Best Campgrounds near Lockhart, TX

Campgrounds near Lockhart, Texas range from state parks to private RV resorts, offering diverse camping experiences within a short drive of the city. Lockhart State Park Campground provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings in a wooded setting. Other nearby options include Palmetto State Park Campground, which features cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas, and private facilities like Longhorn RV Resort in Niederwald. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

Access to campgrounds remains consistent year-round, as the central Texas climate allows for camping in all seasons. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain around Lockhart is relatively flat with some gentle hills, making most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles or equipment. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, while winter evenings can occasionally drop below freezing. Spring brings wildflowers but also the possibility of thunderstorms and rain. A review noted that Lockhart State Park is "a small park with simple facilities, but they do have a golf course and some of the best BBQ in Texas nearby."

Campers consistently mention the proximity to barbecue restaurants as a highlight of staying near Lockhart, which is known as the "BBQ Capital of Texas." Several visitors appreciate the balance of natural settings with nearby urban amenities. The campgrounds in the area typically feature moderate tree cover providing partial shade, with some sites offering views of creeks or small lakes. Facilities vary widely, from basic amenities at state parks to full hookups and resort-style accommodations at private RV parks. Water activities are limited compared to other Texas camping destinations, though some parks have small swimming pools or access to modest waterways. A recent review highlighted that "Lockhart State Park is a fairly small park, but it still has quite a bit to offer" including fishing spots, a swimming pool, and short scenic trails along creeks and streams.

Best Camping Sites Near Lockhart, Texas (222)

    1. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    2. Lockhart State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lockhart, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 398-3479

    $20 - $24 / night

    "Lockhart State Park

    So first the best, in my opinion, thing about Lockhart SP; it’s a few miles from Lockhart City where there is some DELICIOUS food!! Smitty’s is my favorite!"

    "So everyone knows that Lockhart has some of the best BBQ in Texas, but it is a lot more than that. Lockhart State park is a fairly small park, but it still has quite a bit to offer."

    3. Palmetto State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Gonzales, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 672-3266

    $12 - $60 / night

    "Campsite Review:

    Palmetto State Park is a tranquil campground located in Central Texas."

    "It didn’t really feel like Texas as we walked through the almost tropical looking forest. We enjoyed the lake and rented a paddle boat."

    4. Longhorn RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Kyle, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 398-3677

    "Clean bathrooms, clean pool/hot tub, clean laundry, well stocked store, gated community, great walking trail around a big lake and near big long horn cows."

    "It's away from the interstates and expressway, but close enough to run and get supplies whenever you need. It is a bit noisy, but nothing too bad."

    5. San Marcos River Resort

    6 Reviews
    Lockhart, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 213-0112

    "Our site was conveniently located in front of the playground and next to the shower/ bathroom/ laundry facility. The site was large and came with a picnic table."

    "Stayed in 2020 loved the view as well as the surrounding area. Only issue was the park employees across the river, but even their guest were wonderful"

    6. Pecan RV Park

    7 Reviews
    San Marcos, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 396-0070

    $42 - $142 / night

    7. Austin Lone Star RV Community

    19 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 444-6322

    $58 - $80 / night

    "Very easy access to downtown Austin, about a 15 minute drive.

    Full hookups. Extremely clean, well maintained and updated. Most spots are pull through, with a few back in spots on one side."

    "This is the third campground we’ve stayed at, and it’s conveniently located just 15 minutes from the city, with grocery stores and other essential shops nearby."

    8. The Old El Camino Motorcourt & RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Kyle, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (737) 587-4106

    $40 - $925 / night

    "The main entrance is super easy to access from Hwy 21(there is a light, and a nice turn lane). There is another side entrance on Grist Mill Rd."

    9. Gracies Ranch in Lockhart

    1 Review
    Lockhart, TX
    5 miles
    +1 (801) 358-0454

    $30 - $45 / night

    "I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan about Gracies Ranch, not only do they have a great location near two major cities, but they have been hosting stays on their ranch for a while and are ready to"

    10. Bastrop State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Bastrop, TX
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 321-2101

    $15 - $850 / night

    "It has a little for everyone and is conveniently located about thirty minutes from Lockhart where you can get, in my opinion, some of the best BBQ in Texas."

    "We didn’t camp here since we live so close by, but stopped on our way to Lake Somerville State Park."

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Recent Reviews near Lockhart, TX

868 Reviews of 222 Lockhart Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Sherwood Forest Faire Campground

    good

    Campground reviews? Well, those can be a real mixed bag! Ever tried navigating a website that promises serenity but delivers screaming kids and a questionable outhouse? I remember trying to book a campsite once, promised a breathtaking lake view. Ended up staring at a concrete wall while balancing on uneven ground. It felt like I was playing a real-life Slope Game of campsite roulette.

  • lunan E.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Buescher State Park Campground

    Nightmare camping!!!

    Do NOT camp here if you want peace and quiet!! after 3 diffrent attempts to enjoy quiet peaceful camping trips here I can confirm quiet hours are NOT inforced and even worse all three times I've stayed here I've had someone intrude onto my campsite to either try and peak into my tent, or use my picnic table or grill when there are plenty of others unused???? 

    doesn't help that front staff are rude every time ive been too. never had these problems at other state parks. guess Beaushner is the party park!

  • R
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Guadalupe River RV Park and Campgrounds

    Excellent State Park

    I have camped in this park three times already and it never disappoints me. Good hiking trails, very friendly staff, interesting views and points of interest, fishing spots etc…

    I really enjoy camping specifically in the Wagon Ford area. Beware of the animal activity, specially at night. Armadillos and raccoons are everywhere and they get a little bit noisy at night.

