The best camping near Lockhart State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lockhart State Park adventure.

50% (2 reviews)

Small hidden gem campground close to Austin near famous Texas barbecue joints.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lockhart State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lockhart State Park

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Fairway View Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Lockhart State Park

from

$18

/ night

Clear Fork Creek Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Lockhart State Park

from

$21

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Lockhart State Park

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(539)

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX

4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only. **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are permitted) *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.

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(427)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX

River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.

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Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX

These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

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(189)

Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Smithville, TX

This 12.4 acres of wildlife on the Colorado River is full of so much natural beauty! We're Located In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed! Roundtop And Lagrange Tx home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt And Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked And Stressed From Fireworks Popping And/Or Gunfire ( AS I DO ) It May Be Best 2 Leave Them Home,, To Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties That May Occur IF there happens to be gun shots. PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN BE PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. 🚨🚨 We Can Not Control Mother Nature Guys! 🚨🚨 If There Has Been Excessive And Continuous Rainfall Travis Co. WILL Open The Gates On Us Little Guys Down River! (which makes for the BEST fishing BTW #MonsterCats) But This Will Inevitably Flush The River Stirring Up The Sandy Bottom Which Usually Takes 2-3 Days To Clear Out. When that happens the Beautiful SandBar Is NonExistant As The Rising waters Cover it. This doesn't happen with A Down Pour Here And There As Stated It Would Have To Be Heavy And Consistant Fall For Days For This To Happen And Does Rarely Occur But We Have Recently Had A Rare Season With Hurricane Baryl barreling through Our Parts Of Texas That campers weren't so happy about so I just want to note it here as something to keep in mind!!! Hipcamp now offers a weather insurance that you may want to add to your booking just Incase Mother Nature decides to smack us around a bit. PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS!! Please be respectful and courteous to All Guests and their campsite's and individual spaces!! 🙏 📢 PSA 📢 Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st and do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 We No Longer Have Cows Grazing!! 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV And RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views From Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan And Want To Be @ A Bank Site.... You'll Need To Get Permissions From The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏 This Can Be Accommodated But Will Have To Be Ironed Out Ahead Of Time!

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Camping near Hamilton Pool

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dripping Springs, TX

This is a relaxing spot in the Hill Country to camp and enjoy the surrounding area with nearby swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycle riding, and hiking on and around the Pedernales River, as well as the many restaurants, wineries, and breweries in the area. We have a variety of campsites styles ranging from cozy secluded oak groves to more open spaces for camping under the stars. Rates: $25 PER PERSON, PER NIGHT (minimum of 2 campers). Children age 3 and under are free. If bringing children, please tell us how many and their ages. Nearby Parks for hiking and swimming: HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE (1.9 mi) is open by reservation for hiking and swimming. Visits are for 3 1/2 hour blocks of time. No dogs allowed at Hamilton Pool MILTON REIMERS RANCH COUNTY PARK (2.5 mi) is nearby and is open for hiking, swimming, fishing, rock climbing, and cycling. Dogs on a leash allowed at Reimers. CASH ONLY! $5/per person, no reservation required. We love it there! WEST CAVE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER (2.6 mi) is open by reservation only for guided tours of the waterfall/cave-no swimming allowed. No dogs allowed at West Cave PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK (34 mi) is open by reservation only for day use hiking and swimming. Dogs on a leash allowed ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA (71 mi) is open by reservation only for day use hiking on weekends and holidays. If we are not under a burn ban, BRING FIREWOOD and/or charcoal because we have fire rings and BBQ cookers at most of the sites. If we are under a burn ban, campfires (even in fire rings) are not allowed, but bring some charcoal because you may still use BBQ Cookers, which we have at each of our sites. You may also use a campstove if you wish to bring one. We have a hot/cold outdoor shower our guests are free to use.

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Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Cedar Creek, TX

GET AWAY without going FAR AWAY! Feels like the middle of nowhere, but it's only 25 miles to downtown Austin and 15 miles to the charming little town of Bastrop with its eateries, shops and historic buildings. Spend quiet nights in the country listening to the coyotes howl and the owls hoot. Hike the nearby Roughs (trailhead is 2 miles away) or book a river canoe or kayak trip with one of the local outfitters. Bring the family and have a weekend event under the trees and covered shade of our Pony Pavilion! Hollis and her wonderful voice, great stories and powerful ukuleles now offer LIVE MUSIC by your very own campfire, for your private enjoyment. (See the EXTRAS category to book a $20/45 minute/weather-permitting show, or a 1-hour Ukulele lesson, or just get with Hollis when you show up at camp) Enjoy the park trails, the Happy Horse on-site Scavenger Hunt, the delightful maze of campground trails (on your bikes!) and the peace and quiet! Happy Horse Hotel is on 22 acres conveniently located between Austin and Bastrop in the Pope Bend of the Colorado River. LCRA's fabulous McKinney Roughs Nature Park is 2 miles up the road, adjacent to the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. The camp area is 9 secluded, fenced and wooded acres laced with all-dirt flat biking and walking trails on our property. We encourage you to bring your bicycles along. The bird watching is great!

