RV Camping in Central Texas: Complete Guide for 2025
Plan your next adventure with RV camping in Central Texas. Additionally, discover the perfect blend of Hill Country beauty and comfortable amenities at Inez Spring, your ideal base for exploring the best Central Texas RV parks and natural attractions.
Why Choose Central Texas for Your RV Adventure?
Central Texas offers an unparalleled RV camping experience. Specifically, the region features diverse landscapes, rich history, and year-round recreational opportunities. Fortunately, Inez Spring offers convenient access to these attractions. Moreover, our park provides a peaceful, shaded retreat after your day trips. We feature RV sites with full hookups (available on most sites). We also offer tent camping areas and a spacious barndominium for larger groups.
Top RV Parks and Campgrounds in Central Texas
Central Texas offers diverse camping options. For instance, you’ll find state parks with trails and rivers, private RV resorts with full hookups, and off-grid boondocking spots. Next, we break down the top spots by category below.
State Parks and Natural Areas
Central Texas features popular state parks with RV-friendly campgrounds amid stunning scenery. Typically, these campgrounds provide electric/water hookups, bathhouses, and trail access.
Must-visit state parks for RVers include:
Central Texas is renowned for its exceptional state parks. Many of these offer RV-friendly camping amid stunning natural beauty. These parks provide perfect bases for hiking, swimming, fishing, and exploring unique landscapes.
Inks Lake State Park (Burnet, TX)
This Hill Country gem offers nearly 200 campsites, many lakeside. The lake maintains a constant level, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing year-round. Visitors also enjoy nine miles of trails and the famous Devil’s Waterhole swimming area.
Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City, TX)
Known for beautiful cascading falls, this park has over 60 sites with 30-amp electric and water. RV sites sit in oak-shaded loops near the river. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing under impressively dark skies.
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose, TX)
This unique park features fossilized dinosaur tracks in the riverbed! The campground has 44 RV sites with water/electric hookups. Families especially love hiking 20 miles of trails, river swimming, and visiting the museum.
Colorado Bend State Park (near Lampasas, TX)
A more rugged option offering primitive drive-up sites (no hookups). This park features Gorman Falls, a stunning 70-foot spring-fed waterfall, and explorable caves. It’s particularly ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
Garner State Park (Concan, TX)
Although slightly further south, Garner is famed for summer floats on the Frio River. RV sites with full hookups book quickly for summer. Alternatively, off-season visits offer peaceful hiking and potential fall colors.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Strawn, TX)
New for 2025! This park will partially open in 2025, featuring rugged canyon lands and a 90-acre lake. Conveniently, it’s located about 75 miles west of Fort Worth, making it accessible from Eastland County.
Reservation Tip: Therefore, since Texas state parks often fill quickly, book your campsites well in advance through Texas Parks & Wildlife. Additionally, consider a Texas State Parks Pass for multiple park visits.
Private RV Parks and Campgrounds
Beyond state parks, Central Texas boasts countless private RV parks and resorts.
Hill Country RV Resorts
Tourist-favorite areas like New Braunfels and Fredericksburg feature resorts like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. These primarily offer resort-style camping experiences perfect for families.
Lakeside Campgrounds
Central Texas’s many lakes attract RVers. For example, parks on Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, or Lake Travis offer water sports and camping combinations.
Scenic & Quiet Retreats
For quieter country vibes, try Dos Rios RV Park in Mason or Al’s Hideaway in Pipe Creek. These parks typically offer Hill Country serenity and excellent stargazing.
Urban Adjacent Parks
Want to explore cities but still camp? RV parks on Austin’s outskirts provide city access with peaceful retreats. Similarly, near Waco, campgrounds offer proximity to Magnolia Market and Baylor University.
Inez Spring RV Park (Eastland, TX)
Our park serves as a convenient Central Texas base, especially for I-20 travelers. We offer shaded RV sites with full hookups (on most sites) along the Leon River. You can also enjoy our spring-fed pool (seasonal), nature trails, and fishing/kayaking access (bring your own kayaks). We’re particularly popular with Winter Texans seeking mild weather and friendly community.
Private park rates vary widely. However, many offer weekly or monthly rates. Always remember to read recent reviews and call ahead during peak season.
(For a deeper dive into this topic, don’t miss our upcoming article “Top 10 Family-Friendly RV Parks in Central Texas,” where we profile some of the best private campgrounds for kids, and “Best Free & Cheap RV Camping Spots in Central Texas” for budget-friendly sites.)
Free Boondocking & Overnight Spots
Texas offers some free camping options despite limited public land.
National Forests & Grasslands
Sam Houston National Forest (east Texas) allows dispersed camping in certain areas. Closer to our region, LBJ National Grasslands offers primitive camping around Black Creek Lake.
Lake Georgetown
This Army Corps of Engineers lake sometimes offers primitive camping options free or very low cost. However, always verify current rules before visiting.
