Hill Country camping puts campers in the thick of Texas’ most beautiful scenery.
Take most of your expectations about camping in Texas and throw them out the window as you head toward Hill Country. The landscapes, small towns, and culture give this scenic region of central Texas a flavor all its own. Some of the best camping in the state can be found amid the scenery on public lands, in RV parks, and at glamping rentals. Located northwest of Austin and San Antonio, Texas Hill Country incorporates a unique landscape of rollicking hills, colorful fields of bluebonnets, and rippling rivers. Discover the German heritage of the regional setters—which is overlaid with a Texas twang.
If your camping trip through Texas Hill Country has time for an urban stop, put Austin on your list. The state capital marches to the beat of its own drum with the proud motto “Keep Austin Weird.” This marks the eastern edge of Hill Country. Close to town, McKinney Falls State Park is a must see, notable as a popular swimming hole. Pedernales Falls State Park offers views of the Pedernales River and a tumbling waterfall and over 20 miles of trails for mountain biking. Inks Lake State Park offers recreation on land and water. Colorado Bend State Park provides miles of trails and views of a 70-foot waterfall.
Central Hill Country centers around San Antonio and areas north. San Antonio is worth a visit, with the Alamo National Historic Landmark and the River Walk being popular stops. Head out to the smaller towns of Fredericksburg and Boerne to find wineries, live music, and unique personalities. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the most popular stops in Hill Country, renowned for the massive granite dome focal point. Climb to the top to take in the views. It offers tent camping and books well in advance. For easy access for tubing the Guadalupe River, check out Guadalupe River State Park, which has four miles of riverfront. Camping sites are available for both tents and RVs with hookups.
Western Hill Country gets farther from the urban centers. Bandera and Kerrville are small towns in the region. Located on the Frio River, Garner State Park is one of Hill Country’s most popular camping spots, with hiking trails and swimming holes.