Campers visiting Llano, Texas can expect hot, dry summers with temperatures dropping to the 30s during winter months. The region sits at approximately 1,030 feet elevation with the Llano River running through town. Camping options range from waterfront sites along Lake Buchanan to primitive spots near the iconic pink granite formations that characterize the landscape. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals at developed sites closer to Llano.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: Riverway RV Park offers direct access to the Llano River with full hookup sites. One visitor commented, "The river is a stones throw away and a great spot to unwind. Sunsets are picture perfect." This campground provides a convenient base for water recreation right in town.
Hiking at Colorado Bend State Park: Located within an hour's drive of Llano, Colorado Bend State Park offers excellent hiking options. A camper noted, "Mountain biking and hiking was exceptional," while another mentioned, "Between the swimming hole and Gorman Falls you have some great views and amazing hiking!" The park features waterfalls, caves, and canyons accessible via well-maintained trails.
Stargazing opportunities: The Hill Country's dark skies make for impressive night viewing. At Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a camper shared, "If the moon is up you can go up on the rock and have a magical night." The park's elevation and distance from major cities create optimal viewing conditions for stars and planets.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park delivers excellent wildlife encounters. A visitor reported, "First 20 minutes at this park we had deer walking through our camp site." Another camper mentioned seeing "the Golden Cheek Warbler and Black Vireo" along with bald eagles. The preserve features multiple habitats supporting diverse animal species.
Clean facilities: Many Llano area campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Big Chief RV Resort, campers praised the "clean shower houses" and noted "the place was spotless." One reviewer specifically mentioned, "Newly renovated bathrooms are also a nice touch" at a nearby state park.
Swimming spots: Natural swimming areas provide relief during hot Texas summers. At Inks Lake State Park, a camper pointed out, "The best swimming place is the Devil's Waterhole. There are some rocks on the far side that people climb up on to jump off of." Another camper recommended "Take a jump off the cliffs at Devil's Waterhole."
What you should know
Reservations essential: State parks fill quickly, especially during moderate temperature seasons. For Inks Lake State Park, a visitor advised, "It is a beautiful park with tons of activities and things to do. People are extremely friendly, sites were well maintained though site number 82 was a little narrow." Booking weeks or months ahead is necessary, particularly for weekend stays.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across camping areas near Llano. One camper at Colorado Bend State Park warned, "No electrical, no water, no Wi-Fi, no TV signal, no phone signal." Another noted, "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent down at the campsites."
Site selection matters: Campsite features vary significantly even within the same park. A visitor to Inks Lake mentioned, "Some of the campsites can be a little rocky or have odd elevation." At Oxford Ranch Campground, a camper cautioned, "Beware of stickers and ants. They are abundant."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water activities: Brown Chicken Brown Cow Ranch offers a family-friendly environment with unique features. One visitor noted, "Water activities were awesome due to the summer heat." The ranch provides opportunities to view farm animals up close, with a camper mentioning, "Not to mention the steers! They are amazing creatures with lots of personality!"
Check programming schedules: Many campgrounds offer special activities for children. At Canyon of the Eagles, a visitor shared, "The naturalist on staff gave fishing lessons to the kids, had a craft for them to do and talked about the native flowers."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a comfortable introduction. One camper at Big Chief RV Resort explained, "We stayed in one of the cabins. It was fully equipped with everything we needed." Many campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven sites. At Inks Lake State Park, a camper noted, "Sites are clean but a bit challenging to back into, incline and could be bigger. NO pull throughs."
Check hookup details: Available services vary widely between campgrounds. At Oxford Ranch Campground, a visitor explained, "Seems like less than 20 RV hook-ups, water and electric 30/50 available." Always confirm which hookups are provided before booking.
Consider buddy sites: Some campgrounds offer specialized arrangements for groups traveling together. One camper at Big Chief RV Resort commented, "We were staying with 2 other couples, who shared a 'buddy site' which was pretty cool! (never seen that before)." These sites allow RVs to face each other with a shared common area.
Texas Hill Country offers diverse opportunities for both primitive and developed camping near Llano, Texas. Visitors should plan for seasonal temperature variations and make reservations well in advance for popular state parks.
