Camping is the best way to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The air is cooler, water clearer, and you can spend all night gazing at the endless starry sky. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots to pitch a tent in the Hill Country. These primo campgrounds offer opportunities to go fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, rock climbing and just about anything else you can do outdoors. Is there anything better than friends firing up their propane smokers and enjoying a tasty meal while camping?
Of course, you should do a little research before you pack your tent and go. Be sure to check weather and water conditions, research the best tent for heavy rain, and don’t forget to inquire about campground pet policies. Also be aware of the difference between primitive and improved campgrounds, so you can be prepared. Here are our 10 best camping spots in the Hill Country. Additionally, one resource for learning more about RVs and motorhomes is outingxpert.
1. Garner State Park – Concan, TX
Photo: Flicklr / TrishZatx
Garner State Park is 1,774 acres of beautiful Hill Country located in Concan. It has 2.9 miles of Frio River winding through it, as well as 11 miles of hiking trails. In addition to water recreation activities like tubing, fishing and canoeing, visitors can hike, have a picnic, study nature, golf, ride bikes and geocache. Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, inner tubes, tables, barbecue pits, heaters, fans and small lockers near the boathouse. The park holds jukebox dances in the pavilion every spring and summer evening. This tradition dates back to the 1940s, and people of all ages gather to dance under the stars.
Garner is the most popular state park in Texas and is often at capacity early in the day during peak season, which is Memorial Day through mid August. Overnight visitors can choose from campsites, screened-in shelters or cabins. You can check availability and make reservations online.
234 RR 1050
Concan, TX 78838
(830) 232-6132
tpwd.texas.gov
2. Guadalupe River State Park – Spring Branch, TX
Photo: Flickr / Trek Texas
This 1,938-acre park is home to a four-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Visitors can pitch their tents at a number of campsites near the water, including some secluded spots on the river. The park also has canoe, kayak, and tube outfitters for water recreation rentals. The park also offers drive up camping and RV sites.
3350 Park Rd 31
Bulverde, TX 78163
(830) 438-2656
tpwd.state.tx.us
3. Krause Springs – Spicewood, TX
Photo: Flickr / Ed Schipul
Krause Springs is located just outside of Driftwood and provides a spring-fed, man-made swimming pool at the top of the hill and the legendary, spring-fed swimming hole at the bottom of the hill. The area has a 30-foot waterfall and a grove of beautiful, old cypress trees, some of which are estimated to be 1,000 years old. The campsites are popular in the summer months, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early for a good one. Some of the best campsites are the furthest from the pool.
404 Krause Springs Road
Spicewood, TX 78669
(830) 693-4181
krausesprings.net
4. Canyon of the Eagles Campground – Burnet, TX
Photo: canyonoftheeagles.com and Kevin Vandivier
This park is owned by the LCRA, and most of the land is designated as a wildlife habitat. It is located on Lake Buchanan, so visitors have many opportunities for water recreation and primitive camping. It also houses a beautiful resort if you’re looking to enjoy nature without a traditional tent campsite.
16942 Ranch Road 2341
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 715-0290
lcra.org
5. Leifeste Campground – Castell, TX
Photo: Castell Texas
This primitive campground is over 50 years old and is located on the Llano River, just west of Castell. It is such a popular spot, you must make a reservation for a campsite well ahead of time. Visitors have access to some of the best fishing on the Llano, as well as kayaking, swimming, and boating.
Ranch Road 152
Castell, TX 76831
(325) 247-3447
castelltexas.com
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area – Vanderpool, TX
Photo: Flickr / Dan Thibodeaux
This area is in the Sabinal River Canyon on the Sabinal River. Visitors can go hiking in the park and swimming or fishing in the Sabinal. The best time to visit is from mid October to mid November, so you can witness the fall foliage colors of the Uvalde Bigtooth Maple trees.
37221 FM 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885
(830) 966-3413
tpwd.state.tx.us
7. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – near Fredericksburg, TX
Photo: tpwd.texas.gov
Enchanted Rock is an ancient batholith and provides a great hiking experience. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the Hill Country from the top of the dome. Most of the campsites have a good amount of shade, but be sure to take plenty of water when hiking during the hot summer months. It’s a magical spot for camping!
16710 RR 965
Crabapple, TX 78624
(325) 247-3903
tpwd.state.tx.us
8. Inks Lake State Park – Burnet, TX
Photo: Flickr / The Austinot
This park has over seven miles of trails, more than 20 screened-in shelters and numerous campsites by the water. You can take a swim at the beautiful Devil’s Waterhole in the summer months. It’s a popular swimming hole, so get there early. Check out their events page for information on tours and guided activities.
100 Park Road 4
Buchanan Dam, TX 78611
(512) 793-2223
tpwd.state.tx.us
9. Colorado Bend State Park – Bend, TX
Photo: Flickr / Randall Chancellor
This park on the Colorado River is home to the awesome, 60-foot Gorman Falls. It is actually a travertine waterfall, which means it’s growing in size, rather than eroding. Visitors can also tour caves and go bird watching, swimming, hiking and kayaking.
100 County Road 446
Bend, TX 76824
(325) 628-3240
tpwd.state.tx.us
