Grab those marshmallows and your favorite flannel, it’s camping season in Central Texas. With are more than 18 parks across the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country, it’s easy to plan a camping getaway. There are campgrounds in Texas State Parks, Lower Colorado River Authority Parks, Army Corps of Engineers Parks and even private parks with all the glamping options. With boating, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more, there is plenty to do. Here are the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
Best Camping Spots in Central Texas
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Buescher State Park in Smithville
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Bastrop State Park in Bastrop
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Blanco State Park in Blanco
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Lockhart State Park in Lockhart
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McKinney Falls State Park in Austin
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Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City
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Colorado Bend State Park in Bend
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Inks Lake State Park in Burnet
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Enchanted Road State Natural Area near Fredericksburg
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Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
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Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
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Grelle Recreation Area
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Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
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Georgetown Lake
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Granger Lake
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Pace Bend Park in Spicewood
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Buescher State Park in Smithville
Two parks sit side-by-side in Central Texas: Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park. The parks are connected by a park road, popular with cyclists. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
Buescher features a 30-acre lake. Find a shaded campground with premium screen shelters ($45 a night), regular screen shelters ($25) along with cabins ($85). The campground offers restrooms with showers, tent sites with water, RV sites with electricity and water along with primitive walk-in sites.
Located at 100 Park Road 1E, Smithville, TX 78957. Day-use adult admission is $5.
Bastrop State Park in Bastrop
Ravaged by a forest fire nearly 10 years ago, the Lost Pines of Bastrop still stand tall. Find a large cluster around the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built cabins. Mirroring the National Park Service’s rustic architecture style, the cabins use local materials.
Bastrop State Park features a pool, open seasonally with additional admission. Or fish in the .5-acre Lake Mina. The park leans out equipment and a fishing license isn’t necessary, so it’s a great opportunity to try a new sport.
Find historic cabins set among the towering pine trees. Each cabin offers a/c and heating along with an outfitted kitchen, full bathroom and fireplace. The smallest cabin offers accommodations for two people for $110 a night. The largest cabin offers accommodations for six people for $150.
The campground is shaded with restrooms along with fire rings. Choose from RV sites with hook-ups, tent sites with water or electricity, along with walk-in sites. The
Located at 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602. Day-use adult admission is $5.
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Blanco State Park in Blanco
Splash in the one-mile stretch of Blanco River with its natural swimming area. The park rangers loan out fishing equipment too. Or head to the visitors center to rent a kayak or canoe.
This park also features structures built by the CCC back in the Great Depression, like the long table. Or reserve the historic pavilion with an attached kitchen. Also, find a playground in the area.
The campground at Blanco State Park features RV sites with full hook-ups along with sites with electricity only. Find screened shelters with ceiling fans as well. The restrooms include showers and each site offers a picnic table and fire ring.
Located at 101 Park Road 23, Blanco, TX 78606. Day-use adult admission is $5.
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Bastrop State Park in Bastrop
Ravaged by a forest fire nearly 10 years ago, the Lost Pines of Bastrop still stand tall. Find a large cluster around the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built cabins. Mirroring the National Park Service’s rustic architecture style, the cabins use local materials.
Bastrop State Park features a pool, open seasonally with additional admission. Or fish in the .5-acre Lake Mina. The park leans out equipment and a fishing license isn’t necessary, so it’s a great opportunity to try a new sport.
Find historic cabins set among towering pine trees. Each cabin offers a/c and heating along with an outfitted kitchen, full bathroom and fireplace. The smallest cabin offers accommodations for two people for $110 a night. The largest cabin offers accommodations for six people for $150.
The campground is shaded with restrooms along with fire rings. Choose from RV sites with hook-ups, tent sites with water or electricity, along with walk-in sites.
Located at 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602. Day-use adult admission is $5.
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Lockhart State Park in Lockhart
Built by the CCC during the Great Depression, this park features a 9-hole golf course along with hiking opportunities.
Or fish on Clear Fork Creek with free loaner equipment and State Parks don’t require a fishing license.
Lockhart offers campsites with picnic tables and a fire ring and doesn’t feature more permanent structures, like shelters or cabins. Find campsites with full RV hookups or sites with electricity only. The campground includes a restroom with showers.
