It's Springtime and that means camping. We're fortunate in Central Texas to have several great campgrounds all within an hour of Austin. I've listed a few of our favorites below.
Bastrop State Park
You've heard me say it before ... Texas has some wonderful State Parks. Bastrop State Park, located about 30 miles east of Austin along Highway 71, is one of those parks that can be enjoyed year round. When I was young, we had several Family Reunions there. They have great group facilities, including group barracks and a large dining hall with kitchen. Other facilities include camp sites with water/electric and rustic cabins. We love to reserve a cabin in the Fall after the weather turns cool because each cabin comes with a beautiful stone fireplace. They vary in size and can sleep 2-8 people depending on which one you reserve. But they only have a handful of cabins, so plan ahead and make your reservations early if you want to stay in one.
Cabin at Bastrop State Park
As for activities, hiking is my kids' favorite thing to do when we're camping at Bastrop. When you arrive, be sure to ask the Park Ranger for a trail map. The trails are clearly marked and my kids enjoy the competition of finding the next trail marker. The park also has a swimming pool that is open seasonally. And, my husband's favorite, is the golf course. Yes, there is indeed an 18-hole course located in Bastrop State Park. The Lost Pines Golf Club.
Lady Bird Johnson Park, Fredericksburg, TX
If you haven't been to Fredericksburg, then get there soon! It is my favorite place to go for a weekend getaway. Fredericksburg is about 75 miles west of Austin on Highway 290. Look for my blog dedicated to Fredericksburg soon!
Pavillion at Lady Bird Johnson Park
Lady Bird Johnson Park is another fun place for a Family Reunion or weekend campout. They have several pavillions that can be rented for group gatherings. The park also has a swimming pool, playground and golf course. The RV sites have water/electric/cable TV hookups. But the number one reason my kids love to camp at this particular park is the Gillespie County Airport located next door. It's fun to watch all the private planes take off and land.
Granger Lake
Fishing for your supper
Granger Lake is located northeast of Austin, between the towns of Taylor and Granger. Fishing seems to be the number one activity when camping at Granger Lake. But they also have a swimming beach and a nice hiking trail. If you go hiking, be sure to see the 'haunted bridge'. Local legend says a prisoner was hanged near the old Hoxie Bridge and his ghost haunts the area today.
http://www.williamson-county-historical-commission.org/the_Hoxie_Bridge_in_Taylor_park_granger_texas.htm
The famous haunted bridge at Granger Lake
When it comes to campsites, Granger Lake gets extra brownie points for having covered picnic areas at each individual campsite.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Canyon Lake, TX
This family-friendly campground is located 45 miles south of Austin, near two popular water holes -- Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River. Facilities include both RV sites and cottages. If you're
not spending the day tubing on the Guadalupe or fishing at the lake, there are plenty of other activities for kids at the campground. When we stayed there, daily hayrides were on the agenda. And my kids loved renting a pedal bike and riding it around camp. Other activities onsite include an indoor heated pool, game room, lazer tag, and more.
Other Campgrounds to Try
I currently have three other campgrounds on my radar that I want to visit sometime soon.
1) Canyon of the Eagles, northwest of Austin.
http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/canyon.html
2) Koyote Ranch, near Bandera.
http://www.koyoteranch.com/
3) The other Jellystone campground located in Waller, northwest of Houston. They have a giant waterslide which the kids are anxious to try!
http://www.jellystonetexas.com/Default.aspx
If you have a favorite campground that was not mentioned above, please let us know. We're always looking for new adventures!
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