Smithville sits along the Colorado River in central Texas, nestled within the Post Oak Savannah ecological region at an elevation of 340 feet. The area features a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 95°F and mild winters, creating extended camping seasons from March through November. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit offers productive fishing spots along its shoreline. "My husband went fishing for a bit. He didn't catch anything, but he witnessed another gentleman catch a 20" fish, so we know there are fish in the lake," notes a visitor who stayed at campsite 28.
Trail exploration: Bastrop State Park Campground features several miles of hiking trails through regenerating pine forest. "There are several miles of hiking trails, that can be done in one or two days. It just depends on how many miles you want to hike," explains a camper who appreciated the accessible day hiking options.
Golf outings: Lockhart State Park features a unique 9-hole golf course adjacent to camping areas. "You can golf here and swim in the public pool. The trails are surprisingly nice, even though the park itself is on the small side," reports a visitor who combined recreational activities during their stay.
Kayak rentals: The Colorado River and nearby lakes provide paddling opportunities for all skill levels. "We rented a canoe from the office one day and really enjoyed that," mentions a Lake Bastrop visitor who took advantage of on-site watercraft rentals to explore the waterways.
What campers like
Private campsites: McKinney Falls State Park Campground offers well-designed sites with natural barriers between neighbors. "Sites were plenty big with electric and running water. The great part is the swimming. The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers," notes a family who appreciated both the site layout and water features.
Clean facilities: Parks throughout the region maintain high-quality bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were super nice & clean. Tons of hiking/running trails," reports a Bastrop State Park visitor, highlighting the well-maintained infrastructure.
Yurt accommodations: Lake Bastrop North Shore Park offers yurt camping near Smithville, Texas with modern amenities. "We stayed here Oct 20th for the REI Women's campout. Lovely place. Nice little lake. Clean restrooms," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the alternative lodging options.
Convenience to Austin: Many campgrounds provide rural tranquility while maintaining proximity to urban amenities. "This is a short distance from Austin, if you want to take a break and head into the 'Big' city," notes a camper who appreciated the balanced location.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, requiring adequate hydration and shade. "Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!" warns a Bastrop State Park visitor.
Reservation systems vary: Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park requires calling the city recreation center during business hours. "To reserve a campsite, call the City Recreation Center at 512-237-3282x7 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm," explains a camper who navigated the booking process.
Wildlife awareness: Armadillos, deer, raccoons and occasionally snakes inhabit the region. "You might see deer, raccoons, armadillos and occasionally snakes. All of the wildlife should be left undisturbed," advises a McKinney Falls visitor.
Trail closures: Flooding and maintenance sometimes affect trail accessibility. "The trail system is apparently expansive, but had been closed while were there due to some flooding," reports a Lake Somerville visitor who found alternative hiking routes.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple parks feature designated swimming areas appropriate for various ages. "The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," reports a McKinney Falls visitor.
Nature programs: Several parks offer junior ranger activities for children. "Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved. There was a fire not long before we visited in 2012, which was sad but interesting to see," shares a Bastrop camper.
Night sky viewing: Lockhart State Park Campground offers good stargazing with minimal light pollution. "A fun little part of the trip was the HUGE amount of fireflies we saw- very cool! Simple park with a couple unique features- seems like it would be a great place for a family gathering," notes a visitor who enjoyed the evening atmosphere.
Playground access: Several parks feature playground equipment for younger visitors. "The camp sites have water and electric hook-ups, along with bathrooms and showers near most sites. Then about half the park is for golfing, which is great news for the dad of the family," explains a Lockhart visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Oak Thicket Park offers premium lakefront sites for RVs. "We stayed in site 6. After walking around and viewing the other sites, we feel this is the best site around. Lots of trees great space plenty of room for multiple families. It's not waterfront but it is extremely close," recommends an experienced RVer.
Leveling considerations: Some parks feature uneven sites requiring blocks or leveling systems. "The sites are also not super level and our site #2 sloped back. Decent hiking trails and a creek with fish runs through the park," notes a Lockhart State Park visitor towing a 35' fifth wheel.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups are standard at most campgrounds, with full hookups available at select parks. "Well spaced spots. Fairly level pads with table, fire ring, 30/50 amp electrical, water. We didn't see any covered tables, but all usable spots had concrete pads for tables," reports a Lake Somerville State Park visitor.
After-hours arrival: Some parks accommodate late check-ins with self-service options. "There is not a park office on the grounds to accept reservations or fees for camping," notes a Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park visitor, highlighting the importance of checking park policies before arrival.
