Rustic camping near Lampasas, Texas offers opportunities to experience undeveloped sites typically requiring some effort to access. The surrounding region features rolling hills with limestone outcroppings, juniper trees, and seasonal creeks that flow after rainfall. Most primitive sites in the area lack amenities and require campers to pack in all necessary supplies including drinking water, even during cooler winter months.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: San Gabriel River Trail offers 26.2 miles of hiking paths with several dispersed camping options along the route. A camper who ventured off-trail noted, "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 as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents." The rain can make certain sections slippery but remains "very doable" according to the same visitor at Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites.
Boating access: Some primitive campsites can be reached by water, offering alternatives to hiking in. One visitor to Walnut Springs Primitive Campground observed there was "a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves," indicating multiple ways to access this site. The large open area includes "fire pits, lamp hangers, picnic tables, trees closer to the trail, and grassy areas closer to the water."
Star viewing: Primitive camping locations offer minimal light pollution. At Iron Bridge Park, one visitor reported "the stars were beautiful" and despite being near water "it did not smell like dead fish," making it suitable for overnight astronomy activities.
What campers like
Natural solitude: Weekday visits provide the most isolation on primitive trails. According to one camper, "The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail... During the weekdays you may not see a single person." Dogs are allowed on San Gabriel River Trail, but keeping them leashed is recommended.
Water proximity: Multiple sites offer camping near water. A camper at Sawyer Park mentioned, "water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in." While lake access exists, campers should note that water sources may require filtration and sterilization for drinking.
Flexible camping zones: Beyond designated tent pads, many areas allow flexible site selection. A reviewer noted that along the San Gabriel River Trail, "There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Summer temperatures combined with limited shade make hiking challenging. A visitor warned that "the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can."
Water management: Despite proximity to water bodies, convenient access points are limited. Plan to "carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters" as one experienced camper at San Gabriel River Trail suggests.
Access planning: Some sites require significant hiking distance. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground "can be biked in from Camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away," according to a camper. For Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, road conditions deteriorate: "When you get to the paved parking lot, take the gate [to] the right and follow the road. It does get rough, so be prepared."
Tips for camping with families
First-time backpacking: Scout troops frequently use these trails for backpacking practice, making them suitable for introducing children to overnight hiking. The relatively short distances to sites like Walnut Springs (2 miles from Russell Park) make them appropriate for families with older children.
Restroom situations: Bathroom facilities are minimal or non-existent. At Iron Bridge Park, a visitor noted "There are trash cans and two bathrooms (holes in the ground with four walls). Be prepared for no toilet paper lol!" At other primitive sites, visitors must "be prepared to dig cat hole" as there are no facilities.
Weather monitoring: Thunderstorms can pass through the area. One Walnut Springs camper reported they "Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees," suggesting tree coverage can provide some shelter, but families should check forecasts and bring appropriate rain gear.
Tips from RVers
Parking logistics: Iron Bridge Park offers limited but functional parking for larger vehicles. A visitor observed, "There is enough room to get a big rig to come through, park, and pull around. The gravel/ground is tightly packed with plenty of flat areas for tenting as well." The site has "a medium sized gravel parking lot and grassy areas with covered cement picnic tables as well as a boat ramp at the end."
Overnight considerations: The area has varied overnight activity levels. At Iron Bridge Park, "There are people that live out here and people that come out here for 12-6 am hunting/fishing/driving," though the reviewer noted they "weren't bothered at all, despite being in the way." The park operates 24/7 without requiring permits or passes.
