The best desert campgrounds near Austin, Texas

Austin’s outskirts serve up over 200 desert camping options, with rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and sweeping sunsets that paint the sky orange and pink. You’ll find campsites tucked into prickly pear groves and along dry creek beds, some just 30 minutes from the city. Average rates land around $59 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $39. Top picks like Hill Country Camping (6 reviews) and The Outpost (5 reviews) offer campfire rings, showers, and toilets—essentials when you’re miles from anywhere. Bring your boots and binoculars: wildlife-watching, fishing, and hiking are the main draws, with armadillos, deer, and big Texas skies always on the itinerary. Pack water, respect fire bans, and don’t expect much shade—this is desert camping, Austin style.

83% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds near Austin

Austin’s outskirts serve up over 200 desert camping options, with rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and sweeping sunsets that paint the sky orange and pink. You’ll find campsites tucked into prickly pear groves and along dry creek beds, some just 30 minutes from the city. Average rates land around $59 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $39. Top picks like Hill Country Camping (6 reviews) and The Outpost (5 reviews) offer campfire rings, showers, and toilets—essentials when you’re miles from anywhere. Bring your boots and binoculars: wildlife-watching, fishing, and hiking are the main draws, with armadillos, deer, and big Texas skies always on the itinerary. Pack water, respect fire bans, and don’t expect much shade—this is desert camping, Austin style.

83% (15)

Top-rated campgrounds near Austin

1. The Outpost

100%

(10)

17mi from Austin · 2 sites · Lodging

Whether you are looking for adventure or prefer to retreat from the world, The Outpost is the place for you! Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this multi-acre property features 2 private tiny cabins, on-site hiking trail, and a huge community fire pit where you can make s'mores, make new friends, or make time to reconnect with nature. Our themed cabins were designed to remind you of the joys of being carefree! With the best views of the Texas hills, The Outpost is the perfect place to host your next vacation or small retreat! Our cabins boast: ☆ Full kitchen with mini stove/oven, and fridge ☆ Propane grill and outdoor dining area ☆ Deck with a private hot tub ☆ Premium hybrid Queen size mattress ☆ Smart 4K TVs with Netflix, Hulu and more! ☆ Super cold AC and cozy heating ☆ On-site hiking trail (1/4 mile loop) and Community fire pit; multiple hammock areas available ☆ Shared laundry area with full size washer and dryer ☆ Easy self check-in There is plenty to explore in the area: Enjoy boating and water sports on Lake Travis. There are plenty of boat ramps & chartered boat companies in the area! If brewery hopping is more your thing, Lago Vista Brewery is 5 miles from the property. Flat Creek and Bent Oak wineries are in nearby Marble Falls, about a 15 min drive. Tons of shopping and dining options are available in Cedar Park, a 15-mile drive from the property. Local grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and coffee shops are approximately 5 miles from the property. Lago Vista, Lake Travis, and Point Venture golf courses are all easily accessible & open year round! If you want to explore everything the big city has to offer, Austin is only 35 miles away (about an 50 min drive).

2. Gorgeous cottage in the Hills!

20mi from Austin · 1 site · Lodging

Whether you are looking for adventure or prefer to retreat from the world, this is the place for you! Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this multi-acre property features a private cottage, gorgeous canyon views and wood burning fire pit where you can make s'mores or make time to reconnect with nature. Located only 5 mins from the famous Flat Creek Winery Estate, this cozy cottage is reminiscent of the lake house from your childhood summer vacation; it was designed to remind you of the joys of being carefree! Our cottage boasts: ☆ Sweeping views of the Texas hill country and Flat Creek (currently dry, but still beautiful!) ☆ Huge wood burning fire fit; BYO s'mores! ☆ Large deck with outdoor dining space and huge outdoor seating area; enjoy sundowner views! ☆ Primary Suite located on its own side of the house for max privacy! King bed and beautiful walk in shower ☆ Secondary room with Queen bed and private 1/2 bath + vanity space (sleeps 2) ☆ Third Room with 2 sets of twin bunk beds, a twin bed and a twin trundle (sleeps 4) ☆ Smart 4K TVs with Netflix, Hulu & more! BYO log ins ☆ Super cold AC and cozy heating ☆ Pack n Play, toys & books for the little ones ☆ Tons of games and books for grownups too! ☆ Work space and high-speed wifi so you can "work from home" in the middle of nature ☆ Laundry area with full size washer and dryer ☆ Easy self check-in Don’t take our word for it, come see it for yourself! What to host an event? Contact us for event rates!

