Round Rock's camping areas lie at elevations between 600-850 feet within Texas Hill Country, characterized by limestone outcroppings and seasonal creeks. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, with milder spring and fall conditions offering better camping comfort. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with limited seasonal closures.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: McKinney Falls State Park Campground offers multiple trail difficulties just 20 minutes from Round Rock. "Great hiking trails, two swimming holes, well spaced out camping sites with electricity and water," notes one visitor. Another camper adds it has "lots of fun hiking/running/biking options around the park."
Water activities on Lake Georgetown: Cedar Breaks Park provides direct water access for swimming and boating. "We had a trail from our spot to the lake which we took advantage of," shares one reviewer. The park offers "lake access for swimming/boating/paddling" and another visitor called it the "cleanest lake I've been to in Texas!"
Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: For the adventurous, Pace Bend Park features dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking Lake Travis. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake," reports one visitor. The park combines water recreation with scenic camping, as another notes: "The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night."
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Jim Hogg at Lake Georgetown offers generously sized sites with good separation. "The campground is well-maintained with spacious sites. Many of the sites are wooded," explains a frequent visitor. Another adds that "campsites are well manicured" with "plenty of space between sites."
Proximity to urban amenities: Oak Forest RV Park provides a convenient base for Austin exploration without sacrificing comfort. "Spent 3 nights while we toured Austin. We had a pull through site close to pool and bathhouse," shares one camper. Another notes it's "15 minutes from downtown" while still offering a natural setting.
Natural swimming areas: Tejas Park offers creek access for cooling off when water levels permit. "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," explains one reviewer who visits frequently.
What you should know
Railroad noise at some locations: Redbud Ranch RV Resort has amenities but experiences train disruptions. One visitor warned, "constant nonstop trains running throughout the night! Almost unbearable!" Consider site location carefully when making reservations.
Seasonal crowds: Many campgrounds experience weekend congestion, particularly in summer months. At Pace Bend Park, a visitor observed "the park ranger are awesome! Going in the summer is a must, the water is the right tempter for swimming or boating."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Cedar Breaks Park, a reviewer cautioned that "the sites along the inside are scary unlevel! Some of the big rigs were backed in and jacked up 4 feet or so in front. Saw a lady break her ankle stepping out of her camper."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: Tejas Park offers an excellent introduction to camping for children. "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," reports one parent. Sites include "a pad to set up your tent, along with fire rings and plenty of shade."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: McKinney Falls provides urban-adjacent nature encounters. "You might see deer, raccoons, armadillos and occasionally snakes. All of the wildlife should be left undisturbed," advises one visitor who frequently camps with family.
Multiple recreation options: Jim Hogg - Lake Georgetown offers diverse activities for different ages. A family camper observes, "Lots to do but nothing super spectacular about the place. Pretty typical lake campground. Some hiking available but it's primarily a lake campground." The park's variety prevents boredom during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Stay duration considerations: Berry Springs RV Park works well for shorter stays near major routes. "It's a great find along the highway. Clean and nice spots. It's great for staying on your way to Austin," explains one RVer. Another mentioned it's "a mile or so off of I-35 which makes this a easy to access."
Site selection strategies: At Cedar Breaks Park, experienced RVers recommend specific areas: "The sites along the outside of the loop have lake views and are level. The sites along the inside are scary unlevel! I suggest odd numbers 19-35 and even numbers 36-42 as the most level sites with the best lake views."
Hookup availability: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Round Rock offer electric and water connections, with varying sewer access. At McKinney Falls, sites include "water, electricity and restrooms with flush toilets and sinks near all the campsites. At the premium campsites there are all of these amenities plus showers."
