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Camping Guide For Central Texas

Feb. 20 2020 Camping In The USA Guide By Hannah L.

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Natural beauty, rolling hills, scenic vistas ...Central Texas is overflowing with beautiful outdoor camping sites! If you're looking to spend a night beneath the wide-open sky and enjoy the peace and beauty the hill country views offer, then you will fall in love with Central Texas. For places to camp in and around East Texas and West Texas checkout our previous blog posts here. For this post we will look at State Parks and campgrounds in the Central Texas Area.

Photo Via Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
    Austin, TX 78744 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
  • You can swim and fish in the beautiful onion creek that flows over the limestone edges, or explore the trails winding through hill country woods. This state park is also within Austin City limits so you can visit the state capitol that is only 13 miles away.

Photo Via Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Road 6026
    Johnson City, TX 78636 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls
  • This park is known for its tranquil and beautiful falls. The Pedernales river is a wonderful place to relax and recharge. You can swim, wade, tube and fish in the river and hike and camp at the park.

Photo Via Krause Springs 

  • Krause Springs, 424 County Rd 404  Spicewood, TX 78669, https://krausesprings.net/about
  • Founded in 1955, Krause Springs is a well-known camping and swimming site located in the beautiful Texas hill country. There are many natural sites to explore and 32 springs on the property. Spicewood Texas is only 30 miles west of Austin.

Photo Via Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • Guadalupe River State Park, 3350 Park Road 31
    Spring Branch, TX 78070, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
  • On the river you can swim, fish, tube, and canoe. When you’re not on the river you can camp, hike, ride mountain bikes or horses, and picnic. San Antonio and Austin are just a short drive away.

Photo Via Visit Bastrop.Com

  • Bastrop State Park, 100 Park Road 1A Bastrop, TX 78602 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bastrop
  • Famous for its beautiful and extensive pine forests, the park is being recovered from forest fires several years ago but is still a beautiful camping location and sits just 32 miles East of Austin.

Photo Via Texas State Parks Reservations

  • Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West Burnet, TX 78611 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
  •  Sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops, and striking sunsets, this gem of the Hill Country is just an hour northwest of Austin. You can camp and kayak on Lake Buchanan, or you can camp, hike, picnic and observe nature.

Photo via Pinterest

  • Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 F.M. 187
    Vanderpool, TX 78885 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
  • You may have heard of Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. Visit any time to see abundant wild­flowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. It is just two hours northwest of San Antonio.

Photo Via Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050 Concan, TX 78838, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
  •  Garner State Park is a great place to visit for a swim or hike or to enjoy a relaxing weekend. With 2.9 miles of Frio River winding through 1,774 acres of scenic Hill Country terrain, the park offers lots to see and do. Swim in the Frio River or float on its waters on an inner tube, operate a paddle boat, and explore 16 miles of scenic trails.

Photo Via Texas Parks and Wildlife

  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd. 965
    Fredericksburg, TX 78624, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock 
  • The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

Plan Ahead

With any State Park or campground you plan to visit we highly advise you check the website and call before you start your travels for any park closure alerts, as well as inquire about camping fees and availability or any needed reservations or permits you may need to prepare for in advance. We hope you enjoyed this guide for Central Texas, please tag us in your travels on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!