Located at 2012 State Park Rd. Lockhart, TX 78644. Day-use adult admission is $3.
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McKinney Falls State Park in Austin
The 641-acre McKinney Falls State Park features camping, hiking, mountain biking and swimming in a natural setting, minutes from Austin’s main airport. Find 1.7 miles of Onion Creek flowing through the park, offering both swimming and fishing opportunities. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
In addition to water sports, try hiking or mountain biking, wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Make it a weekend with 80 campsites, including RV and hike-in sites screened shelters, group shelters and a group dining hall. Outdoor recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking,
Located 10 miles southeast of downtown Austin at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway. Adult day-use admission (12+) is $6. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City
Splash in the Pedernales River or bring a tube for a float down the river. Find easy to advanced trails for hiking or biking.
This park features 10 miles of horseback riding trails for experienced riders. Reserve the equestrian camp with horse pens for overnight camping with your animals.
The campground features sites with electricity. Additionally, find primitive sites. The restroom offers showers and sites include a picnic table and a fire ring.
Located at 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636. Day-use adult admission is $6.
Colorado Bend State Park in Bend
Located in the Hill Country west of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park offers a wild cave and waterfall to explore. Along the bank of the Colorado River, this park is a rugged wilderness with wildflowers and roaming deer.
Take a self-guided tour and see Gorman Falls, a 70-foot waterfall. Or reserve a spot on the guided wild cave tour.
Colorado Bend’s campsites are primitive, without water or electricity. Some are big enough for a 30-foot RV. This park offers composting toilets and open-air rinse-off showers.
Located at 2236 Park Hill Dr. Day-use adult admission is $5 per person.
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Inks Lake State Park in Burnet
As a constant-level lake, this park is ideal for boating. Find a boat ramp along with a fishing pier and fish cleaning station. Borrow fishing equipment during your stay. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
Hike to a scenic overlook at Inks Lake and find lots of trails to explore. Also, find two playgrounds for kids.
Campsites for RVs with electricity and water are available. There are tent sites with electricity only. Inks Lake State Park offers a large campground divided into loops with services in each.
Inks Lake offers lots of basic cabins, many with views of the lake. Each cabin ($55) features two sets of single bunk beds along with a ceiling fan and air-conditioning. All cooking is done outside, and cabins don’t offer a kitchenette. Find restrooms with showers nearby.
Located at 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611. Day-use adult admission is $6.
Enchanted Road State Natural Area near Fredericksburg
The 425-foot pink granite monolith is a high point for the area and offers some amazing views of Texas Hill County. With 11 miles of hiking trails, it is popular with day visitors, especially in spring for wildflowers and fall for fall color. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
The campground offers 35 walk-in sites with water and 20 hike-in primitive sites. The campground features a bathhouse with showers.
Located at 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 in Fredericksburg. Adult admission (13+) is $7 and kids 12 and under are free. Camping available. Day-use adult admission is $8 per person.
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Lower Colorado River Authority Parks around Austin
Along the shores of the Colorado River that bisects the Hill Country and Austin, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) operates several campgrounds.
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
East of Austin, this park offers lots of camping options including RV sites, tent sites, along with Airstreams for rent. Find a fishing pier, boat ramp, swimming and watercraft for rent by the hour, or day. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
Campgrounds offer restrooms with showers. Find a dump station and ice maker. Camping fees start at $35.
Located at 603 RM 1441, Bastrop, TX 78602. Day-use admission for adults is $5, kids 12 and under are free.
South Shore Park on Lake Bastrop
Another park on Lake Bastrop, this park offers lots of camping options including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins for rent. This park offers mini-golf, kayaks, SUP and corcl for rent by the hour or day. Also find a fishing pier, boat ramp and swimming.
Campgrounds offer restrooms with showers. Find a dump station and ice maker. Camping fees start at $35.
Located at 375 S. South Rd. Bastrop, TX 78602. Day-use admission for adults is $5, kids 12 and under are free.
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Grelle Recreation Area
Along the shores of Lake Travis near Spicewood, Grelle Recreation Area offers hiking, mountain biking and even equestrian trails. The campground is small with only 18 tent-only sites along with a restroom with non-flushing toilets. Campsites start at $27.50 a night.
