Best Dispersed Camping near West Lake Hills, TX
Dispersed camping near West Lake Hills, Texas centers primarily around the San Gabriel River Trail area that encircles Lake Georgetown. Three primitive camping areas—Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and various spots along the San Gabriel River Trail—provide free camping options for hikers and backpackers. These sites are accessible only by hiking or boating in, with no vehicle access directly to the campsites. All three locations offer truly primitive camping experiences on public land with minimal development.
Access requires hiking in from designated trailheads along the 26.2-mile San Gabriel River Trail. Visitors must park at established access points such as Tejas Campground, Cedar Breaks Campground, or Russell Park, then hike between 2-5 miles to reach primitive camping areas. No drinking water, toilets, or other facilities exist at these locations. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal by digging cat holes. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, though fires are generally permitted in existing fire rings. A recent review noted, "This is possibly the easiest campground on the Good Water Trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others."
The primitive camping experience around Lake Georgetown provides a mix of forest and open grassland settings with partial tree coverage. Camping is allowed in designated areas with tent pads as well as in certain zones where campers may set up wherever suitable space exists. Summer conditions can be challenging due to heat and sun exposure. One camper shared, "In the summer be aware that the combination of temperature and exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area. Weekend visitors should expect to encounter other hikers and backpackers, including scout troops practicing backpacking skills, while weekday campers often report more solitude. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
