The best camping near Pace Bend Park

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

96% (42 reviews)
96% (42 reviews)

Nine miles of camping, boating, hiking, and horseback riding along the shores of Lake Travis.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pace Bend Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Pace Bend Park

100%
(331)

3 Dry Wells Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Blanco, TX
We welcome you to come enjoy the beautiful outdoors and dark sky on a scenic 110 acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Our family has lived and cared for this unique property since 1976 and we are still here today. We are conveniently located in Blanco, Texas less that 50 miles from either San Antonio or Austin and in the heart of the Texas wine country. Our campsites are next to a spring feed tributary creek which flows year around feeding into the Blanco River just a few miles away or hillside with amazing views of the river valley. You will enjoy the babbling creek, miles of hiking and biking trails, cooling off in the creek, scenic hilltop views, solitude, bold sunrises and sunsets, and a brilliant night sky. We have numerous old growth hardwood trees including Live Oaks, Spanish oaks, Elm, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, and Ashe Juniper (cedar) one of which has the largest circumference in Texas. We have a wide selection of native and migratory wildlife that calls this place home including white tail deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bobcats, jack rabbits, road runners, seasonal songbirds and butterflies. We are just minutes away from Blanco State Park and a short drive to Pedernales Falls or Guadalupe River State Park.
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$31.50
 / night
97%
(47)

P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Georgetown, TX
Welcome to P² Farm (Psquared), a true Texan gem nestled on 30 acres of idyllic countryside just outside of Georgetown, Texas. Our working horse farm offers an authentic rural experience unlike any other, with stunning sunsets that paint the Texas sky each evening. Our farm is home to a delightful variety of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and our friendly farm cats and dogs. Our camping sites offer the chance to really dive into nature with access to beautiful trees and the san gabriel river. Camp right underneath our beautiful "Mother Tree" which captures the attention of all of our campers and trail ride participants. Book a trail ride or animal experience during your stay to get the full working farm experience. Restroom facilities with flushable toilets are conveniently located on the property. Well water is available from the sink located near the bathroom. Portable fire ring is provided. Please remember, for the safety and comfort of our animals and guests, unsupervised interactions with our animals are not permitted. All animal interactions must be scheduled and supervised by our experienced staff. Our farm is situated just a short drive from local attractions. We are 10 miles from the Historic Georgetown Square, 11.2 miles from the serene Blue Hole, and 38 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin. At Psquared Farm, we aim to offer you a tranquil and authentic farm stay amidst our horse-centric environment. Pack your tent and get ready for a unique Texan adventure framed by the beauty of nature and the peaceful rhythm of farm life.
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$25
 / night
99%
(596)

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX
4 dispersed tent campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is pack-in, pack-out from the parking lot (approx. 50yds). No overlanding rigs, pop-ups, RVs or rooftop camping allowed at campsites. Vehicles are not allowed at campsites. When booking, select any of the 4 sites. Sites are first come, first serve. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private communal outdoor shower with hot and cold water and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No composting and/or personal toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. *Electricity is available from dusk to dawn. A 50ft-100ft extension cord is recommended for electrical access to your site from dusk to dawn (extension cords not provided). *Portable small generators/ Power banks are recommended for electricity at site during the day. **No tent A/C’s or heaters** (small fans/electric blankets are recommended) *Canopy/umbrella is recommended for additional shade at site. *Fishing is allowed above and below the dam (valid fishing license required). *Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. *No check-ins after dark. *ALL campers/guests on the property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign a Release of Liability Waiver and pick-up wristband. *All children ages 6+ MUST be included in your reservation under "Children." *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Includes kayak and paddle board use. Please add them to your reservation. -Total headcount of adults and children on property has to match your reservation. **No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk** **Children must be supervised at all times** Lifejackets for all ages are available for use. **NO PETS** **NO GLASS** To book the entire property, please reach out for info/pricing. Feel free to message us if you have questions!
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$50
 / night
100%
(877)

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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$45
 / night
96%
(458)

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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$30
 / night
95%
(86)

Ranch 3232

31 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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$25
 / night
89%
(28)

