Tent camping around Round Rock, Texas provides access to several natural areas within 30 minutes to 45 minutes of driving time. The region sits at approximately 735 feet above sea level with hot summers reaching 95-100°F from June through September and mild winters with occasional freezes. Camping options near Lake Travis tend to provide more shade than the exposed sites at Lake Georgetown, where summer temperatures can feel even hotter due to limited tree coverage.
What to do
Hiking the Goodwater Loop: The 26-mile trail circling Lake Georgetown connects multiple camping areas and offers varied terrain. According to one camper at Tejas Park, "The Goodwater Loop runs right by the campground... a 26 mile trail that will take you completely around the lake." Another camper notes, "We use this spot to start our runs on the good water loop. From Tejas Park, this is the best section of trail on the loop."
Paddle on Lake Travis: The river access points near Shaffer Bend Recreation Area provide excellent kayaking opportunities. One camper explains, "This is a narrow and shallow part of the lake," making it ideal for beginners. Another mentions, "There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings at Grelle Recreation Area offer excellent wildlife viewing. "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," reports one camper. Other campers have spotted wild hogs, porcupines, skunks and snakes throughout the park.
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: The spring-fed areas of Lake Travis provide unique swimming experiences. At Turkey Bend Recreation Area, "We walked down to the Colorado River where the dogs enjoyed swimming. Perfect for paddle boards, kayaking, or picnicking on the small beach." Another camper at Grelle Recreation Area described, "It was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."
Tent camping without RVs: Some campgrounds specifically cater to tent campers. As noted by a visitor to Russell Park, "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. Russell Park has 27 tent-only sites with no utilities."
Weekday solitude: For those seeking quiet tent camping near Round Rock, timing matters. A camper at Tejas Park observed, "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." This pattern holds true across most area campgrounds.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds maintain reliable drinking water. At Turkey Bend, campers should "be mindful that Lake Travis is not a constant level lake and this is a narrow and shallow part of the lake. There is a chance of low water levels." At Tejas Park, "There is a water faucet near the Park Host's trailer," but no running water at individual sites.
Reservation requirements: Most Lake Georgetown sites need advance booking through Recreation.gov, while others use different systems. For Camp Creek Recreation Area, one camper explains the process: "First come first serve, pick your spot, fill out the card, put it and 25 bucks in a drop box and good to go. Very easy system."
Limited facilities: Bathroom and shower availability differs dramatically between sites. One camper at Shaffer Bend noted, "There are no showers or bath houses. There are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground." Russell Park offers slightly more: "Men's restroom was decently clean, shower worked well. If you want a spotless bathroom, hike over to the underused day use area."
Tips for camping with families
Best beginner spots: Some campgrounds specifically work well for first-time family camping. A parent at Tejas Park shared, "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. The sites have a pad to set up your tent, along with fire rings and plenty of shade."
Swimming safety: When taking children to Lake Travis access points, one camper advises, "Great fishing and the sand carries up so it's a soft bedding for the evening. Lots of tree cover to help combat the sun." However, another camper warns about "the amount of stickers everywhere. Got one right between the toes."
Heat protection: Summer tent camping around Round Rock requires careful planning. One camper at Shaffer Bend warned, "Texas in summer can be unforgiving," while another suggested, "I'm definitely coming back here in the summer since the water is so close and so cool. Would be great to cool down on those hot days."
Tips from RVers
Primitive RV options: While many sites accommodate both tents and RVs, amenities for vehicles are limited. A camper at Muleshoe Bend noted, "No electrical hook-ups, so bring your solar panels." Most campgrounds around Lake Travis and Lake Georgetown lack full hookups but allow small to medium-sized RVs.
Access considerations: Many roads leading to Lake Travis campgrounds are narrow and winding. RV campers should carefully research road conditions before arrival. Camp Creek's self-service system works for both tent and RV campers: "Was planning on tent camping nearby and left a day early and all the hotel room were booked. Found this place online and figured I'd give it a shot."
