Best Campgrounds near The Hills, TX

Camping options around The Hills, Texas include both private and state-managed campgrounds, primarily centered along Lake Travis and nearby state parks. Pedernales Falls State Park, approximately 25 miles west, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with water and electric hookups. Closer to The Hills, Arkansas Bend and Pace Bend Park provide boat-in access and waterfront camping on Lake Travis, with most campgrounds featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and basic amenities. Several RV resorts such as La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages and Lake Travis Inn and RV Park offer more developed facilities for travelers seeking full hookups.

Access to many developed campgrounds requires advance planning, particularly during peak summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. "We stayed here for a few days in late January. The campground is new, everything is in pristine shape, the sites are huge, and they keep it nice and clean," noted one visitor about Arkansas Bend. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F from June through September. Campground amenities vary significantly, with state parks typically providing water and electric hookups while private RV parks offer more extensive facilities including showers, laundry, and WiFi. Day-use fees apply at some public areas in addition to camping fees.

Several campgrounds feature direct lake access, making them popular for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The surrounding Hill Country terrain offers hiking opportunities, particularly at Pedernales Falls State Park where trails lead to swimming areas and scenic overlooks. RV sites throughout the region typically provide 30-50 amp electrical service and water hookups, with many private parks offering sewer connections as well. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with public parks generally providing more spacious layouts than private RV resorts. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of The Hills maintain clean restroom facilities and regularly-maintained grounds, though primitive camping options with fewer amenities can be found at more remote locations within the state parks.

Best Camping Sites Near The Hills, Texas (274)

    1. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 868-7304

    $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."

    "The developed campsites have water and electricity with restrooms nearby. The sites have varying coverage of trees and shade."

    2. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    8 miles
    Website

    $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."

    3. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    4. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 236-7554

    "Beautiful natural springs in the hill country. Family owned property that has gorgeous gardens and swimming."

    "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."

    5. Arkansas Bend

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    4 miles
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "The lake is pretty decent, there are a few small trails around the area, and you are close to a small town. Biggest issue? 30 bucks a night, plus 5 dollars per person for a day use fee."

    "We have a pull behind. We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy. The wifi is decent."

    6. Windy Point Park

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-3337

    $10 - $15 / night

    "The big downside for me is that you are not allowed to drive your vehicle to your campsite."

    "The site has a great view of lake Travis. The park host is great and very help full."

    7. Austin Lone Star RV Community

    19 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 444-6322

    $58 - $80 / night

    "Easy getting around in Austin and to the wonderful small towns in the hill country. Walking distance to HEB. Many great BBQ places in the area, Wimberly Glass, parks."

    "Very easy access to downtown Austin, about a 15 minute drive. Full hookups. Extremely clean, well maintained and updated. Most spots are pull through, with a few back in spots on one side."

    8. Pecan Grove RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Austin, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 472-1067

    $80 / night

    "This is a cool urban RV park in the heart of Austin Texas. The park is located along Barton Springs road in the coolest part of town. It’s next to a brewery, food trucks, and great pubs."

    "It’s located in the middle of an urban oasis. Within walking distance to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, So. congress and downtown. Perfect place to stay and help keep Austin WEIRD"

    9. Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-9329

    $65 / night

    "This is a beautiful park located minutes away from the lake.  Sites are large so it doesn't have that "reach out and touch your neighbors RV" feeling. "

    "We've stayed here a few times, very convenient location for us while visiting in the area. It has recently been updated and is very nice now. Looking forward to coming back to just relax."

    10. La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages

    5 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 266-8001

    "Liquor store, gas/convince, couple restaurants within walking distance. Small brewery less than a mile down the road."

    "We stayed Friday and Saturday nights and the music venue across the road had a band playing outside from 8-11p."

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Recent Reviews near The Hills, TX

1123 Reviews of 274 The Hills Campgrounds


  • Stephanie G.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Turkey Sink Camping Area — Guadalupe River State Park

    Just okay

    The park itself is very nice and well-maintained, and the campsites have electric and water hookups, which was convenient. However, the sites are extremely close together—you can easily hear your neighbors’ conversations. Our neighbors had several kids who were up running around by 7 a.m., even cutting through our campsite while we were still asleep. I understand kids need to play, but with the sites packed so tightly, it made things feel a bit chaotic.

    The restrooms and showers were okay, but the park was at full capacity and only 2 out of 6 showers were working, so the lines were long. There’s currently a burn ban in effect, which was unfortunate since the nights got cold. No alcohol is permitted, and quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. All rules are heavily enforced—park rangers make rounds multiple times a day.

    The river is about a 2-minute drive from the campsites, which was nice. Overall, we had a good time, but probably won’t be back.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Cranes Mill Park

    Beautiful COE Campground

    We spent two nights here and with our America the beautiful pass was only $35. Spaces are nicely far apart from each other and pavement pads and level. Bathhouse was clean and had good hot water. Dump station was able to utilize both coming and going into the park. Pretty view overlooking the lake. Excellent Verizon coverage as well.

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Cheap rent and Great location!

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area  it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • Sheila L.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    Affordable and Secured

    Great spot! Cheap rent, safe since it’s gated, and in a perfect location. We’re staying here with our fifth wheel and love the shaded area, it keeps things cool and comfortable. I totally recommend this place!

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    BEST MONTHLY RATE FOR RV LOT IN ELGIN

    I don't think anyone can beat their deal.

    $500/mo includes electric, water, sewer, wifi AND FREE LAUNDRY! 

