Camping near Austin

State capital, cultural hub, camping hotspot—Austin, Texas has everything going for it. Head out of the city to behold the vistas of Pedernales Falls State Park with its waterfalls and limestone cliffs, or wander into the woods of Lost Pines—an uncommon pine-oak forest—in Bastrop State Park. Other options include heading to the hills for mountain biking around Pace Bend Park’s trails, or setting up camp in your RV at Inks Lake State Park with full hookups and picnic tables. Glamping near Austin is also popular thanks to rustic cabins and yurts. There’s more to Austin than tacos and music festivals, though Hipcampers can enjoy those while camping, too.

Texas Hill Country may just be the most popular offshoot destination for those looking to escape Austin. Here, campers can spelunk through underground caves and explore thousands of vast caverns—just don a headlamp and watch your step as you descend deeper and deeper into the Earth, surrounded by columns, flowstone, and even skinny tubes of dripping calcite. Afterward, sit back and unwind at one of the dozens of wineries and vineyards in the area. Hipcamps on private lands offer serenity and space, while the walk-in primitive campgrounds at Hill Country State Natural Area allow for a quick getaway from modern life with access to more than 5,000 acres of awe-inspiring canyons, rocky hills, and flowing springs.

For the most comfortable camping experience, stick with the spring and fall months for camping near Austin. During this time, daytime highs are usually in the 70s, and overnight lows rarely dip below the 40s—so you won’t be sweltering on day hikes, and the cool evenings are ideal for campfires and s’mores. With more moderate weather and abundant food, wildlife is most active during spring and fall, too—look for white-tailed deer, armadillos, raccoons, and more. Some campers may want to avoid the crowds, heat, and humidity of summer—temps get well into the 90s in July and August.