The weather is cooling off, leaves are starting to fall, and you know what? It’s time to go camping. Here’s our best tips for camping in Central Texas:
✏️ Plan Ahead.
Reservations are required to camp at Texas’ state parks and while there are truly so many parks to choose from, spots still fill up quickly. Get your trip booked online or by phone via the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. And don’t take it just from us: “Our most popular parks fill months in advance,” the department’s website says.
⛺ Try LCRA’s Camping Options.
This tip is fresh off our City Cast Austin podcast episode with adventurer extraordinaire Pam LeBlanc. The Lower Colorado River Authority operates roughly 40 parks in Central Texas and some of them have glamping options. 👀 The LCRA also has a nifty option to see what camping is available the weekend you’re looking. That means you could camp at the last minute.
📅 Two Days of Camping Is the Sweet Spot.
Give yourself at least two days to camp. You don’t want to spend just one night out there in the wilderness – you’ll end up feeling rushed. With two full days, really nights, you have enough time to explore, hike, and relax. Any more than that should probably be reserved for the camping fanatics.
🧘 Get in Tune With Yourself Before You Go.
For those who don’t totally love being out in nature, LeBlanc suggests figuring out what’s scaring you about camping before getting out there.
“Think about what it is that's making you nervous and then try to think logically about the reality of it,” she said.
Pro tip: LeBlanc said bringing a bottle of wine also works.
🦺 Safety Is Always First.
Technically, safety is last on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important! Make sure you tell someone about your plans, study up on the terrain you’ll be traversing, and bring proper gear. And please, for me, wear appropriate shoes!
