You know Austin as a weird (self-professed), artsy community; a blip of the west coast in the heart of Texas. What you may not know is that there are plenty of great camping spots in and around town.
Whether you’re looking to stay close by and visit its many downtown attractions, or get out into the surrounding wilderness, there are numerous options to accommodate. Both tent campers and those pulling a travel trailer or driving a recreational vehicle will find something for them. Though like all campgrounds, it’s important to plan ahead and make a reservation if you’re able.
Due to its southern location in the United States, folks camp all year in Texas. And what better place to set up base camp than the capital city. So it can be challenging for last-minute campers to find a spot, but still possible.
Austin’s Top Tent and RV Campgrounds
With a subtropical humid climate, the summer months here are hot and humid. So don’t forget to check out the year-round natural springs near Austin, such as the local Barton Springs, as well as Krause Springs in nearby Spicewood and Jacob’s Well in Wimberly. These are fantastic places to cool down, go swimming, and beat the heat.
While not synonymous with the outdoors, Austin is more than just its proximity to the Sam Houston National Forest and the Gulf Coast. If you’re considering making a stop here on your next camping adventure, check out these sites to pitch a tent or park your RV.
Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Austin, TX, in order of proximity:
Pecan Grove RV Park (2 miles)
You can’t get a whole lot closer to the heart of Austin than staying at Pecan Grove RV Park. With quick access to Downtown Austin and Rainey Street, you can be at some of the most popular locations in the city in the blink of an eye.
- Closest town: Austin, TX (2 mi)
- Specs: Full hookups, pull-through sites
- Amenities: WiFi, restrooms, showers, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, by calling (512) 427-1067
- Address: 1518 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (Map)
McKinney Falls State Park (10 miles)
If you want to be close to the convenience of the city while still enjoying the peace of a night under the stars, McKinney Falls State Park splits the difference perfectly. You’ll have all your amenities covered, but if you forget something, it won’t be much of a drive back into the city. When you’re looking to stretch your legs, there are plenty of nearby hiking and biking options.
- Closest town: Austin, TX (10 mi)
- Specs: 81 sites, six cabins, 30 and 50-amp hookups, water hookups, tent pads, pet-friendly, pull-through sites only
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fire ring with grill, picnic table, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
- Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744 (Map)
Austin Lone Star RV Resort (10 miles)
If you’ve got a full-sized RV, but you want to be close to everything going on in downtown Austin, here’s the place to park your rig. If being in the city is a plus rather than a minus for you, you can get to anything you could need or want from this RV resort. If you aren’t in an RV, you can still take advantage of several cabin rentals Austin Lone Star offers.
- Closest town: Austin, TX (10 miles)
- Specs: 154 sites, full hookups, pet-friendly, back in and pull-through sites
- Amenities: WiFi, showers, restrooms, market, pool, dog park, exercise room, playground, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at campspot.com/book/austin-lone-star
- Address: 7009 Interregional Hwy, S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78744 (Map)
Austin East KOA (10 miles)
If you’re an avid KOA camper, you’ll appreciate this camping option just east of the city. This is an excellent choice for families because of its simplicity, amenities, and its proximity to Lake Walter E. Long. If you’re traveling in an RV, you’ll be close enough to the city to take a car or public transit to all the activities you’ve got planned.
- Closest town: Austin, TX (10 mi)
- Specs: 87 spots for tents, RVs, and cabin stays, full hookups, pet-friendly, back-in, and pull-through sites
- Amenities: WiFi, propane, pool, pavilion, firewood, dog park, laundry, playground, recreation room, showers, restrooms, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at koa.com/campgrounds/austin-east
- Address: 6029 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78724 (Map)
Sun Outdoors – Lake Travis (22 miles)
If you aren’t familiar, Sun Outdoors locations are similar to KOA. You’ll get plenty of amenities and the structure of a nationwide chain. If you need to stay on the grid to keep up with work, Sun Outdoors Lake Travis offers all the amenities you’ll need. Once you’re finished with your workday, enjoy all the resort has to offer, especially nearby Lake Travis!
- Closest town: Lakeway, TX (8 mi)
- Specs: 64 pull-through sites, 11 back-in, 44 cottage stays, full hookups
- Amenities: WiFi, pet-friendly, picnic table, cable TV
- Reservations: Yes, at sunoutdoors.com/book/checkavailability/414/tx/sun-outdoors-lake-travis
- Address: 5220 Hudson Bend Rd, Austin, TX 78734 (Map)
Redbud Ranch Cabin and RV Resort (25 miles)
Redbud is a favorite among travelers of all stripes. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s full of amenities, there’s no better place around than Redbud Ranch. Whether you come with your RV or stay in a park model, you’ll have all your needs and wants taken care of at this luxurious spot.
- Closest town: Hutto, TX (3 mi)
- Specs: 77 pull-through sites, 62 back-in sites, eight buddy RV sites, 52 park model cabins, full hookups in all RV sites
- Amenities: Laundry, WiFi, propane refill station, store, dog park, potable water, outdoor games, restrooms, showers, social hall, pavilion with barbecues, swimming pool, hot tub, business center, playground
- Reservations: Yes, at bookings10.rmscloud.com/Search/Index/13601/90/?Y=1
- Address: 211 Benelli Dr, Hutto, TX 78634 (Map)
Berry Springs Park and Preserve (33 miles)
Berry Springs thrives on offering beauty and simplicity. If your goal is to relax and detach, this might be the best place in the Austin area. Camp near a century-old pecan grove and equally old trees. When you’re ready to venture out, you won’t have to go far to find great hiking and fishing.
