Recreation

Camping

Camping on Lake Travis

Every public and private campground on or near the lake.

9 campgrounds

LCRA, Travis County and private parks.

  • 336+ sites
  • 6 waterfront
  • Level as of Nov 12 681.4 ft

No dispersed or boat-in camping. Boat-in and dispersed shoreline camping on Lake Travis is effectively not a sanctioned thing. LCRA does not advertise or permit it, and the Sometimes Islands sandbar is day-use only when emerged (below ~670 ft). The closest you'll get to a true boat-in feel is Pace Bend's primitive cove sites — drive in, walk to a cove site right above the water.

  • LCRA
  • Travis County Parks
  • Private

Know before you go

Before you book

  • Travis County max stay
    7 consecutive days at one campsite; max 14 days within any 30-day period across all Travis County parks.
  • Quiet hours
    10 PM – 7 AM at Travis County parks. Generators and radios prohibited during quiet hours.
  • Max occupancy
    8 people, 2 vehicles per site at Travis County parks.
  • No glass or public alcohol
    Glass containers are prohibited at all county parks. Public alcohol consumption is also prohibited.
  • Cash or check only
    Travis County parks take cash or check at the booth — no credit or debit cards.
  • LCRA cancellation policy
    Full refund 30+ days out. 50% forfeit between 8 and 29 days. No refund within 7 days. Changes only allowed 8+ days from arrival.
  • Burn bans are common
    Travis County issues burn bans frequently March–October. Text TCBURNBAN to 888777 for status. During a ban, LCRA parks still allow raised charcoal or propane pits.

Source: Travis County Parks, LCRA Parks.

Booking tips

  • Pace Bend primitive strategy
    Primitive cove sites are walk-up only — arrive Thursday morning for holiday weekends. Currently only Kate & Johnson (30 sites) and North Gracy (15) are open; the rest are mid-rehab through 2026.
  • Booking windows
    LCRA: book up to 5 months in advance at lcraparks.com. Travis County: next month opens on the 1st (July reservations open June 1). For Memorial Day improved sites, reserve the day the window opens.
  • Hookups vs primitive
    Only Arkansas Bend (county) and Sun Outdoors / Open Air Resorts (private) offer hookups on or near the lake. LCRA parks (Muleshoe Bend, Grelle, Turkey Bend, Camp Creek) are primitive RV-friendly — bring batteries and water.
  • Bluebonnets at Muleshoe Bend
    Mid-March to mid-April is the peak window — and the park sells out. Book the moment LCRA's 5-month window opens.
  • Pet rules differ
    LCRA parks allow off-leash on trails; Travis County is leashed-only everywhere. Hippie Hollow allows no pets under any circumstances.
  • No dispersed camping
    LCRA does not permit boat-in or dispersed shoreline camping. The Sometimes Islands sandbar is day-use only when it's emerged below 670 ft.

Frequently asked

  • Where can you camp at Lake Travis?
    Three operators of public camping: LCRA (Muleshoe Bend, Grelle, Turkey Bend, Camp Creek), Travis County Parks (Pace Bend, Arkansas Bend), and a handful of private RV parks (Sun Outdoors, Open Air Resorts Spicewood, Hill Country Lakes). Pace Bend is the largest and most iconic; Sun Outdoors is the most resort-like; Muleshoe Bend is best for trails and bluebonnets.
  • Can you camp on the shore of Lake Travis?
    Yes — but only inside designated parks. Dispersed shoreline camping and boat-in island camping (including the Sometimes Islands sandbar) are not sanctioned by LCRA. For waterfront primitive sites, Pace Bend's coves are the closest you'll get to that set-up-right-above-the-water experience.
  • Are there RV parks at Lake Travis?
    Yes. For full-hookup RV camping with resort amenities, Sun Outdoors Lake Travis (Hudson Bend) and Open Air Resorts Spicewood are the two destination resorts. Arkansas Bend (Travis County) has 18 sites with water + electric right on the water. Muleshoe Bend, Grelle, Turkey Bend and Camp Creek allow RVs but have no hookups.
  • Is camping at Lake Travis open year-round?
    Yes — every public and private campground on Lake Travis operates year-round. Camp Creek's preassembled deluxe tents are seasonal. Sandy Creek camping is currently suspended for construction (projected reopen late 2026), and Pace Bend's west-side coves are being rehabilitated in phases.
  • Where can you camp with a boat ramp at Lake Travis?
    Pace Bend (three ramps), Arkansas Bend (two ramps), Muleshoe Bend and Turkey Bend all have on-site boat ramps. For drive-up + launch + camp in one stop, Pace Bend and Arkansas Bend are the top picks.
  • How far in advance should I book?
    LCRA parks open reservations ~5 months out. Travis County opens the next month on the 1st (e.g., July sites become available June 1). For Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day at improved sites, book the day the window opens. Pace Bend's primitive cove sites are walk-up only — arrive Thursday morning for holiday weekends.
  • Does lake level affect Lake Travis camping?
    Not the campsites themselves — none of the parks publish a 'we close at elevation X' rule for tents and RVs. What lake level affects: which boat ramps are usable (shallow ramps close first), and at very low levels (~670 ft and below), the Sometimes Islands emerge and become walkable from Mansfield Dam Park.

About this guide

Every public and private campground on or near the lake — LCRA, Travis County, and the resort options. Reservations, hookups, lake access, and the right strategy for the holiday weekends.

Hookup details, fees and reservation windows change. Always verify with the operator before driving out — especially for Travis County primitive sites, which are walk-up only.