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Texas Music River Ranch Events CTR

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Webberville, TX

The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly (leashes mandatory) and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset. We ask that all Hipcampers wait at gate for staff to guide you to your location for safety reasons. Contact us if you arrive ahead of schedule. 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. All dogs must be on leash. Please clean up your dogs Poop. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (512) 884-4345 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.

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Secluded Treehouse/AC, Real Privacy

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Lockhart, TX

What makes Robin's Nest Sooo Unique among other treehouses? First, Its a REAL treehouse (not a stilt house near the trees.)A large, private, beautiful, Master Bath suite in the trees with you. (not an outhouse or shared shower connected to someone's house)Natural Swimming Pond w/ canoe, kayaks, fishing poles and more.A large, very private 2 person hot tub next to the fire pit and upper pond. (not chlorinated shared water) ( we don't charge you for the firewood)Quiet clean AC unit, but also tons of windows and breeze in the shade. (you wont find mold in our well maintained ac unit)Several balconies, all private and with views. (sunrise from one deck, sunset from two others)All kinds of lighting and skylights everywhere. A cushioned, heated floor and electric fireplace in the winter.A rope hung, swinging queen day bed.Snacks, camp foods oils and spices, lots of pillows and extra linens. Complete privacy. (if you don't like privacy don't come here)You get the entire Holler, from treehouse to swimming hole all to yourselves. (Well, just you and the wild critters) Digital Detox in the comfort and complete privacy of the whole Holler ! Robin's Nest is a real treehouse sitting atop 7 oaks in the Circle R holler. Our place is usually quiet, shaded and very very private. With wooded walking trails, three ponds in the holler, a canoe, 2 kayaks, firepit, hammocks and so much more. Only a quick jump from Hwy 183, you'll be close to all the amenities of Lockhart, the best BBQ in Texas. You'll have everything you need to enjoy your mini adventure. If you want to really know what the Robin's Nest experience is like, read the reviews. We Hope to see you soon at your escape in the woods of our Holler. One day won't be enough! Here's what a recent guest said: "A beautiful and magical escape" Wow! There is not one negative mention I can type out about our adventures at the beautiful and magical Robin’s Nest. Myself and my two young daughters were warmly welcomed by Shellie’s most thoughtful design of her secret hideout amongst the oaks. It was a quick drive from a busy day in Austin where the nature and quiet we’re so needed. Shellie has thought of everything for this amazing getaway. We could have gotten away with not bringing a thing. A quaint treehouse, overlooking a pond, nature all around, two more ponds a short stroll away. Our favorite part, the seclusion. An escape from the busyness and chaos of the world. Being able to cook dinner by the fire, hear the bullfrogs croaking and take a soak in the outdoor tub overlooking the evening. Do yourself a favor and invite the day with a grateful heart while showering in the open air shower. Sun rising, view of robins and chickadees while appreciating the whisper of the oaks all around. At Robins Nest we were explorers. We were artist, we were fisherman. We were silly, we were fun. We lived out every child’s dream, including my own inner child. We were storytellers. We were one with nature. We were dreamers. We disconnected and reconnected to ourselves and each other. I highly recommend this getaway and look forward to a visit once again. For those wanting more of a glamping experience, Shellie thought of that too. There’s outlets everywhere imaginable, hot water, ac, blow dryer, fridge and so on." Malory L.

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Ranch 3232

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Johnson City, TX

Ranch 3232 offers unique Texas Hill Country lodging with cabin rentals, air-conditioned glamping tents, RV sites, camping sites, and even a gypsy wagon—situated 1.5 miles from Pedernales Falls State Park and midway between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. We are Dog Friendly and Family Friendly with Amenities that include fire pits, a community kitchen, picnic tables, bath house, laundry facilities, and a perfect ridge for stunning sunsets. Journey down the Hill Country Wine Trail and experience the activities and attractions nearby: Pedernales Falls State Park Lyndon B. Johnson Nat’l Historical Park Hamilton Pool Preserve Blanco State Park Exotic Resort Zoo Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Johnson City Science Mill Twisted X Brewing Company Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery Texas Hills Vineyard Bell Springs Winery Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch Texas Hill Country Olive Co. 12 Fox Brewing Beerburg Brewing

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Twisted Oaks

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, TX

. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 35 years. I work on my property and from my property. My shop is away from campsites but is ON the property. If seeing a tractor while you are hiking around offends you somehow this may not be a good choice. I have taken a lot of care and pride in my work on twisted oaks. We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon. to reduce impact on our property we limit the vehicles to 1 per site any extra vehicle is $5 smalls $7 trucks. This fee is used to do mulching and road repairs to keep things smooth. If you decide to change dates there will be a $25- $50 fee based on your total booking We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis. Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps. When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike. We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!

