Texans have always had a fascination with camping.
In fact, before houses existed, people were pretty much always camping. When you think about it, living in the great outdoors was humankind's default mode. Nowadays, we consider it a luxury to steal ourselves away from the omnipresent reality of technology.
Whether it's a hobby of yours to camp frequently, you're getting your family and/or friends together for a weekend of laughs and activities, or you're setting out to take a break from city life and find yourself, this list will help you find your way to a good time. With that said, check out our picks for the most beautiful places to camp outside the city.
_______________________
PHOTO CREDIT: Texas Parks & Wildlife
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
At only 15 miles away, beautified by rushing waterfalls and blossoming wildflowers, McKinney Falls has all the outdoor amenities one could hope for. Without leaving the city limits you'll be able to camp, hike, mountain or road bike, fish, geocache, go bouldering, and picnic to your heart's desire. Check out the remnants of McKinney's estate, and sit and relax by the 500-year-old bald cypress tree towering dubbed "Old Baldy." With an abundance of bird species, such as the painted bunting, as well as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and armadillos living in the park, it sure makes you feel like you've left the city limits, but think again, because you haven't.
_______________________
Picture credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
2585 Park Road 6026
At a modest 42 miles from Austin's center, the 5,212-acre wonderland of Pedernales Falls is a gem of the beloved Texas Hill Country. If it's good enough for Oscar-nominated film Boyhood, it's probably beautiful enough to surpass anyone's expectations. Camp, hike, fish, tube, picnic, swim, geocache, mountain bike, kayak, canoe, and relax the day away. The 300 million-year-old limestone that covers the ground and the numerous secluded watering holes give Pedernales Falls its charm. With catfish, bass, sunfish, and carp and more than 150 species of bird identified in the park including herons, quail, doves, owls, roadrunners, wild turkeys, Rufous-crowned sparrows and western scrub jays, you won't find yourself weary of a lack of wildlife.
_______________________
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
2236 Park Hill Dr
Although it's 102 miles away, Colorado Bend State Park makes up for a long drive with its luscious 5,328-acre landscape, boasting 32 miles of hiking, biking, etc. routes and 10 miles of river for your watercraft pleasure. The park touts impressive primitive camping, caving, climbing, birding and wildlife viewing, and guided tours. Unfortunately, the fragile nature of the formations and habitat calls for no swimming, wading, climbing, or fishing in the falls, creek, or spring, but with the cooler weather, there's not much to worry about. The clear waters of small travertine dams and the 60-foot-high Gorman Falls are incredibly breathtaking, covered in lush vegetation, and perfect for contemplative and tranquil downtime.
_______________________
Photo CREDIT: Texas Parks & Wildlife
100 Park Rd 1E
An hour away and 44 measly miles is a small burden to enjoy and bask in the heavenly sunlight cascading over the dreamy fields. While motorized boating is allowed, more serene options like fishing in a stocked lake, nature studies, hiking, and interpretive tours are available. The pine-oak woodland of Buescher State Park is sprawled out over 70 square miles. With 8 miles of trails for mountain biking in the Lost Pines Forest, the pine trees and cedar elms provide plenty of visual stimulation. Get out on the lake in a canoe or tandem kayak to observe the peaceful still water and fish for catfish, bass, crappie, perch, and rainbow trout all winter long. Hop in the car and enjoy a scenic drive through the park as the problems of today melt away.
_______________________
Photo Credit: Travis County Parks
2805 Pace Bend Rd.
The silent oasis of Pace Bend Park is only 37 miles away, and takes around an hour drive to arrive there. In far western Travis County tucked into the Texas Hill Country, the park offers 9 miles of Lake Travis shoreline. The warm sunrises and sunsets over the lake color the sky with pastel shades. With rocky limestone cliffs and a number of rocky coves, there is definitely a wide range of recreation opportunities to be fully explored. But the primitive camping, complete with picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and seclusion thanks to the trees, is all you need to have a good time. Pick your poison and choose your own adventure. As long as you're respectful of the environment, there's no wrong way to enjoy your time at Pace Bend Park.
_______________________
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
3350 Park Road 31
81 miles outside Austin sits the beloved Guadalupe River State Park, known for its water activities from swimming to tubing. This park is much more than a large and wonderful watering hole, though. The beautifully odd nature of the park is both peaceful and lively all at once. Oak and juniper woodlands fill the uplands, with some grasslands mixed in, while the lower elevations are thick with trees of basswood, pecan, walnut, persimmon, willow, and hackberry. The park is home to white-tailed deer, coyote, gray fox, skunk, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, and armadillo - so stash your cooler in your trunk before getting some shut-eye to prevent unwanted snacking! Take a trip to your very own Happy Gilmore happy place in the greatly untouched 2000 acre scenery.
_______________________
Photo CREDIT: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Let's talk stars. If you want to have your breath taken away and your mind blown out of the stratosphere, then take the 96-mile trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The night sky is about as dreamy as you could hope for and more extravagant than ever imaginable. As the 1,640-acre property is also a favorite destination for rock climbers, more than 250,000 people make the trek each year to experience all that the magical landscape has to offer. Much of the enchantment and wonder of the area comes from the plethora of myths and legends -- including stories of Tonkawa Indians, a Spanish conquistador, and ghosts!
_______________________
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
78 Park Road 11 South
A 56-mile drive to this park will make you feel like you've taken a trip all the way to a tropical rainforest. The modest 270-acre Palmetto State Park, named for the topical dwarf palmettos found in the area, offers a whopping 240 species of birds and is located on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, also known as a "hot spot." The colorful creatures the area harbors include the Crested Caracara, Prothonotary Warbler and Red-shouldered Hawk. Enjoy fun in the sun on land or water. Swim, fish, canoe, tube, or explore the artesian well and swamps available for your viewing pleasure. Or, if you prefer, you can hike, bike, geocache, and of course, bird-watch the incredible species the park paradise has to offer.
_______________________
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife
2012 State Park Road
Just 31 miles away from town is the gem known as Lockhart State Park. This slightly swankier-than-average park touts a golf course and a dock, making it feel a bit more relaxing to a certain type. Maybe you? There may not be a spa, but throw some sliced cucumbers on your eyes and lay back knowing you'll return to your life refreshed, having made the best of your unadulterated escape. Some of the favorite catches in Clear Fork Creek are bass, catfish and sunfish -- hit up the dock, unfold your chair, cast a line, and make memories.
_______________________
Photo Credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
3630 Park Road 4 West
The sparkling azure waters and contrasting rocky terrain mixed into the lush greens and shady forests of the Texas Hill Country is but an hour northwest from Austin. With a self-guided 3.3-mile trail that is the Pecan Flats, a friendly hike for the whole family is in order at Inks Lake State Park. The obviously water-centric park has all you need for a laid-back fishing outing: two fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, and a boat ramp. Enjoy renting paddle boats, canoes, one or two person kayaks, or bring a boat and take the crew out waterskiing. While you're hanging out in the water, take a shot at scuba diving or go for a swim at Devil's Waterhole. With all the amenities the Inks Lake has to offer, it's great for a day away or a weekend trip year-round!
_______________________
Know of a great place to go camping around Austin?
We wanna hear about it.
