With its balmy temperatures, beautiful local vegetation, and wide expanses of parkland, Central Texasstands apart as an ideal location for outdoor explorers. Specifically, the Texas Hill Country region to the southwest of Austin boasts an impressive array of campsites, nature reserves, watering holes for swimming, and hills for climbing.  Looking for a spot to kick off an epic summertime camping trip in Central Texas? Consider these three rugged, rustic, and fun towns that cater to the outdoor lifestyle. 

Johnson City

Pedernales Falls State Park

Best known as the childhood hometown (and later, the “Winter White House” location) of President Lyndon B. Johnson, Johnson City offers the full Hill Country experience, including close proximity to an expansive park with campgrounds, a river perfect for tubing and canoeing, multiple hiking and biking paths, and even trails specially designed for horseback riding. Just a 50-minute drive from Downtown Austin, Johnson City makes for a charming day trip or an outdoorsy weekend getaway.

Less than 10 miles outside Johnson City, you’ll find Pedernales Falls State Park, which features over 5,000 acres of woodland, hills, water, and trails, plus the scenic vista of the park’s eponymous waterfall. The Pedernales River runs through the park, and rafting, canoeing, and kayaking is heartily encouraged. Those who like to spend the day in hiking boots will enjoy Pedernales Falls’ routes, which range from easy to challenging, such as the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail that winds through hilly terrain around the Wolf and Tobacco Mountains. Cyclists can enjoy the Juniper Bridge Trail, a single-track mountain bike trail spanning 10 miles. You can also horseback ride along the Pedernales Falls’ equestrian paths, which comprise 10 miles of rugged trail.

Looking for a campsite? Pedernales Falls has plenty of those. For a slightly more luxe experience, snap up one of the equipped sites (from $20/night), which come with water and electricity. If you don’t mind roughing it, the primitive sites ($10/night) offer only the night sky and some fire pits (and, luckily, portable toilets). Those who want to bond with their equestrian pals can rent an equestrian group campsite, complete with six horse pens, water for your steeds, and a group fire pit.

If you like a little history with your park adventures, stay in Johnson City proper and visit the LBJ National Historical Park, a site dedicated to the memory and history of President Johnson’s time in office. Attractions include a guided tour of Johnson’s childhood home, walking paths through the LBJ Ranch, and rotating exhibits in the visitor center.

Spicewood

Krause Springs

An idyllic Hill Country town with a perfect combination of rural charm and urban proximity, and just a 45-minute drive from Austin, Spicewood is rightfully popular among Central Texans who love the great outdoors. Hey, even Willie Nelson chooses to make this place his home. 

If you’re in the market for a quality campsite, head to Pace Bend Park, a public greenspace located on the shores of Lake Travis. In addition to swimming coves, nature trails, and barbecue areas, Pace Bend includes over 400 campsites, ranging from the “primitive” (no electricity or showers) to the “improved” (water and electrical hook-ups). If you’re rolling up in an RV, Pace Bend has a designated parking area for overnight stays.

Krause Springs is another great campsite for swim enthusiasts that contains 33 springs, feeding both a natural pool and a man-made pool. The grounds also have multiple waterfalls, tent campsites, and 24 RV sites with 20 and 30-amp hook-ups.

For an outdoor activity that reveals the full extent of the Hill Country’s natural beauty, try zip-lining through Spicewood’s cypress canopy. Cypress Valley Canopy Tours leads guided zip excursions both during the day and at night, with the latter tours illuminated by tree lanterns and string lights. As you streak through the sky in the canopy, you’ll get a complete view of the cypress trees, the Central Texas hills, and the bodies of water throughout the Hill Country. 

Wimberley

The natural beauty of Wimberley

Wedged betweenAustin and San Antonio, Wimberley brings quaint small-town charm to the Hill Country ’burbs. In the downtown center, you’ll find artisanal gift shops and independently-owned restaurants and cafes. If you wander a couple of miles outside the business district, you’ll find two of the most popular swimming holes in Central Texas: Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole Swimming Area.

Jacob’s Well measures just over 80 acres, and it’s filled with water from an adjacent artesian spring. Thanks to its ecological conditions, the water in Jacob’s Well remains a constant 68 degrees throughout the summer season. The swimming hole remains open through September 30, but if you want to swim in the well, you’ll need to make an online reservation.

Blue Hole, with its shady overhanging trees and relaxing environs, makes for a slightly more low-profile afternoon of swimming. Rafts and inner tubes are more than welcome, and the overall vibe is one of rest and relaxation. Like Jacob’s Well, Blue Hole requires swimming reservations, and you can make them here.