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CampEZ in SxSAustinTX

75 sites · Tents2 acres · Austin, TX

Once owned by locally famous (at the time) D.G. Burrow who was a performing Country and Western musician here in Austin TX. Our 'campground/farmette' is about 2 acres (inside the city limits!), on a creek, kind of woodsy, and next to a pretty vast parkland greenbelt. Recent flooding made quite a mess but it's still pleasant here. Several friendly and permanent residents and farm animals. Creek-side private campground hideaway available. This is a CAMPGROUND: NO RV, ROOM, BED, INVOLVED - BRING A TENT AND GEAR FOR COMFORT (check my other listings for an RV stay). This a "want to camp" campground. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. Not suitable for very young children . Please include your child in your count. Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. Community vibe 'round here; everyone is expected to be respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. One week maximum stay. Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming compost priveys included. Wood fired sauna available. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves especially in the kitchen, showers, restroom and, of course, your campsite. Trash and recycle containers are around or, better yet, pack it out! Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. We are a 2 acre community on a secret and secluded little street 5 miles due South of the capitol of TX and even closer (2.5) to the very hip SoCo area (Continental Club, Jo's Coffee, Guero's Taco Bar, El Mercado and lots more). I have 3 cats, 11 chickens, 2 little donkeys and 6 sweet mini goats here at my little and funky 'farmette' right on Williamson Creek (sometimes flowing and not really swimmable) and next to a huge wooded greenbelt with a quiet and unused nature trail. This is not a KOA or a state park. This is a home campground. It's kind of rustic and we like it that way. You may see a roach, ant or cricket and you may also see a deer, fox or coyote. We are busy and not always able to visit for long. Lots of remodeling and flood related cleanup chaos here but also lots of pretty and secluded nature. Short walk to bus stop and historic Sagebrush HonkyTonk and Austin Bergstrom Airport is 9 easy highway miles away. Rustic outdoor shower/kitchen/privy. BYOTent. No wild or excessive partying here please and please remember: no smoking :) WE NOW HAVE A COVERED PING-PONG PLAYING AREA AND BADMINTON TOO! Other details to note: Street parking. Camping is a very short walk from parking lot. We have carts to tote your gear if needed. Sorry, this campground is not set up to be able to park next to your site. We do not supply towels, toiletries, tents or bedding. Camp fire in designated fire pits only with approval. BYO Firewood. NO GENERATORS OR RECORDED MUSIC. Quiet time: 9PM-9AM. Please be mindful of your neighbors. -Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)

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JC Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Dripping Springs, TX

11 acres bordering the Sycamore Creek. Cozy, secluded camping spots with lots of hiking and elevation. Choose a spot at top of property for Hill Country views for miles or closer to the water for more privacy. We also have a 2022 class b outfitted with all the creature comforts if you don’t want to tent it. We have marked 6 sites with a light and fire pit. But feel free to camp anywhere you like within the property line outlined. Please note defined sites are first come first serve. If you choose to find your own site please be considerate of others space, create your own fire pit with rocks and gather only downed wood. Note if there is a fire ban at your time of stay only use camp stoves. All camp sites are primitive and the farther from the parking area you will need to plan on hiking in. Trails are loosely defined by deer trails and there’s elevation to consider. The father from the parking area and closer you are to the creek the more private the site. Please email or text with any questions. Welcome and enjoy your stay! claire@jcfd.studio 512.472.8570

The best camping near Lockhart State Park guide

Overview

About

Located in the heart of Texas’s barbecue capital, Lockhart State Park is an intimate, 20-site camping venue filled with lush trees and trails along the Clear Fork Creek. It offers amenities like a swimming pool, a golf course, a small waterfall, fishing, and hiking. It’s just a 10-minute drive from legendary restaurants like Black’s Barbecue, Smitty’s Market, and Kreuz Market—all must-eat stops for barbecue fans. The state park offers short, flat trails ideal for novice hikers on the Comanche Loop, and fishing is as easy as casting your line—no license required—and enjoying the peaceful environment.

Notable campgrounds

Best for anglers: Clear Fork Creek Camping Loop is just steps from the creek.
Best for RVs: Fairway View Camping Loop includes full hookups for RVs up to 40 feet.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Visit the Texas State Parks reservation website to book your park campsite.
Reservations can be made up to five months in advance.
Weekends, particularly during the summer months and holidays, fill quickly.
Same-day reservations may be available on a first-come, first-served basis via the on-site self-pay kiosk.

When to go

Central Texas can reach unbearably hot temperatures in the summer months, starting in June through September. Hipcampers can enjoy Lockhart State Park’s on-site pool during these months, but should know that they will share the space with day visitors. Spring and fall can be beautiful and more temperate times to visit. The small campground size keeps crowds controlled, but note that peak weekends and holidays can feel crowded—particularly at the RV sites.

Know before you go

The pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and individual day use tickets must be purchased separately.
Clear Fork Creek is known as a place to catch sunfish, catfish and bass, and guests don’t need a fishing license to fish at Lockhart State Park.
There’s a nine-hole golf course on site; guests may reserve a tee time in advance.
Pets are allowed at this campground