The Texas Hill Country surrounding Spicewood offers diverse camping experiences approximately 30 miles northwest of Austin. Krause Springs provides historic camping with swimming opportunities in natural springs, while nearby Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area features more primitive sites along Lake Travis shorelines. Pedernales Falls State Park, located within a 30-minute drive, offers both developed campgrounds with water and electric hookups as well as primitive sites with scenic hill country views. Lake Travis dominates the camping landscape with multiple access points including Pace Bend Park, which combines cliff-side camping with swimming areas. Hidden Falls Adventure Park caters to off-road enthusiasts with camping options ranging from tent sites to cabins.
Reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly for waterfront sites at popular parks like Inks Lake State Park. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors. The Texas State Parks Pass provides significant value for frequent campers, offering discounted rates and free park entry. According to one camper at Pedernales Falls, "We found a really nice spot on the cliffside with an incredible view of the hill country. We saw deer in the morning in the grassy area next to our tent." Many campgrounds require advance booking, with popular sites filling months ahead during weekends and holidays. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to Spicewood.
Water access represents a defining feature of camping in the Spicewood area. Campers frequently mention swimming holes, springs, and lake access as highlights of their stays. At Inks Lake State Park, the Devil's Waterhole provides popular swimming and cliff jumping opportunities during hot summer months. Primitive sites along Colorado Bend's Spicewood Springs trail offer proximity to "little waterfalls and clear water," as one reviewer noted. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and armadillos, are common at dawn and dusk throughout the region's campgrounds. Facilities range from basic pit toilets at primitive sites to full hookups with 50-amp service at RV parks. Several campgrounds maintain cash-only policies for firewood and ice purchases, requiring advance planning for overnight stays.
$10 - $100 / night
"This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."
"This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit."
$15 - $30 / night
"Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas. Not far from the old (and new!)"
"Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."
$16 - $55 / night
"An hour and a half away from Austin, we found Inks Lake to be a quiet and relaxing camp area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several sites set up across the state park."
"It was a small drive from our camp to the devil's waterhole. It was a slippery climb in and out but a beautiful swim with people cliff jumping nearby and a view of some falls."
"Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"
"This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."
$90 - $110 / night
$25 / night
"Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water."
"My campsite was pretty shaded and the outhouse wasn’t too far of a walk. They have an outdoor shower at the entrance as well as a filtered water/ice machine."
"This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."
"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."
"Only there for one short night but it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."
"As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."
$15 - $600 / night
"They have excellent off road trails for stock trucks up to rock crawling rigs."
"HFAP is an off roaders enthusiast's oasis. With 9ver 2200 acres of full size offroad trails there is surely something there for every vehicle and skill level."
"Was planning on tent camping nearby and left a day early and all the hotel room were booked. Tried finding a tent site and no luck. Found this place online and figured I'd give it a shot."
TravelerVery nice RV campground. But no tents. No bathroom/shower house. Level sites. Reasonably priced compatible with everything else around.I think it was like $45 a night. Driving a 32ft class c towing a gladiator. Lots of road noises up front. I'd stay farther back next time.
ScoutGood price for all the amenities you get. Washroom were not very clean.
GuideThis park is located just north of San Antonio. I’d heard great things about it and am thrilled that I finally got here.
The campsites are spacious. Each loop has a bath house and it looks like all the RV sites have power and water. A central dump station is located near the exit.
This loop has a trail that leads you down to the river. But you ca also drive down to a large parking lot. It wasn’t busy in Feb
ScoutCame to austin for a convention and didn’t want to stay in a hotel, this property is beautiful, safe, clean, and my camping neighbors were all great people! we had a nice cold front the night i stayed and a couple dogs were wondering around too, they were both skittish but sweet. bonus!! no light pollution! the stars are beautiful :)
LegendGreat park only let down by road noise and airport proximity
ScoutQuaint town square of Blanco with awesome food choices less than a mile walk from the campsite! Super nice people working this state park. Hookups in good shape. Stroll along the river. Great park.
RangerThis was a nice campsite I slept at during my time at Enchanted Rock State Park but it was very exposed which gave it a good view but also made it very windy but other than that it was a very nice campsite
ScoutVery clean and great staff.
My complaints, 1. Road noise, 2. Lack of planned activities to engage the community, 3. Pool isn’t heated, and 4. Fitness room is mediocre but ok.
