Where to Camp in Austin

We all could use some time outdoors after this year! After remote working, learning, and just about everything else in life, you deserve a trip to breathe and enjoy time away from a computer screen.

We’ve compiled this guide of spots to camp in Austin so you can plan a trip for you, the family, or a group of friends! Check out the websites for reservation options and dates to ensure your spot, and happy camping!

Where to Camp in Austin When You Need a Nature Getaway

? McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

This 641-acre park features 80 campsites, each with water and electric hookups, and six newly remodeled cabins to choose from for your next camping adventure. McKinney Falls State Park offers guests recreational opportunities like hiking, mountain biking, bicycling, swimming, birding, wildlife observation, and more! With nearly nine miles of trails and the 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, there’s plenty of exploring to do and outdoors to enjoy.

For a more relaxed trip, fish in Onion or Williamson creeks or swim in Onion Creek, which flows 1.7 miles through the park. Plus, since McKinney Falls State Park is within Austin’s city limits, you won’t be too far from all the city life to get the best of both worlds!

Hours & Location

?Every Day | 8AM-10PM

?5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744

WEBSITE

? Jamie Giron

Pace Bend Park

For camping with a stunning view, visit Pace Bend Park. This spot is popular for camping on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, swimming on a beach, boating, and exploring the Hill Country beauty with miles of hike, bike, and equestrian trails. Choose from primitive camping, complete with picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and plenty of trees for shade and privacy, or improved camping with water and electrical hook-ups, showers, and restrooms.

One of the most popular activities at Pace Bend is boating, as the park is equipped with two main boat ramps and beautiful open water. Guests can also swim at Mudd Cove, Kate’s Cove, and Gracy Cove, but there are no lifeguards, so be sure to monitor safety at all times!

Hours & Location

?Every Day | Sunrise to Civil Twilight

?2805 Pace Bend Rd. North, Spicewood, TX 78734

WEBSITE

? Viridiana Patiño

Sandy Creek Park

While this hotspot is temporarily closed, we are eagerly anticipating the day it is open again! Sandy Creek Park is nestled into the basin area of Lake Travis and is an ideal spot for swimming, nature walks, birding, camping, and fishing. Overnight camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot!

Located on one of the quieter coves of Lake Travis, S andy Creek Park is perfect for a weekend getaway. Enjoy observing the scenic Hill Country, several rare bird and plant species, and the beautiful lake while exploring one of the best places to camp in Austin.

Hours & Location

?Temporarily Closed

?9500 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX 78641

WEBSITE

? Revanth Mallikarjun

Cedar Breaks Park

Located on the south shore of Georgetown Lake, Cedar Breaks Park takes guests a little further out of Austin’s city limits for an adventure in the Hill Country. This scenic park offers 64 fully equipped camping sites, plus a dump station and hot showers for guests to enjoy while they explore the outdoors.

Most guests visit Cedar Breaks Park to enjoy the lake, either by boating or fishing. A boat ramp is provided, and you’ll find a large variety of fish species, including Black bass, White bass, Hybrid stripers, White crappie, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish, and Smallmouth bass.Plus, the lake is surrounded by San Gabriel River Trail, a 26.5-mile rugged trail winding through dense juniper forest, hardwood bottomlands, and prairie grasslands.

Hours & Location

?Every Day | 6AM-10PM

?2100 Cedar Breaks Rd, Georgetown, TX 78633

WEBSITE

? Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park

For a more thrilling adventure, camp at Pedernales Falls State Park, a spot known for the beautiful Pedernales River where guests frequently swim, wade, tube, kayak, canoe, or fish. The park is also an incredible spot to hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch, and ride horses. Located just 30 miles west of Austin, this spot is the perfect weekend getaway for relaxing and recharging.

For camping, Pedernales Falls State Park offers both primitive sites and sites with water and electricity for guests to choose from. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a great time while enjoying the scenic Hill Country by exploring various trails and the river!

Hours & Location

?WED-SUN | 8AM-5PM

?2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

WEBSITE

More to Explore Outdoors

We absolutely love all of these spots to camp in Austin, and hope you will too! For more spots to explore around Austin, check out the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide page and let us know what you want to see next!

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Where to Camp in Austin When You Need a Nature Getaway

McKinney Falls State Park

Pace Bend Park

Sandy Creek Park

Cedar Breaks Park

Pedernales Falls State Park

More to Explore Outdoors

Follow us

Curated by

Abby Hopkins

It’s better in the app

Where to Camp in Austin When You Need a Nature Getaway

McKinney Falls State Park

Pace Bend Park

Sandy Creek Park

Cedar Breaks Park

Pedernales Falls State Park

More to Explore Outdoors

Follow us

Curated by

Abby Hopkins