Tent camping near West Lake Hills, Texas offers primitive experiences at locations situated 25-40 miles from the city center. The region features limestone outcroppings, juniper forests, and elevations ranging from 500-800 feet throughout camping areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for overnight stays.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, campers can enjoy sandy beaches along Lake Travis. "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," notes one camper who appreciates the proximity to water activities.
Hiking varied terrain: The 26-mile San Gabriel River Trail connects to Russell Park, offering diverse landscapes. "The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries," explains a regular visitor who cautions that "40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area provide opportunities to spot local fauna. One camper at Grelle Recreation Area reported, "There were lots of deer, really neat to look at. The deer didn't even seem bothered by us," highlighting the accessible wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: The Colorado River access points provide refreshing swimming opportunities. A visitor to Turkey Bend Recreation Area enjoyed "the Colorado River where the dogs enjoyed swimming. Perfect for paddle boards, kayaking, or picnicking on the small beach."
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at certain campgrounds. At Turkey Bend, one camper noted after relocating, "Around the corner, I think the sites were 25-29, they were better spaced very wooded," showing that site selection matters for privacy.
Stargazing opportunities: The relatively dark skies offer good night viewing. A camper at Grelle - Lake Travis shared, "it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night," demonstrating how the lake settings enhance evening activities.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas have basic amenities only. At Camp Creek Recreation Area, a camper noted, "I do think 25 bucks for a place with no running water, no electric, and no actual bathroom is expensive but this park is actually extremely nice and the view is great."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat makes certain times challenging. One visitor to Shaffer Bend noted it was "hot. the campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere... Texas in summer can be unforgiving."
Wildlife awareness: Natural areas mean wildlife encounters. A camper at Shaffer Bend warned, "it's Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake," reminding visitors to maintain awareness of their surroundings while enjoying outdoor activities.
Self-check-in systems: Many sites use drop boxes or honor systems. "First come first serve, pick your spot, fill out the card, put it and 25 bucks in a drop box and good to go. Very easy system," explained a visitor to Camp Creek, describing a common process at area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: Some sites specifically cater to families new to camping. A visitor to Tejas Park shared, "My 5 year old wanted to go camping for the first time. This location is close enough to be near civilization, but feels remote to get the primitive camping experience."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can become learning experiences. "The kids like looking at the trees, swimming in the lake, and looking for deer which can be spotted in the evening along the campground roads," mentioned a visitor describing family activities.
Safety considerations: Watch for natural hazards with children. "The only negative items I can mention are the various amounts of stickers everywhere we got plenty on our ankles and our hands," warned a parent at Shaffer Bend, highlighting common concerns when camping with young children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most sites near West Lake Hills have minimal RV amenities. At CampEZ in SxSouth Austin, an RVer explained, "When you go in the gate, there are old campers that have been renovated and the greenery that spreads throughout this campground is beautiful. They have donkeys and goats."
Alternative urban options: For RVers wanting closer proximity to Austin, unique experiences exist. "EZ fun Austin stop. Cute friendly donkeys!" noted another visitor to CampEZ, pointing to the eclectic nature of camping options closer to the city center.