With that, I would still stay again, just shorter span.
GuideNice campground with water each site and electric. Restrooms which are very dated but staff does their best. Many of the facilities could use updating. Sites are nicely spaced apart. Near city life. Places to walk. Lots of deer.
The Spicewood area sits at approximately 860 feet elevation in the rugged terrain of the Texas Hill Country. Located where the Colorado River widens to form Lake Travis, campgrounds in this region feature limestone outcroppings and juniper-covered hillsides. Water levels at Lake Travis fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping spots and water access points throughout the year.
Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: Pace Bend Park offers multiple cliff jumping locations along its limestone bluffs. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," notes Aaron S. at Pace Bend Park.
Explore natural springs: Krause Springs features both natural and man-made swimming areas fed by 32 springs. "We spent hours just floating in the springs and natural spring pool. Kids can jump off the small Cliffside or fly on the rope swing. If you like nature this is a dream spot," says Brandi W.
Mountain biking on trails: Shaffer Bend Recreation Area provides interconnected trails with minimal elevation change. "Great hiking, kayaking, tenting, hammocks, mountain biking, horseback riding are all available here. Clean & flat sites, water views, quiet, convenient facilities from every site," reports Lisa B.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife sightings, especially at quieter campgrounds. "We saw lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," reports Melissa P. about her experience at Grelle Recreation Area.
Spacious campsites with privacy: Many campers appreciate the generous sizing of sites in the area. "The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," notes Katie B. about Pace Bend Park.
Off-road adventures: For those seeking more active pursuits, several parks cater to off-road vehicles. "HFAP is an off roaders enthusiast's oasis. With over 2200 acres of full size offroad trails there is surely something there for every vehicle and skill level," shares Chad L. about Hidden Falls Adventure Park.
Swimming holes and water access: The natural swimming areas remain a top draw. "The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," explains Emily M. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Seasonal wildflowers: Spring brings impressive wildflower displays at several parks. "Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill," writes Candice C. about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Extreme weather awareness: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in this area. "Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" cautions Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Primitive facilities at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites," explains Erik F. about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Weekend crowds at water access points: Popular swimming areas become crowded during peak periods. "Avoid July if possible... This was one of our first Texas camping excursions and it could have gone much better," warns R W. about summer conditions at Pedernales Falls.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Travis levels can vary significantly. "When the water level was down, there was not a soul around. I considered it 'My park'. I imagine now that the water level is up it is lot more popular destination," notes Jennifer J. about Grelle Recreation Area.
Devil's Waterhole for older kids: This natural swimming area offers kid-friendly water activities. "The best swimming place is the Devil's Waterhole. There are some rocks on the far side that people climb up on to jump off of," suggests Brian V. at Inks Lake State Park.
Choose camp loops carefully: Some camping areas are better suited for families than others. "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed. Extremely dog friendly!" recommends Kaitlyn M. about Pedernales Falls.
Bring water shoes: Rocky shorelines and underwater hazards require foot protection. "Bring your hiking boots and swimming suit," advises Shelly S., while another camper notes "water access is surprisingly limited" with "a fair amount of plant life along the shore."
Be aware of stickers and burs: Several campgrounds have vegetation that can be troublesome. "The only negative is the amount of stickers everywhere. Got one right between the toes," warns Steve L. about his experience at Shaffer Bend.
Low-hanging trees caution: Several campgrounds have tree clearance issues. "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage," warns Brandi W. about Krause Springs.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Many parks feature natural, uneven terrain. "Sites may be slightly not level," notes Ty M. about Fishers of Men Ranch, while another reviewer mentioned that "some campsites can be a little rocky or have odd elevation."
Cash-only policies: Several parks require cash payment. Krause Springs is "CASH ONLY FACILITIES!! Family owned," according to Lisa B., so prepare accordingly before arrival.
Limited big rig access: Most campgrounds in the area aren't suited for larger RVs. "I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A," notes one camper, while another mentions "Small RV and tent-dry camping" as the main options at Shaffer Bend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Spicewood, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Spicewood, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 276 campgrounds and RV parks near Spicewood, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Spicewood, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spicewood, TX is Pedernales Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 85 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spicewood, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Spicewood, TX.
What parks are near Spicewood, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Spicewood, TX that allow camping, notably Georgetown Lake and Canyon Lake.
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