    Gated, security camera, safe. LARGE SPACED OUT SITES.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Colinas RV Park

    CHEAP, ALL UTILS INCLUDED, SUPER BIG SITES

    Colinas RV Park is a pretty simple place, nothing fancy, but it’s clean and quiet and the sites are very large. 

    The owners keep it up well. What I like most is that the sites are big with a lot of shade trees, which makes it comfortable in the summer. They’ve got free Wi-Fi that works surprisingly well and a laundry room on-site, which is convenient. 

    Right now they’re running a special at$500 a month with all bills included, guaranteed for a year, which is hard to beat in this area. It’s not a resort, but it’s a good spot if you’re working around Elgin, Taylor, or even commuting into Austin. Close to HEB and Walmart, and the BBQ nearby is some of the best in Texas.

  • B
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Rebecca Creek Campgrounds

    Avoid this place

    I'm serious....avoid this place if at all possible. My gosh the people that "run" this place absolute idiots..in capable and just plain don't care. I'll share a couple photos and you'll see.

  • Jacob F.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Great time!

    Great staff, felt like home the minute we pulled in. Big, level site, full hookups, and the manager was very accommodating.

  • Shay T.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

    Wonderful RV Park!

    Excellent Park!  Grounds are clean, staff is friendly and went out of their way to help us. We will definitely be back!


Guide to The Hills

Primitive camping opportunities near The Hills, Texas range from lakefront sites to remote hill country locations with minimal facilities. Sites at Pace Bend Park offer cliff-top camping with direct access to Lake Travis for swimming and cliff jumping. Many campgrounds maintain 20-30 feet between sites providing shade and privacy, particularly important during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from July through August. Camping reservations often require booking 2-3 months in advance for weekend stays during peak spring and fall seasons.

What to do

Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: At Pace Bend Park, campers can enjoy jumping into deep water from limestone cliffs. "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 one visitor. The park offers both primitive sites and designated camping areas along the cliffs.

Scuba diving in Lake Travis: Windy Point Park provides specialized facilities for scuba divers with underwater attractions. "They have ladders leading down to the lake with underwater statues, sunken boats, and training platforms for scuba training. They also have an air tank refill station and carts to haul your dive gear," explains a camper. Day use fees are $10 weekdays and $15 weekends.

Geocaching expeditions: Pedernales Falls State Park contains over 20 geocaching sites throughout its 5,200 acres. "This beautiful park is just miles away from my home. Camping, river play and over 20 geocaching sites make it a great place to wind down," reports a regular visitor. The park requires entrance fees in addition to camping fees.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Arkansas Bend offers unusually large camping spots with level gravel pads. "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy," notes one camper. Sites include water and electric hookups.

Natural swimming holes: Krause Springs features multiple water features including waterfalls and natural pools. "There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below. There's a small cave behind it," describes a visitor. Swimming areas include rope swings for jumping into deeper sections.

Urban camping accessibility: Pecan Grove RV Park provides camping within minutes of downtown Austin attractions. "We were able to ride our bikes to Congress bridge to see the bats, to the trails of Barton creek beltway, the Barton springs pool and lots more," shares a camper. This location requires no vehicle for accessing many Austin highlights.

What you should know

Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends bring heavy visitor traffic to most lake access points, particularly at swimming areas. Windy Point Park sees highest usage between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "The park host is great and very helpful. The showers are open so you have to shower in your swimsuit and the bathrooms are port potty's this was a big negative for us," reports one camper.

Flash flood risks: Pedernales Falls State Park experiences dangerous flash flooding with little warning. "A camping staple for us. Great river, view. Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" advises a regular visitor. Park rangers may close water access areas during rain events with little notice.

Terrain challenges: Many primitive camping locations require navigating uneven surfaces. At Krause Springs, "the ladder down is super wonky and the beach area extremely slippery." Sites with cliff access require appropriate footwear and careful movement, especially when carrying camping gear.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Arkansas Bend features modern playground equipment near camping areas. "We have enjoyed the hiking trails down by the water and the playground for our kids," mentions a family camper. The campground maintains separate camping loops for families seeking quieter environments.

Swimming safety measures: Bring life jackets for children at all water access points, particularly at McKinney Falls. "Please be careful swimming. If you can't swim, please refrain or wear a life jacket. There have been several drownings here," cautions an experienced visitor. Water depths change seasonally based on lake levels.

Pack extra water shoes: McKinney Falls State Park requires appropriate footwear for comfortable swimming. "There's an extinct volcano nearby called Pilot Knob. That accounts for the flat rock near the main falls," explains a camper. The volcanic rock formations can be sharp and slippery when wet.

Tips from RVers

Tree clearance awareness: Many access roads have low-hanging branches that can damage taller rigs. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," advises an RV owner at McKinney Falls State Park. RVs exceeding 12 feet in height should research specific campground clearances before arrival.

Site leveling requirements: Austin Lone Star RV Community requires additional leveling due to terrain. "The spots are gravel (a little unlevel due to the slight hills) but perfectly spaced with full hook up," reports a camper. Bring leveling blocks, especially for sites near hillsides.

Security considerations: Several RV parks near The Hills offer gated entry systems for added security. "Right off the highway, safe (gated entry), well kept, pretty," notes a visitor to Austin Lone Star RV Community. Security codes are typically provided at check-in for accessing facilities after hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near The Hills, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, The Hills, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 274 campgrounds and RV parks near The Hills, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near The Hills, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near The Hills, TX is Pedernales Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near The Hills, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near The Hills, TX.

What parks are near The Hills, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near The Hills, TX that allow camping, notably Georgetown Lake and Canyon Lake.