Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Austin where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Russell Park is located on the west side of Georgetown Lake, in the Texas Hill Country approximately 25 miles north of Austin. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the San Gabriel River Trail.
34 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Taylor Campground, on the banks of Granger Lake, is an excellent lakeside destination for families of all ages. The park pleases nature lovers with its hiking trail and water skiers with its easily accessible boat dock.
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.
Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.
Russell Park is located on the west side of Georgetown Lake, in the Texas Hill Country approximately 25 miles north of Austin. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the San Gabriel River Trail.
Taylor Campground, on the banks of Granger Lake, is an excellent lakeside destination for families of all ages. The park pleases nature lovers with its hiking trail and water skiers with its easily accessible boat dock.
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.
Wilson H. Fox Park attracts a variety of campers looking for a fun-filled escape. In springtime, the campground is a colorful place covered in a blanket of wildflowers.
Potters Creek Park is situated on the northern shore of Canyon Lake in the rolling hill country of South Central Texas. Cool breezes off the lake create a pleasant environment for relaxing in this scenic area.
Dana Peak Campground is located on a peninsula on the shoreline of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas.
Stillhouse Park is a day use area that has two reservable group pavilions along the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas.
Westcliff Park is a day-use area and campground located on the southwestern shore of Belton Lake.
Temples Lake Park is a day-use facility with over 60 picnic sites and one reservable group area on the southern shore of Belton Lake.
Cedar Ridge Park campground is located on the Northern side of Belton Lake. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has several sites with screened shelters for those who do not have camping equipment.
Winkler Park is a small, primitive campground on the northern shore of Belton Lake in Central Texas.
Navarro Mills Lake holds the state record white crappie at 4lbs 9 ounces.
Choke Canyon Dam and and reservoir are features of the Nueces River Project . The reservoir provides a water supply for Corpus Christi, Texas.
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 ↗Russell Park (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 26 miles north of Austin as the crow flies. Next are Taylor (34 mi) and Willis Creek (35 mi).
Based on Austin’s average highs, April–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.