Best Dispersed Camping near Marble Falls, TX
Dispersed camping opportunities around Marble Falls, Texas center on the Lake Georgetown area, particularly along the San Gabriel River Trail. This 26.2-mile trail connects several primitive camping zones including Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites and Walnut Springs Primitive Campground. These areas permit free camping with no reservations required. Campsites are accessible only by hiking, walking, or in some cases by boat, making them true backcountry experiences rather than developed facilities. The trail passes through varied terrain including forests, grasslands, small hills, and crosses several tributaries.
Access to these primitive sites requires parking at trailheads and hiking in. The San Gabriel River Trail can be accessed from multiple points, with Sawyer Park located approximately 5 miles from both Tejas Campground and Cedar Breaks Campground access points. Walnut Springs can be reached by hiking from Russell Park (2 miles) or biking from Camp Tejas (4 miles). No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are provided at these sites. Fires are permitted, but campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, including digging cat holes for waste. The trail and campsites have become increasingly popular with backpackers, particularly on weekends when scout troops may be present.
The primitive campsites feature varying levels of tree coverage and access to the lake. "In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike," notes one camper. The sites typically include some cleared areas or tent pads, though campers can also set up tents or hammocks in suitable zones without designated pads. One visitor explained, "Large open area; four fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water." While camping areas are near Lake Georgetown, water access points are not always convenient, so carrying adequate water (at least 2 liters) is essential, along with filtration equipment if planning to use lake water. The campsites are first-come, first-served, with Walnut Springs noted as potentially more crowded as it's one of the most accessible sites on the trail.
