When it comes to combining the thrill of the open road with the peace of the great outdoors, few places do it better than Central Texas. This guide to road trip camping near Austin highlights the region’s best campgrounds—each offering natural beauty, easy access, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, nature-loving couple, or solo adventurer, you’ll find top-rated sites to pitch your tent, stargaze, and unwind just a short drive from the city.
Why Austin is a Perfect Base for Road Trip Camping
Austin sits in the heart of Texas Hill Country—an ideal launchpad for camping adventures. Within just 30 to 90 minutes of the city, you’ll find a diverse range of landscapes: waterfalls, spring-fed swimming holes, wooded trails, riverfronts, and rolling limestone cliffs.
The climate supports camping most of the year, especially in spring and fall. From scenic byways to hidden forested campgrounds, the region offers a perfect mix of convenience and wilderness. Whether you prefer primitive tent sites or state parks with amenities, Austin gives campers every reason to hit the road, set up camp, and explore the wild side of Texas.
7 Best Campgrounds and Tent Camping Sites Near Austin
1. Pedernales Falls State Park
Just 45 miles west of Austin, this sprawling 5,200-acre park features dramatic limestone falls, swimming areas, shaded trails, and some of the most scenic campsites in Central Texas. Campers can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing in this tranquil Hill Country gem.
Address: 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (gates close at 10 PM)
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $6 per adult; $20/night for basic campsites
Famous For: Pedernales Falls is known for its breathtaking rock formations, clear swimming holes, and accessible riverside hiking trails—perfect for campers who want both views and water access.
Tip: Book early on weekends. Campsites near the river trailhead fill quickly. Bring water shoes for exploring the slick limestone falls and small pools.
2. Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake offers lakefront camping just over an hour northwest of Austin. With swimming coves, canoe rentals, and pink granite outcrops, it’s one of the most family-friendly campgrounds in the region.
Address: 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $7 per adult; campsites start at $20/night
Famous For: This park is famous for its calm, spring-fed lake and Devils Waterhole—ideal for cliff jumping, kayaking, and cooling off after a day in the sun.
Tip: Reserve a lakeside site for direct access to the water. Visit during spring for wildflower views and fewer crowds.
3. McKinney Falls State Park
Just 13 miles from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls is a surprisingly serene getaway within city limits. With two waterfalls, scenic trails, and shaded tent pads, it’s ideal for quick road trips and last-minute weekend getaways.
Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $6 per adult; campsites from $20/night
Famous For: This urban park is known for its Upper and Lower Falls, where Onion Creek spills over wide limestone ledges into inviting pools—great for wading and photos.
Tip: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds. Bring a hammock and hike the Homestead Trail early to catch golden-hour light over the falls.
4. Krause Springs
Located in Spicewood, Krause Springs is a private, family-owned campground and swimming haven. It features 32 natural springs, a butterfly garden, and one of the most picturesque campsites in Texas.
Address: 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (camping check-in starts at 1 PM)
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $10/day use; $15–$20/night per person for camping
Famous For: Krause Springs is famous for its lush, fern-draped swimming hole that spills into a turquoise natural pool under tall cypress trees.
Tip: Arrive early and set up camp close to the pool. Bring cash—they don’t accept cards—and leave extra time to wander the garden paths.
5. Blanco State Park
This compact state park in the charming town of Blanco is great for riverside camping, tubing, and picnicking. It’s small but peaceful, with easy access to shops and diners in town.
Address: 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $5 per adult; $20/night for campsites
Famous For: Blanco State Park is known for its dammed river pool, where families swim and fish in calm, cool waters beneath shaded trees.
Tip: Stop by Blanco Town Square for food and supplies. Great for first-time campers due to its well-maintained restrooms and walkable layout.
6. Pace Bend Park
Located on Lake Travis, Pace Bend offers expansive waterfront camping, limestone cliffs, and beautiful sunset views over the lake. With 400+ primitive sites and a handful of improved spots, it’s ideal for adventurous campers.
Address: 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, sunrise to 10:00 PM; camping check-in begins at 2:00 PM
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $10 per vehicle/day; $15/night for primitive sites
Famous For: Pace Bend is famous for its cliffside views over Lake Travis, easy kayak and paddleboard access, and wide-open skies perfect for stargazing.
Tip: Campsites aren’t reservable—arrive early Friday afternoon for lakeside spots. Bring firewood and a portable shade canopy for summer weekends.
7. Colorado Bend State Park
One of Texas’s wildest and most remote parks, Colorado Bend features cave tours, waterfalls, rugged trails, and riverside tent camping. It’s a bucket-list destination for serious nature lovers.
Address: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824
For More Info: Visit Website
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; gate code provided for campers
Entry Fee/Approx Cost: $5 per adult; $15–$20/night for tent sites
Famous For: This park is known for Gorman Falls—a stunning 70-foot cascade through a moss-covered canyon—and its remote feel, making it a top escape from city life.
Tip: No cell signal here—print your reservation and bring a map. Pack a hydration pack and wear hiking boots to explore the full 35-mile trail system.
Local Tips, Packing Advice & Driving Notes
Essential Gear to Pack for Hill Country Camping
While every camper’s kit may vary, here are must-have essentials for tent camping near Austin:
- Lightweight tent with a waterproof rainfly
- Ground tarp or footprint
- Cooler with ice packs (many sites have no on-site food)
- Biodegradable soap and trash bags (pack it in, pack it out)
- Headlamp or lantern (no lighting at primitive sites)
- Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
- First aid kit with allergy meds
- Reusable water bottles and hydration packs
- Camp stove or fire-safe grill (check fire restrictions)
When to Go and How to Avoid Crowds
For the most peaceful experience, plan your trip in spring (March–May) or fall (October–early December). Avoid major holiday weekends unless you’ve booked well in advance. Weekdays often mean open campsites, quieter trails, and fewer crowds at water features like waterfalls and swimming holes.
Road Safety and Hill Country Driving Tips
The roads around Central Texas can be narrow, curvy, and pitch dark at night. Here’s how to stay safe:
Drive slowly at dusk — deer often cross rural roads
Keep a paper map or offline GPS for signal-dead zones (especially near Colorado Bend or Krause Springs)
Fuel up before leaving major towns—gas stations can be sparse in rural areas
Bring cash for park entrances or privately owned campgrounds
Always check the TPWD burn ban status before planning a campfire
Reserve Ahead (or Know Where to Wing It)
Texas State Parks: Book online via Texas State Parks Reservations
Pace Bend Park: First-come, first-served only—get there by early afternoon Friday
Krause Springs: No online reservations—call ahead or arrive early
Final Thoughts on Road Trip Camping Near Austin
Camping near Austin is more than just a weekend getaway—it’s a way to reconnect with nature, explore the beauty of Texas Hill Country, and reset your pace. Whether you’re pitching a tent beneath the trees at Pedernales Falls, swimming at Krause Springs, or stargazing at Pace Bend Park, every site on this list brings something unforgettable to your road trip adventure.
From scenic lakes to secret waterfalls and riverside escapes, these top-rated camping spots are ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and outdoor lovers of every kind. So load up your car, pack the essentials, and hit the road—your perfect campsite is waiting just outside the city.
Start planning your Austin-area camping road trip today—and make your next stay under the stars your most memorable one yet.