Located at County Road 412 in Spicewood. Day-use admission for adults is $5, kids 12 and under are free.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
With a boat ramp and boats for rent (kayaks and SUP boards), Muleshoe Bend is a beacon for lake lovers on Lake Travis. After a day enjoying the water, spend the night enjoying the night skies.
Muleshoe Bend offers 41 sites with a restroom including flush toilets and an outdoor shower. Additionally, find an ice machine. Campsites start at $27.50 a night.
Located at 2820 County Road 414 in Spicewood. Day-use admission for adults is $5, kids 12 and under are free.
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Army Corps of Engineers Parks around Austin
Georgetown Lake
Army Corps of Engineers Parks located north of Austin in Georgetown. Find four parks with campgrounds around the lake.
Each park offers its own amenities. Some campgrounds are primitive, others campsites with electricity and water hook-ups along with restrooms with showers. Camping fees start at $6, depending on amenities.
Georgetown Lake parks include Cedar Breaks Park, Jim Hogg Park, Tejas Park, and Russell Park.
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Granger Lake
Located northeast of Austin, Granger Lake is a quiet lake with fewer visitors. Find three parks with campgrounds around the lake.
Each park offers different amenities, like swimming beaches, equestrian camping or boat launches. Some campgrounds offer RV campsites with electric, water and sewer hook-ups along with restrooms with showers. Other parks offer primitive sites. Camping fees start at $10.
Granger Lake parks include Taylor Park, Wilson H. Fox Park, Willis Creek Park.
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County Parks
Pace Bend Park in Spicewood
On the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, Pace Bend Park hugs the shore and offers protected coves for swimming. Find hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Make it a weekend on the water and find a boat dock if you bring your boat.
The developed campground features 20 sites with grills, tables, water and electrical hookups. The bathhouse features showers.
Located at 2805 Pace Bend Road N. in Spicewood. Day-use admission for adults is $5, kids 12 and under are free.
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Private Campgrounds
Camp Fimfo near Canyon Lake
Located close to New Braunfels and Canyon Dam, find an expansive Texas Hill Country property brimming with wildlife, especially deer. Camp Fimfo New Braunfels is next-door neighbors with the Whitewater Amphitheater. So overnight guests can enjoy live music from their sites during its performances. Camp Fimfo also offers Guadalupe River frontage for splashing in the water. This is one of the Best Camping Spots in Central Texas.
As a camping resort, Camp Fimfo features lots of activities for families. The waterpark and its resort-style pool are favorites from spring until fall (check its calendar). The General Store area features a playground, an 18-hole mini-golf course and gemstone panning, in addition to a water sports area. During the weekend, Camp Fimfo hosts craft sessions along with workshops.
I stayed in a Coyote Cabin, and it offers room for lots of friends and family (up to 12). Each features three bedrooms, one with two sets of bunk beds (great for cousins or tag-along friends). Additionally it has an equipped kitchen along with a bathroom with a shower.
RVers have an area just for their rigs along with a bathhouse. Additionally find other cabins, like the Riverview Cabins perfect for two. For groups of 8, the Bluebonnet Cabins feature a sleeping loft.
Located at 520 Whitewater Way in New Braunfels.
Mystic Quarry near Canyon Lake
Near Canyon Lake and outside of New Braunfels, Mystic Quarry Glamping Resort offers RV spots, teepees, tiny houses and glamping lodges. It offers an extended list of activities and amenities like a resort-style pool, a fitness center and a dog park.
This resort offers an area shuttle, an on-site store, sports courts and a pavilion.
Located at 13190 FM 306 in Canyon Lake.
Krause Springs
Stay at one of the iconic swimming holes in Central Texas, Krause Springs. After a day of swimming in its developed pool and its rustic swimming hole with rope swing, head over to its campground with RV sites with hook-ups along with tent sites.
If you want to make it a weekend, bring the RV or pack a tent. Krause Springs offers primitive camping and RV sites with electricity and water. Krause Springs features clean and modern bathrooms. I found flush toilets, sinks and showers though the showers use fresh spring water. And the water isn’t heated.
Camping is charged per person, $15 for adults, over 12 and $10 for kids 4 to 11 and no charges for little kids under 3. RV sites are $15.
Located at 424 Krause Springs Road in Krause Springs.
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