The Best Camping Near Austin: 8 Great Spots

Fall in love with Austin all over again by exploring some of the natural beauty close to home. Some of the best camping near Austin can be enjoyed year-round.

Get to know the greater Austin area by going camping close to home. You may not realize some of the most beautiful state parks and campgrounds are not too far from the city center. Plus, there are multiple benefits to staying close to home. Keeping the travel short is better for both you and the environment as it reduces stress and CO2. You’ll also save money on transportation. 

Camping locally makes it easier to go camping more often, for shorter time periods, and more spontaneously, as the campground is just a quick ride away. This makes camping much easier overall. You don’t have to pack or plan as much, and you can enjoy your time in nature for just a few days before you start missing your own shower at home. 

7 Tips for Sustainable Camping

1. Take public transport or carpool. It’s always better for the environment to take public transportation if possible. When traveling out into natural areas, it can be a bit more difficult to do so, however. In that case, we recommend carpooling to save gas, decrease your carbon footprint, and have a great trip with your loved ones. 
2. Pack lots of food. Once you’re at the campsite, you probably won’t be close to a supermarket. Make sure to pack plenty of fruits, veggies and nonperishable items before you leave. Just avoid things like dairy and meat if you won’t have access to a refrigerator. 
3. Pack multiple layers for sleeping. Do not underestimate the cold. When you’ve been outside all day, the “feels like” temperature becomes much lower. When temperatures drop in the evening, you will be happy to have prepared for bedtime. We recommend investing in a breathable, comfortable sleeping bag meant for cold temperatures. Make sure to bring sleeping mats as well, otherwise, you will be sore for the entire trip. On top of this, it’s always great to have another blanket for extra warmth and comfort. 
4. Dispose of waste correctly. In any natural environment, it’s important to pack out what you pack in. Proper waste disposal is necessary to keep campgrounds clean and enjoyable for years to come. Make sure to not leave anything behind while exploring the area, and when you leave the campground. This includes apple cores, sanitary products and plastic wrappers. Your campground should have trash cans and recycling spots throughout the area, so make sure to use them. 
5. Store your belongings carefully. If you are camping in bear country, you must use proper storage methods. Your campsite should come with a bear box. Make sure to put anything scented inside. This goes for food, cosmetics, and even toothpaste. You don’t want anything scented inside the tent with you. If you have a car, make sure that’s cleaned out as well to avoid any damage 
6. Adhere to campground regulations. Follow the rules of the campground in order to keep yourself safe and keep the natural environment in good shape. This might include avoiding cutting across trails or keeping away from areas that are marked off. Read any informational pamphlets and maps provided by the rangers, and keep an eye out for posted information. 
7. Use wood kindling to start a fire. We recommend avoiding gas fire starters, as these are not very environmentally friendly. Instead, you can pack some wood kindling and old newspaper to get your fire going.

1. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Just minutes from central Austin is Emma Long Metropolitan Park. One of the few spots to go camping within city limits, Emma Long offers three camping areas along the forested shores of Lake Austin. The park is open year-round for picnics, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Tent camping is available with restrooms and showers, or you can stop by for a day-trip. Campsites are first come first serve. It’s so close by, you may even want to consider enjoying an urban hike on your way. 

2. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

On the north shore of Lake Travis is the Shaffer Bend campground. The lake itself is popular for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Forested trails make their way to and from scenic overlooks perfect for a picnic. The entire park is a wildlife preserve, so it’s a great area for bird-watching and deer-spotting. 

3. McKinney Falls State Park

The beautiful McKinney Falls are only 15 minutes south of Austin. You can even take the number 7 bus down and walk from Pleasant Valley/Village. The falls are a popular spot for day-trips and tent camping. There’s even cabins available for those who aren’t comfortable in tents. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing and swimming. The park is complete with hot showers, picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground, making it great for kids. It’s also very popular, so you should reserve a campsite in advance. 

4. Blanco State Park

Southeast of Austin is some of the best camping near Austin, in Blanco State Park. The crystal clear water of Blanco River is perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The park includes a myriad of hiking trails with scenic overlooks, picnic areas and beautiful limestone rock formations. Tent camping is available, as well as day pass tickets. 

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5. SHAMBA Farm

Just east of Austin is an opportunity to have a primitive, secluded camping experience on a working farm. The SHAMBA Farm, which stands for Sustainable Homestead and Microclimate Based Agriculture offers multiple campsites, as well as a guesthouse and vintage camper for those who prefer a bit more comfort. 

SHAMBA Farm is a great place for animal-lovers of all ages who can enjoy the free-roaming chickens, dogs and cows. Farm visitors get to learn about sustainable, micro climate based agriculture from the classes offered at the farm. You can also buy fresh eggs, jam, honey and more. For more information, check out the SHAMBA Farm website. 

6. Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls has it all, ranging from grasslands to oak woods and rocky hills. Nestled within Blanco County, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing and more. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the many birds, deer, and turkey on the grounds. 

7. Krause Springs

Krause Springs spans over 115 acres and offers over thirty separate springs which all feed into Lake Travis. This popular swimming destination is a perfect summer getaway complete with beaches, waterfalls, and even a butterfly garden. You’ll need to arrive before 8pm, which is when the campground access gate is locked. It’s also worth noting that the shower facilities use fresh spring water, and are therefore not heated. 

8. Inks Lake State Park

Known for its rosy-pink rocky landscape, Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful option for camping around Austin. The area is relatively secluded due to its forested shoreline. Shallow cliffs and plentiful waterfalls make it perfect for swimming, fishing, and cliff jumping. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are all available for rent along the Colorado River if you don’t have one of your own. The woods surrounding the water provide hiking trails, lookout points, and wildlife-viewing as well. 

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Tags: Green Living Guide Practical Tips