Blanco State Park along the Blanco River is a peaceful outing. File photo
The Highland Lakes area encompasses some of the most beautiful portions of Texas, featuring rolling hills, winding rivers, and countless scenic vistas. There may not be a better way to experience all that Hill Country splendor than from a tent under the stars.
The wild and tame portions of the Colorado River running throughout Burnet and Llano Counties make for beautiful outdoor opportunities. Campsites can be found sprinkled throughout the numerous parks of the area, offering a different experience at each. Whether you enjoy your camping trip with a side of fishing, horseback riding, biking, or hiking, it’s easy to stay active and become one with nature while wrapped in the woods of the Hill Country.
To get the most out of your experience, check out some of the campsites in the area below, along with some basic equipment and safety tips to ensure the best experience possible.
TENT CAMPING BASICS
Whether you’re going primitive and ditching the safety of nearby water and electricity, or cozying up by the fire with access to basic necessities nearby, make sure to prepare for a safe camping experience and bring these items:
- Lightweight, compact tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleep padding (for when it gets rocky)
- Water, and lots of it
- Food and small snacks
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Long pants to shield against prickly plants
- Proper clothing for the weather
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Knife or sharp tool
- First aid kit
- Matches
- Sunscreen and bug spray
While exploring all that the area has to offer, visitors should become familiar with some of the great opportunities that come with camping in the Highland Lakes. Being far from light pollution allows for great nighttime photography. Being close to rivers and lakes is an anglers paradise. Whatever you chose to do, here’s a few things to bring to enjoy the most of your time:
- Camera
- Tripod
- Telescope
- Star maps
- Binoculars
- A local bird guide
- Fishing rod
- Fishing license
- Fossil digging/polishing kit
SAFETY TIPS
While camping can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, always keep in mind the dangers as well. Be especially careful with scorpions roaming, abundant cacti, and the rapidly changing weather that defines the area. Check out some safety tips below:
- Watch weather forecasts and plan clothing and extras accordingly
- Wear protective clothing when hiking to combat rough terrain or spiky plants
- Store food in a safe place where wild animals will not try to get in
- Bring proper first aid for scrapes, bites, and emergencies of all kinds
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are returning at all times
HILL COUNTRY CAMPING SITES
Address: 16710 RR 965, Fredericksburg
Camp cost: ranges from $14-$100 nightly plus entry fee
As one of the most travelled state parks in the area, Enchanted Rock offers scenic outlooks, rock formations, and a famous pink granite dome that spans miles of park land. Campers can choose between padded campsites with nearby access to water, or go the primitive way and hike to a campsite with only a composting toilet. Call (512) 389-8900 for more information.
Address: 101 Park Road 23, Blanco
Camp cost: ranges from $20-$25 nightly plus entry fee
Running through the heart of Blanco State Park is the spring-fed Blanco River. The one-mile stretch of the Blanco throughout the park allows guests to fish, picnic, hike, camp, and more. Campers can enjoy sites with electricity, water and sewer hookups, grills, restrooms, and more. Call (512) 389-8900 for more information.
Address: 1201 Colorado Park Road, Bend
Camp cost: ranges from $10-$75 nightly plus entry fee
Visitors of the Colorado Bend State Park have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the waters of Texas, able to bask in the fresh mist of Gorman Falls, Spicewood Springs, or the Colorado River. Campers can enjoy sites with electricity, water, and sewer hookups, or go the primitive way to campsites with no restrooms or water. Call (512) 389-8900 for more information.
Address: 3480 Park Road 4 West, Burnet
Camp cost: ranges from $11-$23 nightly plus entry fee
Inks Lake State Park highlights the wildlife and scenery of Inks Lake, filled with water running from the Colorado River. Campers may choose from a variety of campsites available with electricity and water, or a primitive site with no water and a primitive toilet on the trail. Call (512) 389-8900 for more information.
Address: 424 CR 404, Spicewood
Camp cost: $17 for adults (12+), $10 for children (4-11), under 4 years old free, 17$ for RV campsites
Owned by the Krause family since 1955, the 115 acres of spring-fed land is on the National Registry of Historical Sites. The 32 springs on the property feed a lush, green flora that is home to a myriad of birds and other wildlife. Primitive tent camping is available as well as RV sites. Call (401) 236-7554 for more information.
Address: 105 CR 114, Burnet
Camp cost: first night $40 for adults (12+), $20 children (6-11), under 5 years old free; each additional night $25, $12.50, free respectively
Reveille Peak Ranch offers more activities than many could dream of doing in a day, including biking, hiking, water sports, horse riding, motor sports, and even a shooting range. Reveille includes multiple primitive campsites, sites near restrooms and showers, and a handful of RV sites with water and electricity. Contact info@rprtexas.com or text (512) 914-9411 for more information.
Address: 3400 State Highway 261, Buchanan Dam
Camp cost: starting at $25 nightly
This 25-acre park has 18 cabins for rent, RV hookups, and an events hall. It also rents kayaks and standup paddleboards. Enjoy fishing, swimming, miniature golf, and sand volleyball. Call (512) 369-4774 for more information.
Address: 545 RR 3014, Tow
Camp cost: starting at $25 nightly
A 310-acre park on the north shore of Lake Buchanan where you can enjoy a day of fishing, boating, or camping. Nine campsites are available with picnic tables and grills available. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
Address: 11380 Texas 16 S., Llano
Camp cost: ranges from $10-$30 nightly
Both a working cattle ranch and a campground deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this privately owned facility has a large area for tent camping. Campsites include shower and restroom access, picnic tables, and fire pits. Call (325) 247-1639 for more information.
Address: 706 CR 343A, Marble Falls
Camp cost: ranges from $25-$35 nightly, or $349 for a furnished safari tent
At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, campers can hike, mountain bike, or ride horses on 508-acres of park land on Lake Travis. Picnic tables and grills are available. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
Address: 4000 Shaw Drive, Marble Falls
Camp cost: starting at $25 nightly
Turkey Bend sits on the north shore of Lake Travis, providing visitors the opportunity to swim, fish, go horseback riding, and more. Campers will have access to 30 campsites with picnic tables and grills available. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
Address: 2820 CR 414, Spicewood
Camp cost: ranges from $25-$35 nightly
Muleshoe Bend Park also resides on the shore of Travis Lake, but instead serves as a biker’s playground. With over 654 acres and 9.8 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore. Muleshoe Bend includes large and small campsites with access to picnic tables and grills. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
Address: 640 CR 412, Spicewood
Camp cost: ranges from $25-$35 nightly
A few more miles along Lake Travis is Grelle Recreation Area, featuring even more horseback riding, fishing, biking, and hiking for nature lovers to explore. Campers can enjoy 17 campsites and one large campsite with access to picnic tables and grills included. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
Address: 1221 CR 343, Marble Falls
Camp cost: ranges from $25-$49 nightly
Camp Creek Park features forty acres of land on the north shore of Lake Travis shaded by large pecan trees. Nine campsites are available with picnic tables and grills, as well as six deluxe campsites with a wooden deck and preassembled tents. Call (512) 473-3366 for more information.