- Closest town: Georgetown, TX (5 mi)
- Specs: 10 primitive campsites, 16 improved campsites, one group improved campsite, pet-friendly
- Amenities: Fire ring, amphitheater, pavilion, potable water, playground, restrooms, shower
- Reservations: Yes, at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wilcotxparks/reservation
- Address: 1801 Co Rd 152, Georgetown, TX 78626 (Map)
Pace Bend Park (34 miles)
Pace Bend offers a slower pace (no pun intended) to your camping. You won’t have as many amenities here as at other sites, but all the basics will be covered. If you’re looking for outdoor activities near Austin, you’ll have plenty of hiking, fishing, and even cliff jumping!
- Closest town: Briarcliff, TX (4 mi)
- Specs: 20 sites, electrical hookups, water hookups, RV dump station, pet-friendly, back-in sites only
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, barbecue grills, fire rings, boat ramps, picnic tables, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at parks.traviscountytx.gov/reservations/improved-camping-reservations
- Address: 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669 (Map)
Bastrop State Park (35 miles)
If you think Texas doesn’t have trees, Bastrop Park is here to prove you wrong. Camp under the Lost Pines and appreciate the forests Texas has to offer. Fires have hit Bastrop in the past, so you can appreciate new growth trees while you explore the seven miles of park hiking trails.
- Closest town: Bastrop (2 mi)
- Specs: 27 full hookup sites (20 pull-through, seven back-in), 17 back-in electric sites, 20 tent sites with water, 13 cabins, one bunkhouse, one group hall
- Amenities: Fire ring, grill, picnic table, restrooms, showers, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/…
- Address: 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602 (Map)
Jim Hogg Park (36 miles)
You’ll find plenty of well-spaced spots at Jim Hogg Park. With well-spaced campsites, some featuring included pavilion shelters, you’ll be able to appreciate the nearby waterfront even more. You’ll have the best lakefront views if you can get a spot on the southeast side of the park.
- Closest town: Georgetown, TX (8 mi)
- Specs: 142 sites, full hookups, RV dump station, pet-friendly, back-in sites only
- Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, potable water, fire pits, picnic table
- Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232612
- Address: 500 Jim Hogg Rd, Georgetown, TX 78633 (Map)
Tejas Park (37 miles)
Near Jim Hogg Park you’ll find Tejas Park. This park features simple setups best for budget-conscious campers or those who don’t need more than basic amenities. If you don’t mind a more basic camping experience, you’ll be rewarded with quick access to the waterfront for boating and fishing. If you’re looking for some exercise, the nearby San Gabriel River Trail runs 26 miles and is open for both hiking and biking.
- Closest town: Liberty Hill, TX (8 mi)
- Specs: 12 primitive campsites and one group site, pet-friendly
- Amenities: Picnic table, fire pit with grill, tent pad, lantern posts, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234643
- Address: Co Rd 258, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 (Map)
Grelle Recreation Area (37 miles)
Grelle is a great place to stay if you’re looking to hike through the Texas Hill Country. Notably dog-friendly, you and your pets will love exploring the nearby rolling hills. With proximity to Lake Travis, you won’t need to head very far if you’re looking to hit the water.
- Closest town: Spicewood, TX (2 mi)
- Specs: 17 tent campsites, one group campsite
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic table, pet-friendly, fire pit
- Reservations: Yes, at lcra.org/parks/grelle
- Address: 640 Co Rd 412, Spicewood, TX 78669 (Map)
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (37 miles)
If you’re looking to camp by the water, head west of the city to Muleshoe Bend. You’ll be enveloped by the Colorado River while you stay, so hit the water while you’re there! If you’re looking just to relax, you’ll find lots of sprawling, old oak trees to catch an afternoon nap under.
- Closest town: Spicewood, TX (6 mi)
- Specs: 41 campsites, pet-friendly
- Amenities: Restrooms, shower, potable water, watercraft rentals, picnic table
- Reservations: Yes, at lcra.org/parks/muleshoe-bend
- Address: 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669 (Map)
Pedernales Falls State Park (38 miles)
If you don’t mind the drive, this park offers beautiful views of the Pedernales River and the surrounding natural limestone. If you’re looking to balance your city experience with some outdoor activities, Pedernales offers hiking, swimming, tubing, biking, and more. Make sure the river is calm if you plan to swim it. While it’s usually tranquil, it can occasionally get choppy and difficult to swim.
- Closest town: Johnson City, TX (12 mi)
- Specs: 60 electric campsites, 21 hike-in primitive sites, one group site, electric campsites are pet-friendly, 30-amp hookups, water hookups
- Amenities: (Electric campsites only) Picnic table, shower, fire ring with grill, restrooms, showers, potable water
- Reservations: Yes, at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/…
- Address: 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 (Map)
Next time you’re traveling through Texas, make sure a stop in Austin is on your list. Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean you have to spend the night in a concrete jungle. With plenty of state and local parks to choose from, you’ll have plenty of camping options the next time you’re in Austin.
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