gear. This approach allows for stocking supplies without carrying everything for multi-day trips.
Alternative camping options: For RV owners wanting easier access, consider established campgrounds at Cedar Breaks or Tejas Campground, which can serve as starting points for day hikes to primitive sites without requiring backpacking with full camping gear.
