Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, near Marble Falls, Texas, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors by Lake Travis. With sites that are just a short walk from the water, you can easily spend your days fishing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun on the sandy beach.

The campground offers a laid-back vibe with picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have raved about the beautiful views, especially from site 15, where you can kick back in a hammock and catch stunning sunrises over the water. The trails around the area are easy to navigate, making them great for a leisurely stroll or a bit of exploration.

If you’re bringing your furry friends along, they’re welcome here, and there’s plenty of space for them to roam. Just keep in mind that the Texas heat can be intense, especially in the summer, so be prepared for warm days and limited water access. Campers have noted the lack of showers and the presence of porta-johns, so plan accordingly. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Shaffer Bend offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

Looking for the best campgrounds near Spicewood, TX? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Spicewood, reviewed by campers like you.

Spicewood

The Best Camping Near Spicewood, Texas

Shaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.

The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. 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. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it. 

Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore. 

Weekend Trip

the campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. the lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this. we stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. there are no showers or bath houses. there are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving. Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. there are fish if you're into that.

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. There is easy access to the lake to go swim or paddle. Be mindful that Lake Travis is not a constant level lake and this is a narrow and shallow part of the lake. There is a chance of low water levels. Also it’s Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake. Overall a great place! 

Wildflowers Ji

Relaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking. Small RV plus tent for us.

Small RV and tent-dry camping

Great stay. The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it’s a soft bedding for the evening. Lots of tree cover to help combat the sun. There is a table, a fire ring, and a grill at each site. 
Walking trails are nice for a stroll not too difficult and not much elevation change. 
Only negative is the amount of stickers everywhere. Got one right between the toes and a venue near the park plays music if there is an event. The echo of the rock face by the lake didn’t help it. That’s not the parks fault though. 

Great beach day

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. Looks like you can also have a fire out in the sand as we found some charred wood out there, there is ample spacing at the site with a fire ring, and a table provided and plenty of shade. The trees are great to set up a Hamic, which we did, which gave you an awesome view of the water and the sunrise in the mornings. They have good trails not too difficult, the only negative items I can mention are the various amounts of stickers everywhere we got plenty on our ankles and our hands other than that there was an issue with loud music from a venue outside of the park that would echo through the valley not much could be done about their music, but the on-site personnel contacted the local authorities to have a talk with them and the music wasn’t a problem after the first night. I’m definitely coming back here in the summer since the water is so close and so cool. Do we great to cool down on those hot days. ￼

Awesome beach day

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is a great destination for nature lovers, close to Lake Travis and great outdoor activities. Relaxing on the beach or enjoying the sunrise from the 15th location is an experience not to be missed. Don't forget to de-stress with a [io games](https://iogamesonl.com/) after a day of exploring!

Photos of Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers