Lake Georgetown's San Gabriel River Trail area offers primitive camping options with no facilities, requiring backpackers to be self-sufficient. The trail system provides free dispersed camping near Round Rock, Texas through a network of designated sites accessible only by foot or boat. The trail's terrain varies between open grasslands and forested sections, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Explore the full 26.2-mile loop: The Goodwater Trail circles Lake Georgetown completely, allowing backpackers to plan multi-day trips between primitive campsites. As one camper at Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites noted, "We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents."
Paddle to your campsite: Canoeing or kayaking provides an alternative approach to these primitive sites. At Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, a visitor observed there was "a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; four fire pits, four lamp hangers, four picnic tables, trees closer the trail and grassy areas closer to the water."
Practice navigation skills: With multiple access points and trail junctions, the area requires proper navigation tools. Hikers frequently report taking unplanned routes, like the Sawyer Park visitor who mentioned, "Rain started pretty heavily and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable."
What campers like
Privacy during weekdays: The trails and primitive camping areas see fluctuating traffic patterns. According to a visitor at San Gabriel River Trail, "The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person."
Lakeside camping spots: Several areas allow camping with water views. One Sawyer Park visitor explained, "Water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in." The dispersed camping areas often feature unofficial sites that previous campers have established along the shoreline.
Flexibility in site selection: Unlike designated campgrounds, these areas offer freedom in choosing where to set up. A San Gabriel Trail reviewer mentioned, "There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock."
What you should know
Water access challenges: Despite hiking near a lake, getting to the water isn't always straightforward. As one San Gabriel River Trail camper pointed out, "While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters."
Summer heat exposure: The trail's limited shade makes summer camping demanding. At Walnut Springs, a camper recommended, "Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hike in from Russell Park 2 miles away." Planning shorter approaches during hot months reduces heat exposure.
Advanced preparation required: Without facilities, campers must be self-sufficient. A Walnut Springs visitor cautioned, "No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize."
Tips for camping with families
Choose more accessible sites: Some campsites require significantly less hiking than others. One visitor to Walnut Springs noted, "This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others."
Plan for weather changes: Central Texas weather can shift quickly. A Walnut Springs camper shared their experience: "Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees." Having proper rain gear and selecting campsites with natural shelter can improve comfort during unpredictable weather.
Consider shorter segments: Breaking the trail into manageable sections works better for families with younger children. Rather than attempting the full loop, plan out-and-back trips to specific campsites and back to your vehicle.
Tips from RVers
No direct RV access: These primitive sites aren't suitable for RV camping as they require hiking in. Visitors seeking free camping near Round Rock with RVs should explore other options, as the Goodwater Trail campsites are exclusively for tent camping.
Use developed campgrounds as base camps: RVers can stay at the developed campgrounds around Lake Georgetown (Cedar Breaks, Jim Hogg, or Russell Park) and use these as starting points for day hikes along the trail system.
