Tent campsites near Nolanville, Texas lie within the central Texas Hill Country, where elevations range from 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most primitive campsites in this region sit along waterways like Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Lake Georgetown, and the Leon River, offering water access during periods of adequate rainfall.
What to do
Fishing at multiple access points: Iron Bridge on Belton Lake provides access to the Leon River for anglers seeking bass. "Very secluded and low volume area. I would consider this a rough site. Not for thin skinned people expecting a beautiful oasis," notes Jason O. "Tons of hiking if you follow the road in and look for the 4x4 paths to the right."
Hiking the Goodwater Loop: The 26.2-mile trail around Lake Georgetown can be accessed from several camping areas. At Russell Park, the trail "passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries," according to Troy W. "I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed."
Swimming in designated areas: Russell Park has a designated swimming area within the campground, while Tejas Park provides creek access when water levels permit. As one camper notes, "Near the group campsite and through the tree line there is a small creek. Depending on the amount of recent rain or degree of draught the creek is deep enough to go for a wade or a swim."
What campers like
Secluded weekday camping: Most camping areas near Nolanville have drastically different experiences depending on when you visit. As Mark S. notes about Tejas Park, "The campground is sparsely populated during the week and can be found completely empty regularly. Expect the campground to be filled up during the weekends though."
Spacious tent areas: Camp Creek Recreation Area offers waterfront camping with ample space between sites. "Free camping along the river. Sites are nicely spaced out," reports Linette G. Similarly, at Tejas Park, "The campsites are spacious, easily allowing our 2 tent set up, but if set up well, they could potentially house 3-4 2-person tents," according to Jesse L.
Proximity to water: Many camping areas offer direct lake or river access. At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, "All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water," reports Erik F. Another camper mentions, "We set up at site 15 it has an awesome view of the river/lake and it's walking distance down to the waters edge. Great spot to fish for some bass or take a dip in the water."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Nolanville offer minimal facilities. At Iron Bridge, Jason O. reports "No ele or water" and advises visitors to bring personal protection "for the critters that come in the wee hours of the night." Similarly, Camp Creek has "no running water, no electric, and no actual bathroom," according to Mike L.
Weather challenges: Summer heat affects hiking comfort significantly. For the Goodwater Loop, Troy W. cautions, "In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure makes this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can."
Reservation requirements: Some campsites now require advance booking. David notes about Russell Park, "At this point, you must have a reservation to camp here." For Owl Creek and other sites, reservations can typically be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the park directly.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: For families with children, select camping areas with gentle slopes to water. At Shaffer Bend, one visitor notes, "The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it's a soft bedding for the evening."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: While many sites have vault toilets, their cleanliness varies. At Russell Park, David advises, "Men's restroom was decently clean, shower worked well. If you want a spotless bathroom, hike over to the underused day use area."
Start with beginner-friendly sites: For first-time campers, certain locations offer easier experiences. "My 5 year old wanted to go camping for the first time. This location is close enough to be near civilization, but feels remote to get the primitive camping experience," Steve L. says about Tejas Park. "The sites have a pad to set up your tent, along with fire rings and plenty of shade."
Tips from RVers
Prepare for primitive conditions: Most tent campsites near Nolanville have limited RV facilities. At Iron Bridge, Jason describes it as "a rough site" that's "not for thin skinned people expecting a beautiful oasis." While tent campers can set up almost anywhere, RVs have fewer suitable locations.
Know site specifics before arriving: Site dimensions and access vary significantly. At Russell Park, some sites have specific tent pads while others allow more flexibility. "These are drive up campsites where you may park your car next to your assigned site. The campsites have a sun awning, picnic table, campfire pit/grill," notes Troy W.
Bring your own water supply: With inconsistent water availability, self-contained water is essential. At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, "At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it," advises Erik F.