Rest Areas and Parking Lots
Texas Safety Rest Areas along major highways often allow overnight stays. Additionally, some Walmart parking lots and other businesses permit overnight RV parking with permission.
Boondocking on Private Land
Networks like Harvest Hosts connect RVers with wineries, farms, and museums offering free overnight stays in exchange for patronage.
Low-Cost Public Campgrounds
Some city and county parks offer inexpensive RV sites. These hidden gems provide frugal alternatives when state parks are full.
Always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles when boondocking. This means packing out all trash and respecting private property.
(For more on budget camping, see our upcoming post “Best Free & Cheap RV Camping Spots in Central Texas” where we list specific sites and tips for frugal RV travelers.)
Best Time for RV Camping in Central Texas
Understanding Central Texas seasons will help you plan the perfect trip:
- Spring (March-May) offers wildflower displays and comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking.
- Summer (June-August) brings warmer weather perfect for water activities. Meanwhile, our seasonal pool provides refreshment.
- Fall (September-November) features milder temperatures and beautiful foliage, excellent for state park exploration.
- Winter (December-February) provides mild conditions that attract Winter Texans escaping colder climates.
Each season offers different experiences. For instance, spring and fall provide ideal weather. Conversely, summer offers social activity and water fun. Finally, winter brings peace and mild days.
RV Camping Tips for Central Texas
Maximize your adventure with these practical tips:
- Book Early: Reserve your site at Inez Spring well in advance, especially for holidays and peak seasons.
- Prepare for Weather: Central Texas has hot summers and mild winters. Therefore, pack sun protection and layers for changing conditions.
- Check River Conditions: Verify current water levels and conditions with local authorities before river activities.
- Explore Local Attractions: Discover local breweries, wineries, and historic sites.
- Follow Directions: Use GPS coordinates or our detailed park map when arriving at Inez Spring.
Always prioritize safety but remember to relax and have fun. Ultimately, the adventurous spirit is what RVing is all about.
(For more safety pointers, see our separate guide “Central Texas RV Camping Safety Tips” which covers weather, wildlife, and road safety in depth.)
Map of RV Camping Locations in Central Texas
A visual overview of Central Texas’s main RV camping areas. This map highlights the Texas Hill Country region – notice the cluster of state parks (e.g., Inks Lake, Enchanted Rock, Pedernales Falls) west of Austin, and popular towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels. Central Texas camping can be roughly oriented around a few key corridors:
- Hill Country & Highland Lakes (West of Austin): The area roughly between Austin and Brady, TX, is loaded with parks and campgrounds (as shown on the map). RVers often do a circuit through this region.
- I-35 Corridor (Austin to Waco): Along or near I-35 you have easy access to parks like McKinney Falls (Austin), Blanco State Park, Stillhouse Hollow Lake (near Belton), Mother Neff State Park (south of Waco), and more.
- I-20 Corridor (West Central TX): This area (marked by Eastland, Abilene on a broader map) might be less dense with parks, but it’s strategic for cross-state travelers. Lake Brownwood State Park and it’s where Inez Spring RV Park (Eastland) provides a convenient waypoint.
- Brazos Valley & East Central: To the east, near College Station and the Brazos Valley, you’ll find parks like Lake Somerville State Park and Buescher/Bastrop State Parks, plus many private campgrounds in the Bryan-College Station area.
Using a custom Google Map with pins (as suggested in the blog post), you could pinpoint dozens of recommended campgrounds across these areas. This visual can help in planning your road trip.
FAQs about RV Camping in Central Texas
Finally, let’s tackle some common questions RV travelers have about camping in Central Texas:
Q: Do I need to reserve campsites in advance?
A: Yes, we highly recommend reserving Texas State Park campsites early. Many private RV parks also get busy during peak season. Book your Inez Spring stay in advance for best availability.
Q: What are the top RV parks for families?
A: Families love parks with activities. Jellystone Park Hill Country offers water slides and themed activities. Inks Lake & Garner State Parks provide excellent nature-focused trips. Inez Spring features a spring-fed pool and nature trails perfect for families.
Q: Are there free camping options?
A: Yes, though limited. Lake Georgetown offers primitive camping spots (with permit). National forest/grassland areas allow dispersed camping. Some rest areas and businesses permit overnight parking.
Q: Are campgrounds open year-round?
A: Most Texas state parks and private RV parks operate year-round. Some may have reduced staffing or off-season rates in winter.
Q: Can I camp along rivers or lakes?
A: Absolutely! Many state parks and private campgrounds offer waterfront locations. These sites are in high demand, so book early.
Ready for Your Central Texas Adventure?
Central Texas awaits with open arms. Whether you prefer sparkling Hill Country rivers, shady oak canopies, or breezy lakeshores, this region offers unforgettable experiences. With this guide, you have the insider knowledge to plan your perfect RV adventure. Book your stay at Inez Spring today and start your Central Texas exploration!