Enjoy the Texas Hill Country

Pitch a Tent

If you are ready for an overnight stay under the star-packed sky in the Hill Country then take a gander at the campgrounds we have summarized, many of which will provide opportunities to wet a line, go for a swim, take a hike, ride a bike, watch satellites, howl at the moon, do some rock climbing or launch a yak.

The distinguishing feature for the campgrounds included in this Outdoor Guide is that they are locations where tent camping is allowed. As indicated in the descriptions for the various campgrounds, some of them offer other forms of “camping” as well (e.g., RV spaces and/or cabins) and of course the vast majority of the campgrounds are located adjacent to water. We included some sites that primarily are RV parks because of their proximity to waterbodies and due to the fact that they allow tent camping, but our focus clearly is not on RV parks. Instead, we have focused on tent camping sites because they often also include swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, floating, kayaking and tubing opportunities.

We have included descriptions of many public facilities you likely have heard of and several you probably already have visited. However, we also have included descriptions of a number of out of the way public and private facilities that likely will be new to you. If you are going to a privately owned facility always contact the owners before heading out to their place. They will not have the gate opened for everyone to come and go as they please and you really should avoid an unannounced visit. Finally, remember to place your tent where there will be morning shade, make sure you know whether there are any ants around, do not leave food outside where the critters can get to it, put your footwear where you can find them in the dark, always check to make sure nothing crawled in your shoe before putting it back on, and never ever go to sleep on an incline with your head lower than your feet.

General information regarding camping in Texas is available in “Camper’s Guide to Texas Parks, Lakes, and Forests.” If you need additional information about the parks described in this Outdoor Guide, jump onto the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lower Colorado River Authority, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Corps of Engineers, city and county government park departments, and the private landowner websites where that info can be found. You will find those links with our summaries of the destination sites when you run a search. The Wild Texas site also has good information about camping.

Be Cool, Not a Fool

Everyone would appreciate it if you toned it down during whatever the period is for quiet time. Remember, most folks go to the outdoors to get away from noise, not to be subjected to it. If you are looking to have a rowdy night maybe it would be better to drive into town and hang out with the locals. Perhaps most importantly, make absolutely, positively, 100% sure the campfire is all the way extinguished if the site will be unattended or you could be the next poor sap to start a forest fire and have your name plastered all over CNN.

Do Your Homework

We have included information about whether pets are allowed at some of the campgrounds, but we strongly urge you to confirm that information before taking your hound on the camping trip with you. Pet policies often change and you do not want to tote Asta all the way out to the campground only to be told pets are no longer allowed on the premises — bummer. Also, be sure to inquire as to whether the campground you are considering visiting is a primitive or improved campground. A primitive campground will not have water or electricity and an improved one likely will. Always be sure to check on weather and water conditions before heading out to the campgrounds. You can access that information pretty quickly by going to the Weather menu button above.