Finding a campsite suitable for tent camping, especially if you’re new to an area or just visiting a place such as Austin, Texas, can be challenging.
Mckinney Falls State Park, Arkansas Bend Park, Pace Bend Park and Sandy Creek Park all have campsites suitable for tent camping near Austin, Texas. These campgrounds were selected based on privacy for tent campers, tree cover and ample shrubbery, suitability for families and distance to major attractions. All campgrounds listed are an hour or less away from downtown. Interesting details of note have been listed for easy skimming for you to see what might best match your interests and situation. The last park mentioned received “Honorable Mention” since it’s privacy for tent camping is scarce (or practically non-existent), but the activities offered and location make it worth mentioning as a candidate for your next camping trip.
Table of Contents
Mckinney Falls State Park
| Distance to Capitol | 19 minutes |
| Distance to Austin Aquarium | 28 minutes |
| Interesting | Waterfalls Swimming Treed and shrubbed campsites Historic Ruins Intermediate and Advanced Bouldering Golf Course next door |
The pictures of the swimming spots and climbable trees in this park make me want to head down south to laze. What really takes the cake, though, is how close this park is to downtown and some major attractions. This is a clean and maintaned park, with staff who are helpful and responsible. There is plenty of shade which will be welcome shelter from the Texas sun, especially for those of us tent camping. With its proximity to downtown, though, some sites will have noise from the highway, and you can expect it to be busy. Details here. Address: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
Arkansas Bend Park
| Distance to Capitol | 50 minutes |
| Distance to Austin Aquarium | 34 minutes |
| Interesting | Rocking Playground! Lakefront Beaches Lots of Wildflowers (seasonal) Rubber Chip Trail (accessible) Boat Ramp |
I have to admit, I originally hemmed and hawed about this park. Apparently a couple of years ago they had a major renovation of the grounds and a re-assignment of land use that some who had been going to the park before were not too crazy about. Before, some campsites were waterfront, but now all the campsites have been moved to a more secluded or private location within the park. The camping area is also now secureable by gate, which I think would control access to the campsites, a plus for tent campers especially. The waterfront area where the sites used to be are now designated for day use, probably to be enjoyed by all. When the new campground area was first developed, one reviewer commented on the trees being removed between the new campsites, but aerial views since then show plenty of growth that will provide enough privacy for tent camping.
Another reviewer complained about the installation of the new playground not being in tune with the natural surroundings, but I think it looks really cool! It is a sizeable play structure with shade built in and lots of climbing space (you can view it and other photos of the park by scrolling through the pics here). I think it would really useful to families with kids in that age group.
Thankfully, there were lots of positive comments on the renovations. Facilities are clean and modern, and most who mentioned it thought the rubber chip trail was a good addition, since it makes part of the trail system accessible for those with additional mobility needs. This was the first park I looked up for this article and I was pretty excited about the pictures and location. It occupies an entire bend in the Colorado River! The campground is not huge, so I would definitely book in advance. Here is the park system portal. Address: 16900 Cherry Lane, Lago Vista, TX 78645
Pace Bend Park
| Distance to Capitol | 52 minutes |
| Distance to Austin Aquarium | 58 minutes |
| Interesting | Mountain Biking Climbing Trails Swimming Cliffs/Overlooks Boat Ramps |
Wow, I had to take a second look at this park, its way bigger than what I originally thought. There are 20 “Improved Camping Sites” with water and electrical hookups, but over 400 primitive sites, perfect for tent camping! The park is over 1,300 acres and a lovely way to explore the Texas Hill Country. Most toilets in the park are outhouses, but the improved camping area has a washroom and shower facility. The distance to downtown is a bit further, but you will have a real chance to relax or adventure in the outdoors in this park. It’s a good fit for families with energetic kids and teenagers with all the activities available and the space to spread out in. And in the low season, there are a lot of nooks and crannies in this place if you want a bit more seclusion. Basically, while I was reviewing this park, I kept hearing myself say “Cool.” Like the other parks on this page, its part of the Travis County Parks System. Visit there site here for all the details. Address: 2805 Pace Bend Road North, Spicewood, TX 78669
Sandy Creek Park
| Distance to Capitol | 37 minutes |
| Distance to Aquarium | 22 minutes |
| Interesting | Unserviced Sites Only Boat Ramp Fishing |
This is a very small park and small campground with only 20 campsites. Large RVs and camper trailers are actually discouraged because of the smallness of the pull-ins and no pull through sites. Not a problem for tent camping! Also, quite interestingly, there are no reservations, sites are obtained on a first-come, first served basis. Drinking water and restrooms are available. The park’s website makes it sound a little less traveled, boat-wise. The bonus for this place, in my opinion, is its proximity to Austin and surrounding attractions. Visit here for more details. Address: 9500 Lime Creek Rd, Leander, TX 78641
Honorable Mention: Windy Point Park
| Distance to Capitol | 35 minutes |
| Distance to Austin Aquarium | 22 minutes |
| Interesting | Scuba Diving Swimming Boat Launch Free Wifi |
I had to include this spot. I think the pictures of the water are what suckered me in. Turquoise green blue! And scuba diving is encouraged and popular. This quirky little park is privately owned and the primitive campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. As far as I can tell, campsites are for tent camping only. The location isn’t bad at all for distance to downtown. There appears to be zilch privacy for camping on the spacious lawn, but it has the feel of a really fun day park that you end up spending the night at. The water is deep, so be warned, but I can’t help but imagine slipping in on a hot Texas day. Definitely camping with a twist. There website and some further information is here. Address: 6506 Bob Wentz Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732
Cover picture: By Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1187392