This article about camping near Austin, Texas is brought to you by Midland. Their walkie-talkies are fun to bring along on any camping adventure.
When you visit Austin, Texas, leave behind your normie ways and immerse yourself in the unique culture and art of this stunning city. These campgrounds keep you close to all the action so you can visit places like the Museum of Junk, Uncommon Objects, and the city’s own Museum of the Weird. Stay weird and explore natural springs, scenic vistas, and lush parks with this list of our top camping near Austin, Texas.
Austin, Texas became synonymous with weird when an Austin radio station received a pledge from a community college librarian to “Keep Austin Weird.” It has since become a way to promote small businesses in Austin and a local rallying cry of the community.
1. McKinney Falls
Image from The Dyrt camper Matt M.
Only 9 miles southeast of downtown Austin is McKinney Falls Campground, close enough to the city to enjoy it but also offering unique attractions of its own.
Scenic falls, and excellent hiking makes you feel millions of miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. With electric and water hookups for RVs and a dump station on the way out, this campground has wooded private sites on a couple of loops. This campsite is an ideal choice for camping near Austin, Texas if you plan to enjoy the natural beauty of central Texas as much as the urban excitement of Austin.
“We spent time hiking the Homestead and Flint Rock trails and really enjoyed the peace and solitude, knowing we were so close to the metropolitan area.”– Kristin S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 89
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Pace Bend Park – Lake Travis
Atop the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis is Pace Bend Park, a gem of a campground 45 minutes outside of Austin. Some campsites are privately tucked away in the mesquite trees, while others are right on the beach.
There’s primitive and modernized camping with electrical and water hookups and showers located east of the lake. The east and north sides are more amenable to folks who have mobility issues or families with young kids with long, sloping shorelines.
“We love the stars at night, and if you get lucky enough to have quiet nearby campers, the evenings are amazing with beautiful lake views.”– Chris K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-40
- Number of sites: 420
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Pedernales Falls
Image from The Dyrt camper Marc H.
Sometimes a raging river, sometimes very tranquil, the Pedernales River flows over giant slabs of limestone at Pedernales Falls, 30 minutes from Austin, Texas. Choose a site with electric and water hookups, or hike to a more primitive, secluded spot for some fantastic vistas.
“Each campsite has its own little section of the forest and makes you feel like you’re one of just a few people in an otherwise full campground.”– Shari G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 70
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Bastrop, TX
Just 38 minutes outside of Austin is Bastrop State Park, with 4 great camping areas to choose from, each with unique amenities. Next to the RV-only Piney Hill campsites, Deer Run has 16 tent-only sites if you don’t mind a little noise from the highway.
Copperas Creek area offers electric and water hookups along with hot showers. The creek runs through the campground in an S-shape, so you can hear it from wherever you’re camping.
“Bathrooms have had a lot of money spent on them, with hot showers and full plumbing. The campsites are well-maintained, and the hiking trails are nice.”– Danielle R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-40
- Number of sites: 60
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Inks Lake
Image from The Dyrt camper Chris K.
A large campground with lots of choices and amenities, Inks Lake is a local favorite destination, especially in the hot, dry summers when jumping off the limestone rocks into Ink’s Lake is a slice of Paradise.
The lake’s level is constant, making this campground a little over an hour outside of Austin a must on your to-do list all year-round. There’s lots of boating, kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching, and fun swimming for the kids.
“We were lucky enough to get a site right at the water’s edge with a nice, personal small beach with clean waters all the way to the shore.”– Chad L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $11-30
- Number of sites: 240
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Camp Huaco Springs
The 30 acres on the Guadalupe River is the perfect opportunity for weekend camping and water sports at Camp Huaco Springs.
This is a large campground with many options like cabins, hookups, or primitive campsites. The river is right there, although the Hill Country gives you a lot of privacy. There’s even a natural spring at this hidden gem just under an hour from Austin.
“There are restrooms toward the top of the campgrounds with showers as well as a laundry room. You can make fires, but you’ll need to bring your own wood.” – Jason G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 76
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Krause Springs
Image from The Dyrt camper Brandi W.
Krause Springs has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years. There are only 24 RV sites with electrical and water, and they don’t take reservations for tent camping because you can primitively camp pretty much anywhere.
With 32 natural springs across the property, there’s tons to explore and discover. All the water is spring-fed, which means no hot water. Pets should stay home, too.
“We walked around the property and were stunned at how beautiful the waterfall and spring swimming area were.”– Rachel W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-25
- Number of sites: 24
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: No
Camping in and around Austin, Texas, gives you access to some of the country’s most gorgeous views. These campgrounds only scratch the surface of the camping in this area. For hundreds more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping in Texas.
This article about camping near Austin was brought to you by Midland. Midland’s weather radios are handy to keep you prepared while you’re out in the wilderness.
