The Austin area isn’t exactly lacking in stunning natural beauty, awesome campgrounds, and great places to set up a tent, do some cooking over an open fire, or go exploring!

Maybe your preference is to find a little spot out in the middle of nowhere, all to yourself. Or maybe you’d rather go someplace where the electrical outlets, flush toilets, and access to all the wonderful conveniences of home are plentiful.

Either way, you’ve got options. Here are a few of our favorites.

McKinney Falls

McKinney Falls State Park

It really is astounding that a place like McKinney Falls State Park even exists. You’ll find more than 700 acres, beautiful waterfalls, several natural pools for swimming, miles of hiking trails, and more—all within the city limits! Campsites are spacious, shaded, and offer hookups for both water and electric.

Fees are also extremely reasonable, at $6 per day entry and around $20 per night if you’re camping. Since it’s only 15 minutes from downtown, McKinney Falls also makes a great spot for easy day trips. That said, do try to go earlier in the day to avoid lines and even ensure entry—it’s not unusual for the park entrance to close if capacity limits are reached. Weekend campsite reservations do fill up fast, too.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Of course, McKinney isn’t even your only option purely within the city limits.

Sure, camping purists will probably prefer something a little more rugged and isolated, but Emma Long Park is a great choice for families and groups—especially if you’re bringing young children or pets along.

Rugged sites without utilities are available, as well as premium sites with water and electric—including some right on the waterfront. You’ll enjoy the sandy beach and shallow swimming waters, watching boats from the piers, accessible hiking trails, volleyball and basketball courts, and more.

Lake Kayak

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake is a little bit further afield, about 70 miles or so from downtown Austin. But trust us: it’s well worth the trip.

The namesake 831-acre lake is the main attraction, and for good reason. As a level-controlled reservoir of the Colorado River, the surface elevation remains essentially constant year-round—unaffected by heavy rains or drought. It’s also well-stocked with several species ideal for recreational fishing, and you can easily rent kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and even SCUBA gear. (We’re not kidding.)

Campsites range from the super-rustic to spaces with all the bells and whistles, so you can choose the level of “sophistication” that suits you best. A word of warning, though: despite its remote location, Inks Lake also fills up pretty fast, too. Book your reservations as early as possible, especially if you’re eyeing a weekend stay.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

There’s something, well, enchanting about this place in the Texas Hill country. In fact, it was picked as the “best campsite” in all of Texas in a 2017 MSN.com survey.

Enchanted Rock is an awesome choice for amateur hikers looking for a good workout—the climb to the top of the namesake mountain is strenuous but achievable, and there are plenty of other flatter trails to explore, too. (Just don’t forget to pack lots of water!)

And if you love the night sky (and who doesn’t), you’ll be pleased to know that Enchanted Rock is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way, according to the International Dark Sky Association.

All camping here is strictly tent only. The “walk-in” sites close to the front have potable water and restrooms with showers accessible nearby. The two primitive backpack sites surrounding Moss Lake and Walnut Springs require a few miles of rugged hiking to access, and do not permit ash-producing ground fires (only containerized fuel stoves). However, they do have composting toilets—and by far the best view of the night sky.

Pedernales Falls State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park

At more than 5,200 acres, there’s always something new to explore at Pedernales Falls State Park—no matter how often you visit, or how long you stay.

Take a dip in the river, go fishing, tackle the more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy your surroundings. The park’s expansive terrain covers woods, grassland, rocky hills, and more—with gorgeous waterfalls, caves, and all kinds of animal life (including wild deer and turkeys) to explore. There are even equestrian trails—though you do have to provide your own horse.

Most sites feature water and electric hookups, though more primitive spots are also available. One quick word of caution—exercise care when swimming in the river, especially with children. Flash flooding can turn serene waters into dangerous torrents in a matter of a few minutes.

Fox Bottom Primitive Camping Area

If you love fishing and prefer “roughing it” when you camp, this gorgeous little area along the south end of Granger Lake in Taylor is absolutely for you.

And when we say “roughing it,” we mean it. The 8-site campground in a shaded, grassy grove is only accessible via a 3-mile hike or by boat, so you’d better be ready to carry all your own gear! You get a composting toilet (well kept), central fire pit, and a couple of picnic tables, and that’s about it. You’ll have to bring your own water, too, since nothing potable is available on site.

Those who do make the effort, however, will be treated to stunning views, spectacular fishing, good hiking trails, and restful isolation.

Stay Safe and Have a Good Time!

It goes without saying that you’ll get the most enjoyment out of your camping experience if your feet and ankles are in good, working order. You can forget about that trek to the top of Enchanted Rock or ambitious backpacking route if your feet want to quit less than halfway through.

Remember that the team here at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help you both before and after your trip:

  • Treating any existing pain or injuries quickly, so that your feet are feeling great by the time you set out for camp. (This includes awesome regenerative medicine and accelerated healing techniques like MLS laser.)
  • Helping you prevent injuries and manage your risk—sometimes simply by recommending a good pair of shoes. Or, we might fit you for orthotics, sports braces, or other tools that protect your feet and ankles during activity.
  • Providing any emergency care that may be needed after an unexpected injury promptly, professionally, and with a high level of quality.

We are always happy to see you, and love getting you back on your feet again—so you can explore the world and live your best life, wherever your feet take you.

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatristAustin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

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