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.