    This time I camped in the site number 88. And it didn’t have enough natural shade, however if you were to spend a couple days camping I would recommend site 89 or 86 for a good natural shade.

    I really like this park. Hopefully I’ll be there soon.

  • Afton W.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Camp Landa Resort

    Camp Landa RV Resort

    Very clean with Deluxe sites that are long and level. Lots of activities for kids. Located close to Schliterbaughn and shopping.

  • D
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    Spacious Skies Bear Den Review

    Camp Creek sounds idyllic! A true escape from the digital world. Imagine trading your phone for a fishing rod, and the constant notifications for the sound of the river. It's like the real-world version of Snow Rider 3D, but instead of virtual slopes, you're navigating the great outdoors. The simplicity and the views alone seem worth the trip, a perfect recharge for the soul. Just remember to bring everything you need to fully embrace the off-grid experience!

  • Morgan B.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Turkey Bend

    spacious, comfortable & lovely campsite!

    We were seeking a free campsite for us and our dogs when traveling from San Antonio to Austin, Texas and landed here for one night! It was a "self check-in" process and we did not research the price or see a direct sign, so left $5 due to the "entrance fee" - oops! We found out later it was $25 for the overnight camping. Not free, but worth it. 

    I enjoyed the spaciousness of this campsite. It felt private, although there were large groups of campers all around. We walked down to the Colorado River where the dogs enjoyed swimming. Perfect for paddle boards, kayaking, or picnicking on the small beach.

  • Dale K.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    New guy Jack is great 👍

    We've stayed here a few times, very convenient location for us while visiting in the area. It has recently been updated and is very nice now. Looking forward to coming back to just relax.

  • V
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Austin Lone Star RV Community

    Great Camping Experience with Dogs Near Austin

    My little dog and I just had a memorable camping trip near Austin, TX! This article was really helpful in finding dog-friendly places. We chose a recommended campground and were completely satisfied. The space was spacious, the nature was beautiful, and most importantly, my dog was free to run around. Austin not only has great camping spots but also many other outdoor activities to explore. Will definitely come back here next time!


Guide to Lockhart

Camping sites near Lockhart, Texas generally provide year-round access due to the region's moderate climate. The terrain features gentle rolling hills with elevation ranging from 400-500 feet above sea level. Winter overnight temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping often requires consideration of heat management strategies as daytime temperatures routinely exceed 95°F.

What to do

Swimming and water activities: McKinney Falls State Park offers two distinct swimming holes with varying water depths. "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 one visitor to McKinney Falls State Park Campground.

Golfing opportunities: Play a 9-hole golf course at Lockhart State Park for an affordable rate. "Cheap Golf. We golfed 18 one of the days, fun layout, not in the best shape right now but the price was right. With the Texas pass you also get a discount on golf and anything else you buy," reports a camper at Lockhart State Park Campground.

Hiking through unique ecosystems: Experience dwarf palmetto plants at Palmetto State Park. "It didn't really feel like Texas as we walked through the almost tropical looking forest. We enjoyed the lake and rented a paddle boat. We decided next trip we would rent a canoe and head up the river," shares a visitor to Palmetto State Park.

What campers like

Proximity to barbecue destinations: Lockhart's reputation as a barbecue capital means easy access to renowned restaurants. "Small park close to town and be sure to get some BBQ, lots of choices in town!" recommends a camper at Lockhart State Park Campground.

Night sky viewing: Firefly displays create memorable camping experiences in the area. "A fun little part of the trip was the HUGE amount of fireflies we saw- very cool! Simple park with a couple unique features- seems like it would be a great place for a family gathering," according to a visitor at Lockhart State Park.

River access for cooling off: The San Marcos River provides relief from summer heat at several campgrounds. "Our side of the park was along the river and had great shade. Great river access and space to sit and watch the tubers go by," notes a guest at Pecan RV Park.

What you should know

Seasonal variations in water levels: During drought periods, water features may be affected. "Nice pond a little low due to drought," reports a camper at Longhorn RV Resort.

Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds have variable site spacing between loops. "Sites on the outer loop are spaced out a bit more then the sites on the inner loop," notes a visitor to Palmetto State Park Campground.

Water quality differences: Some campgrounds have distinctive water characteristics. "Water had a sulfur smell," reports one camper about Palmetto State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options for children: Several parks offer swimming facilities designed for various skill levels. "There's an extinct volcano nearby called Pilot Knob. That accounts for the flat rock near the main falls... Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket," advises a visitor to McKinney Falls State Park.

Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds feature playgrounds positioned near family-friendly campsites. "We brought our 7 year old daughter and she really enjoyed playing at the playground. Our site was conveniently located in front of the playground and next to the shower/bathroom/laundry facility," shares a camper at San Marcos River Resort.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Evening wildlife spotting creates memorable experiences for children. "Coyotes howled every night. The only wildlife we saw were squirrels," notes a Palmetto State Park visitor about the ambient natural sounds.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across campgrounds in the area. "The sites are not super level and our site #2 sloped back. Decent hiking trails and a creek with fish runs through the park," shares an RVer at Lockhart State Park.

Tree clearance considerations: Some campgrounds have vegetation that may impact larger RVs. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," advises a visitor to Austin Lone Star RV Community.

Utility connection placement: RVers should be prepared for varying hookup configurations. "My only real gripe is that the septic connection at my spot is at the same height as my RV connection - no matter what I do, I can't get it to have a slope. Most sites are better, but the connection at all of them is raised up about 6 inches," reports a camper at Longhorn RV Resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lockhart, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lockhart, TX is McKinney Falls State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 81 reviews.