Outdoors
Trails and recreation areas near Austin open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
35 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Willis Creek is the ideal place for campers looking for a variety of accommodations. A group campground and five equestrian sites are available, in addition to a row of standard camping sites.
38 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Open to the public March 1981, know as one of the top five crappie/white bass fishing spots in Central Texas.
40 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
In the early part of the 19th century, the lower Guadalupe River Basin, below the current location of Canyon Lake, had been especially subject to serious flooding. Congress authorized in the 1940's the construction of Canyon Lake Dam.
Map of 7 places loads as you scroll.
Willis Creek is the ideal place for campers looking for a variety of accommodations. A group campground and five equestrian sites are available, in addition to a row of standard camping sites.
Open to the public March 1981, know as one of the top five crappie/white bass fishing spots in Central Texas.
In the early part of the 19th century, the lower Guadalupe River Basin, below the current location of Canyon Lake, had been especially subject to serious flooding. Congress authorized in the 1940's the construction of Canyon Lake Dam.
Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas.
Nearby points of interest include Bluebonnet Trails, Independence Day Trek and Salt Grass Trek.
There are 10 Corps of Engineers parks, one state park, and three additional parks managed by Hill County or private individuals. Equestrian riders have a great place to explore rolling hills and woods in the McCown Valley Equestrian Area.
These normally dry reservoirs are on the west side of Houston on both sides of I-10 at TX6. They contain the largest municipal park in the Nation and provide a unique recreational experience for the metropolitan area.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Austin. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
Austin Texas 4K Driving Tour - Live Music Capital of the World City Drive. A film shared by The Travel Docket.
Watch on YouTube ↗Willis Creek (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 35 miles northeast of Austin as the crow flies. Next are Granger Lake (38 mi) and Canyon Lake (40 mi).
Based on Austin’s average highs, October–April. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.