Hamilton Pool Vineyards & Farms

32 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dripping Springs, TX
Only 2 miles from Hamilton Pool Preserve, Westcave Preserve and Reimers Ranch, we are nestled in one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Texas, not to mention being located in the heart of beautiful hill country. With a 65 acre slice of heaven, we have 2 acres of an Organic Regenerative Farm & a 10 acre Organic Vineyard and many trails that weave around our naturally oak-studded wooded property. The land itself has its own calming, peaceful energy and is far enough from city limits to be considered an Official Dark Night Sky so you can stargaze in lush meadows at our infinite galaxies above. We love preserving and celebrating nature as we incorporate and teach our regenerative and permaculture farming practices throughout our land. We have a full time nature academy and Farm School for kids and several livestock that call this land home. Our school does ask that we request campers do not venture near the farm during school hours Monday-Friday (9a-3p) for our students' safety. Our Tasting Room is open Thursday-Sunday where you can enjoy our delicious Texas wines hand picked by our Master Sommelier. We offer our Hipcampers a 10% discount in the tasting room while camping with us. If you plan to stay the weekend with us and want farm fresh goodies, check out our farm website and place a pickup order by that Wednesday and it will be available that Friday-Sun for pickup. We even have a ley line (earth's natural energetic grid system) that runs through our property which we have honored with our own labyrinth that has been blessed by a Lakota Shaman. Nearby Activities: Reimers Ranch hosts the most popular outdoor climbing spots in Texas along with equine and hiking trails. Hamilton Pool Preserve and Westcave Preserve offer hiking and education but require reservations. Car and biking enthusiasts enjoy the winding roads the weave through the beautiful, peaceful hills. For events or camping retreats, please contact us directly so we can best accommodate your group! jamie@hamiltonpoolvineyards.com
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$25
 / night
97%
(259)

CampEZ in SxSouth AustinTX

60 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 and not a living solution. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. 6 nights maximum stay. 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 quiet and respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. Six night maximum stay. Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming flush restrooms 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 sweet 4 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 hostel/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 and respectful of your neighbors. -Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)
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$25
 / night

The best camping near Pace Bend Park guide

Overview

About

Soaring cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky coves line the shores of Lake Travis in Pace Bend Park, while inland, miles of trails afford options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Launch your boat or kayak from the public boat ramps, enjoy fishing or cliff jumping around the lakeside, then cool off in the swimming areas at Mudd Cove, Kate's Cove, and Gracy Cove. Campers have plenty of choices, with more than 400 primitive campsites dotted around the coast, including some right on the beach. Twenty more “improved campsites” are found at Levi Cove, with electric hook-ups, showers, and restrooms. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVs: Levi Cove improved campsites
  • Best for Lakeside Views: Kate and Johnson Cove Campground
  • Best for boating and fishing: Tatum Cove 

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Primitive campsites are first-come, first-served, and popular spots can fill up quickly during holidays and summer weekends. Secure your spot by checking in on arrival—the entrance station opens at 7am.
  2. You can reserve improved campsites through the Travis County Parks website or directly at the park office. Book at least six weeks in advance for summer weekends.
  3. If arriving after 10pm you can still access the primitive campsites—patrols will be made in the morning, though, so head to the entrance station to pay your fee first thing

When to go

Pace Bend Park is open year-round, but peak season is summer, when popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. A late spring or early fall visit is the ideal compromise, when it’s still warm enough for swimming and water sports. Alternatively, visit in April when fields of bluebonnets bloom along the lakeside.

Know before you go

  • Pace Bend Park is located in the Highland Lakes region, about 30 miles northwest of Austin or about a 50-minute drive away along Highway 71. Access to the campsites is via a six-mile, paved road that loops around the coast. Boat access can be found at Collier Cove on the west side of the lake, and Tatum Cove on the east side. 
  • There are day-use entry fees for the park in addition to camping fees. Bring enough cash, as cards are not accepted at the entrance station. 
  • Primitive campsite facilities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings, while pit toilets dot the park. These sites have no electricity or running water, so bring everything you need with you. Improved campsites have water, electric hook-ups, showers, and restrooms. 
  • Campsites on the east and north sides are accessible for wheelchairs and provide easy access to the lake. 
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