When the weather cools, it’s time to dust off your camping gear, fire up the engine on the RV, rile the kids up with talk of s’mores and ghost stories and go! Central Texas is liberally dotted with camping options that range from primitive to premium. Here are our favorite spots, arranged by time-to-drive from the center of Austin. As always, make sure to check each campground's website for the latest information and what’s currently available.

McKinney Falls State Park - 15 Minutes

A quick drive from the bustling energy of Downtown Austin is McKinney Falls State Park, a 641-acre natural wonderland. This campers’ mecca boasts 80 campsites, two large swimming areas, and 9 miles of winding hiking trails. It’s easy to get to and easy to camp in with a few cabins, group camping and RV spots. Don’t forget water shoes because the swimming at both Upper and Lower Falls is lovely. 

COTA RV Park - 20 Minutes

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) takes everything to the next level and that includes camping. The concert venue/race track attracts some of the biggest names and the splashiest events but finding accommodations nearby can be tricky. Avoid the drive from town and make sure you get the best seat by pulling in your RV at the COTA RV Park. They provide showers and laundry on-site to freshen up before the race or the show, fast wifi and cable, and a gloriously cool pool to take a dip in when things get too hot. Make sure you bring a shade tent as there isn’t much on the campground.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park - 25 Minutes

Outside of Zilker Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park is Austin’s favorite (and most accessible) park. The main attraction is the water, naturally. When the Texas heat starts ramping up, it’s time to find someplace to splash in. Pack your floaties and spend days lounging in the freshwater of Lake Austin. The park offers both primitive and utility-enabled camping, with a slightly more expensive option for a waterfront spot. Grills and picnic tables dot the park and there are several trails, a couple of volleyball courts, and lots of open space. The park is dog-friendly and most pets are off-leash so be sure to consider that before you book.

Lockhart State Park - 35 Minutes

In theory, camping is about relaxing in nature with no agenda but you’ll be hard-pressed not to over-plan your time at Lockhart State Park. In addition to swimming at the pool, fishing in Clear Fork Creek, hiking and biking the Persimmon and Wild Rose loops and trying your hand at geo-caching, the family can indulge in a round or three at the historic golf course. The park is also conveniently located just outside of Lockhart, Texas where you can dig into some of the best barbecue in the state. Barbecue, nature, and an under-par round definitely make for a 5-star weekend.

Bastrop State Park. Courtesy of Visit Bastrop.

Bastrop State Park - 40 Minutes

The Lost Pines area is simply beautiful and Bastrop State Park makes it easy to spend a weekend there. The park features primitive areas, hook-up sites and a well-kept shower building in addition to 14 historic cabins, group barracks and a group hall for your gathering needs. Head out to explore the park with a friend, or the whole family, and hike seven miles of trails, grill out, fish in the ponds for bluegill, bass and catfish, or enjoy your time swimming in the on-site pool. 

Grelle Recreation Area - 45 Minutes

Not as well known as some of the larger parks, Grelle Recreation Area is an isolated spot on the south shore of Lake Travis. This is the spot for those wanting to unplug and reconnect with nature. All 15 shaded campsites are primitive with no water or electricity but do feature a picnic table and grill. Just steps from Lake Travis, bring a blanket and relax on the grassy beach, or lace up your hiking boots and explore the 7 miles of woodland trails. Grelle is also horse-friendly with a hitchin’ post and clearly defined horse trails.

Muleshoe Bend - 45 Minutes

With 645 acres, you may feel like you’re the lone visitor at this LCRA-run park in Spicewood. Located right on Lake Travis, it’s the perfect spot to boat, barbecue, picnic and take in the big skies of Central Texas. In the spring during Bluebonnet season, make sure to reserve well in advance because visitors multiply exponentially. Muleshoe Bend is one of those “is this a stock photo?” places with huge fields of the Texas state flower as far as the eye can see in the spring. The trails are well-marked if you’re a walker or a biker and there are some more technical trails for the more advanced rider, too. The park also has a 24-hour ice machine which is camping (and cooler) critical.

Pedernales Falls State Park - 55 Minutes

Load up the bike and a backpack for your weekend at Pedernales Falls State Park. The park has both primitive and RV spots and the latter comes with a fire ring, electricity and restrooms with showers. Otherwise, you’ll be hiking about 2 miles to the primitive campsites. This park is popular for its trail system, ideal for any level of physical activity—from a .5-mile nature trail with a scenic overlook to a 10-mile technical single track for advanced bike riders. And, with water at every turn, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and tubing are all possible in the park. Check the weather and the website before visiting, as heavy rainfall can cause the park to flood.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - 1 Hour & 45 Minutes

Take a drive west through the stunning Texas Hill Country and you'll happen upon Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. This Central Texas wonder is home to Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome standing 425 feet above the ground. The park features 35 campsites with water access and 20 primitive hike-in campsites. Hike the Summit Trail and take in the view of the surrounding hills, bring your harness and ropes to try out the bolted climbing routes or settle in at the summit to do some stargazing in this designated International Dark Sky Park. Whatever you choose, the unique geological features of this park make it a must-see experience.

Ready to get out there? From hiking to swimming and boating to biking, check out these outdoor activities in and around Austin.