Camping Near Austin

I grew up in a family that loved to camp.  My dad was a Boy Scout leader, my mom a Girl Scout leader and both of my brothers are Eagle Scouts.   We had lots of opportunities to do all sorts of camping.  

It is early enough in the summer before it gets too hot so it’s a great time to go camping.  Fortunately, you do not need to travel far.  Just hitch a pop-up camper to your car or pitch a tent and bring along your sleeping bag.  We are so lucky to live in the Hill Country.  In an hour or so, you can spread out and enjoy the nice fresh air and RELAX.

Here are several places near Austin that are worthy of the trip.  

• 10 miles away –  McKinney Falls State Park has around 90 campsites available with different options. There are primitive sites that are $15 a night, sites with water and electric (30 amp) that are $20 a night, and premium sites with water and a 50 amp hookup that are $24 a night; all of which you must add the daily entry fee of $6 (kids 12 and under free). They also have screened shelters that sleep up to 8 people on plywood bunks (no mattress), have ceiling fans, picnic tables, an outdoor grill, an electric hookup, and a hot/cold water sink for $40 a night. There’s hiking, road biking, mountain biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming and wildlife observation. It’s also home to “Old Baldy”, a bald cypress tree that is 103 feet tall and estimated to be over 500 years old.

• 34 miles away - Pace Bend Park is HUGE with several options on its 1,368 acres. There are over 400 primitive campsites and 20 improved campsites with water, electrical hookups, and showers – call 512.854.7275 to make a reservation (not required, but recommended). Many campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue grills. These sites are along the outings of the park and can be reached by car. The park’s interior is managed as a wildlife preserve and can only be reached by foot, bicycle, or horseback. There are several trails and they provide some of the best views of Lake Travis. Camping is $15 per vehicle, day use is $10 per vehicle, and campers should try and arrive by 10 pm. Or bring a picnic and stay the day with a day pass.

• 42 miles away - Pedernales Falls State Park has 5,212 acres where you can roam free. It features some great swimming spots and views of the Texas Hill Country. It’s perfect for family hikes and has terrain available for all types of hikers. You can also tube, picnic, wade, mountain bike, fish and more. Primitive sites are $10 a night, and sites with water and a 30 amp hookup are $20, plus the daily entrance fee of $6 for adults, but 12 and under are free. Day passes available online.

• 51 miles away - Blanco State Park has a pretty amazing swimming hole, picnicking, hiking, nature studies, boating and fishing. You can also rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks to take down the Blanco River from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm and must be returned by 4 pm. What’s great about this park is that it’s a 10-minute walk to the historic downtown where you can find restaurants and shopping. Camping is $17 – $23 and all sites include water and electricity. Screen shelters are also available for $25 a night, and can sleep up to 8 people. Entry fee must be paid as well, but it’s only $4 for adults and free for 12 and under.

If your summer is full of activities,  you can save these places for a weekend outing with the family in the fall when the leaves change color.  I still remember camping at McKinney Falls State Park as a kid with my family, and all the memories of being together.   Even if you take a day to explore some of these places, it is well worth the adventure!