Lago Vista sits on the north shore of Lake Travis, approximately 20 miles northwest of Austin at an elevation of 823 feet. The area features limestone cliffs and cedar-dotted hills characteristic of the Texas Hill Country. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making water access particularly valuable for campers during these months.
What to do
Cliff jumping access: At Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis, visitors can enjoy limestone cliff jumping opportunities. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," notes Aaron S. The park features multiple jumping spots with varying heights for different experience levels.
Mountain biking trails: Cedar Breaks Park offers biking trails around Lake Georgetown, though terrain can be challenging. As one visitor cautions, "bikes are also allowed on the trail but it has been described as a 'cheese grater'." The Good Water Loop trail system connects through the park and circles the entire lake.
Winter solstice camping: Cold-weather campers can find uncrowded conditions at Pace Bend during winter months. "Stayed here on Monday, December 21 (winter solstice) 2020. There were only four other campsites taken. It was very quiet. We went mountain biking in shorts the first day and a backpack training hike the next," reports Rick.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Primitive camping at Camp Creek Recreation Area offers quieter alternatives to busier glamping options near Lago Vista. "Free camping along the river. Sites are nicely spaced out. River access for boating," notes Linette G. The first-come, first-served system uses a simple drop box for payment.
Underground springs: Some swimming areas feature natural springs feeding into Lake Travis. "As you walk into the lake you will find pockets of cooler water spouting up. It's kinda like stepping into a refrigerator but underwater," describes Amy H. about Grelle - Lake Travis.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," reports Melissa P. One reviewer at Grelle mentioned encountering "wild hogs, porcupines, skunks, snakes" during lower water levels when fewer people visited the area.
What you should know
Flash flood awareness: The Hill Country topography creates flash flood risks that campers should monitor. A visitor to Pedernales Falls State Park Campground cautions, "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!"
Boil water notices: Some campgrounds occasionally implement water safety measures. At Leander-NW Austin KOA, one camper reported, "Please note that they are currently under a boil water notice. No one mentioned this when we checked in and we did not realize until we were looking for the bathroom code."
Generator noise: Primitive camping experiences can be impacted by neighboring equipment. At Grelle, a camper mentioned, "Personally my camping experience was ruined by the generator a couple spots down - constantly on and did not take a break - so it kinda ruined the beauty of the outdoor experience for me."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming skill requirements: Water safety is crucial at natural swimming areas. A reviewer at McKinney Falls State Park Campground advises, "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here."
Age-appropriate water features: Some water areas work better for children than others. "The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," notes Steph C. about McKinney Falls.
Site selection strategy: For camping with children, select sites with natural barriers. At Cedar Breaks Park, "The sites along the outside of the loop have lake views and are level. The sites along the inside are scary unlevel!" warns Karen H., describing some RVs "jacked up 4 feet or so in front" and noting a visitor who "broke her ankle stepping out of her camper."
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: When glamping near Lago Vista in larger vehicles, check campground restrictions. "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," warns Brandi W. about Krause Springs.
Leveling requirements: Prepare sufficient leveling equipment at some parks. At Cedar Breaks, "Some of the big rigs were backed in and jacked up 4 feet or so in front," notes one camper. Sites along outer loops tend to be more level than interior sites.
Off-season accessibility: Winter camping provides more availability for RVers. "We stay at Pace Bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available," notes Katie B., highlighting the year-round accessibility of many glamping and camping options in the area.
