Best Campgrounds near Lakeway, TX
The Texas Hill Country surrounding Lakeway offers diverse camping experiences within an hour's drive of this Lake Travis community. Pedernales Falls State Park, located about 30 minutes west, features well-spaced wooded sites with water and electricity hookups alongside primitive camping options with cliffside views overlooking the hill country. Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis provides both developed and primitive sites with direct water access, making it popular for swimming and cliff diving during summer months. Several private RV resorts like La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages cater to longer-term stays with full hookups and amenities, while specialized sites such as Windy Point Park offer unique experiences for scuba divers with underwater training platforms.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during spring and summer when water activities peak in popularity. Texas State Parks Pass holders receive significant discounts, with second nights at campgrounds often discounted by 50%. Weather conditions vary dramatically throughout the year, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90-100°F, making shade a critical consideration when selecting sites. As one camper noted at Pedernales Falls, "The weather in January can be all over the map. We were in shorts the first two days, then it snowed more than the area had seen in 20 years on our final day." Many primitive sites close temporarily after heavy rainfall to protect natural resources.
Waterfront access represents a primary draw for campers in the Lakeway area, with Lake Travis and nearby rivers offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. McKinney Falls State Park provides spacious sites with hiking trails accessible directly from camping loops, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while remaining close to Austin's attractions. Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with several reviewers noting its importance during hot months. A visitor to Krause Springs mentioned, "Most spots they have are fully shaded with trees and the area is kept immaculate for the next person arriving. Several RV parks in the area did not offer any shade—I cannot imagine the heat especially the day I left when it was 100 degrees." Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at dawn and dusk throughout the region's campgrounds.
