Equestrian camping near Lampasas, Texas offers sites alongside picturesque Lake Travis and throughout the Hill Country. The terrain features limestone hills with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet, creating varied camping conditions from lakeside flats to wooded hillsides. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making water access a priority for campers seeking relief from the Texas heat.
What to do
Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: Pace Bend Park provides natural limestone cliffs perfect for jumping into deep water. "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," says Aaron S. about Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis.
Wildlife viewing safari: Take a drive through exotic animals at Buena Vista. "The drive through safari is an extra $15 per car and worth it," notes Chris P. at Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park, which offers a unique alternative to traditional hiking.
Bluebonnet viewing: Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays at Muleshoe Bend. "I HIGHLY suggest coming out here during Bluebonnet season. It is Absolutely beautiful!" shares Jennifer J. Though water levels can affect viewing areas, the trails provide seasonal color from March through April.
What campers like
Spring swimming holes: Krause Springs features natural pools beneath waterfalls. "There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below. There's a small cave behind it," explains Emily M. about Krause Springs, noting the unique cave feature accessible with a headlamp.
Secluded tent sites: Arkansas Bend offers well-spaced camping spots. "The sites are huge, and they keep it nice and clean," says Rich S. about Arkansas Bend, mentioning the campground's recent renovations.
Diverse terrain for outdoor activities: Grelle Recreation Area provides multiple landscape features. "Hiking, kayaking, tenting, hammocks, mountain biking, horseback riding are all available here. Clean & flat sites, water views, quiet, convenient facilities from every site," Lisa B. explains about the variety of options at this recreation area.
What you should know
Lake level fluctuations: Water access can change dramatically throughout the year. "Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access," notes Erik F. about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Summer heat considerations: Texas summers require planning for shade. "Sites 1-12 are right next to the boat ramp where people will be loading/unloading at all hours of the night," warns Shainna M. about Muleshoe Bend, suggesting campers select sites with adequate tree cover away from high-traffic areas.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "Not much for any type of cell service, ESPECIALLY AT&T," reports Kayla D. about Buena Vista Wildlife Safari, highlighting the need to prepare for communication challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Live Oak Ridge offers dedicated play areas. "A better-than-typical playground is set in a great interior place for all to enjoy," notes Cheryl D. about this Corps of Engineers park, which provides a central recreation option for children.
Swimming safety: Lake Travis entry points require appropriate footwear. "I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore," advises Erik F., highlighting potential hazards for children swimming near Shaffer Bend.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for animal sightings. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," shares Melissa P. about Grelle Recreation Area, where wildlife observation becomes part of the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many parks offer well-prepared camping pads. "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy," explains Lauren Z. about Arkansas Bend, noting the practical design that simplifies RV parking.
Low clearance awareness: Watch for overhead obstacles at some campgrounds. "My only warning is 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," cautions Brandi W. about Krause Springs.
Kitchen facilities: Some parks offer shared cooking amenities. "Has a clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen free to use. Showers and laundry," comments Becky B. about Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort, identifying resources that extend beyond the standard RV hookups for equestrian camping near Lampasas.