3. Hill Country Camping

71%

(7)

41mi from Austin · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to Hill Country Bliss: Your Exclusive 15-Acre Retreat Discover serenity just 1 hour away from Austin and San Antonio! This 15-acre property in the Texas Hill Country offers a short-term rental/camping experience like no other. Unplug and unwind amidst pure Hill Country tranquility, where local wildlife, wildflowers, and Texas starry nights await. Key Features for Short-Term Rental: Exclusive Use: Enjoy the entire 15-acre property for the duration of your stay. Scenic Escape: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the property. Close to Wineries: A quick 10-minute drive to renowned wineries along HWY 290. Convenient to Downtown: Just 8 minutes from The Historic Downtown Johnson City Square. Your Retreat Awaits: Private Getaway: Ideal for a romantic weekend, family escape, or a group of friends. Winery Adventures: Explore nearby wineries and vineyards, savoring the flavors of the Hill Country. Outdoor Delights: Hike the property, stargaze, or simply unwind in nature. Culinary Exploration: Discover local cuisine in downtown Johnson City's restaurants and bars. Art and Culture: Explore art galleries and embrace the historic charm of the downtown area. Booking Information: Availability: Check our calendar for open dates. Short Drive: 1 hour from Austin and San Antonio for a quick escape. Your Hill Country Retreat Awaits - Book Now! Wineries: 10 minutes Historic Downtown Johnson City Square: 8 minutes Downtown Fredericksburg: 30 minutes Pedernales Falls State Park: 15 minutes Pedernales River Nature Park: 8 minutes

4. Inks Lake State Park

94%

(70)

191 sites · Kingsland, Texas

Enjoy easy lakeside camping and plenty of water play at this Texas Hill Country gem.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Austin

94%

(70)

Inks Lake Campground

47mi from Austin · 191 sites · Tents, RVs · in Inks Lake State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

P

Pam

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

We had an amazing time at this tiny home. Jessica answered our messages fast and was always nice and helpful.

N

Nida

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

I love the place! It was well equipped with everything that you would need! Host is real gen too! She is very responsive and attentive! The place was so calm! We had good time!

E

Erica

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

Jessica is an amazing host and provides everything you need. Very responsive when I had questions. Had a wonderful quiet weekend and hope to visit again!

J

Jason

July 2025

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

Nice cozy place, very quiet and peaceful. They had everything you need. Just bring your clothes and food. Weather wasn’t very cooperative but we had a nice relaxing time regardless.

C

Casey

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

Beautiful scenery and a very well litter out cabin. This beautiful little cabin has more creature comforts than most Airbnb’s. We will very likely be back again for another stay! Thank you for hosting us!

N

Natasha

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Outpost

This is the perfect retreat to relax, unwind, and disconnect. If you are intentionally stepping out of the hum-drum everyday hamster wheel; come here.

Carrie

March 2025

13 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Hill Country Camping

Quiet and peaceful location. Blake is a super responsive host! Beautiful sunset and super cute firepit built with the natural stone structures. We didn't have a fire due to fire ban but can see how it would be a perfect end to your day. Would recommend!

Stephen

February 2025

22 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Hill Country Camping

You can tell spring time is absolutely going to explode with color and flowers thanks to the bees that call this little slice of hill country heaven home! The creek and surrounding rock is pretty and the terrain is easy to traverse. We saw evidence of a quite a few animals -tracks, cactus nibbled, etc. and laid eyes on deer, an armadillo, plenty of birds, bees, and all kinds of butterflies. Blake was VERY kind and attentave throughout the whole booking experience and our stay! ( He gave us a lot of suggestions on things to do and places to eat in the area, as well as stellar directions) I saw in other reviews, people mentioned road noise - it was quiet throughout the night, with just a little bit of noise early in the morning and evenings. If you are busy exploring and enjoying what's around you, the noise pretty much dissappears. I wouldn't say it subtracted from our experience at all. We brought our 22ft Class C camper, we couldn't make it to the back of the property due to our width, but Blake was able to accommodate us and we had a nice spot at the front of the property. He mentioned he will be making improvements to the land so rigs can get further in! If you have a car with a bit of clearance, the trail in isn't too bad, a few slabs of rock with a step down but nothing too technical! We were the only ones there, but if each site is taken, there is plenty of distance between each for it to still feel very private. Super happy and you can't ask for a better host!

G

Gal

February 2025

3 nights at The Outpost

The cabin was great, it's equipped with everything needed. It's quite and peaceful, the bbq, hot tube, gas fire place were great and everything is brand new! We will defently come back again